Our regulars know it well: noble fibres and exceptional fabrics have been at the heart of the HAST wardrobe for over 10 years.
With Libeco linen, we reaffirm this ambition once again and bring you one of Europe's oldest craft traditions; and undoubtedly one of its finest.
Libeco, an institution on the Old Continent
Founded in 1858, the Belgian house Libeco is an international benchmark, working with linen with the very same passion for over 160 years.
Nestled in the heart of the “linen terroir”, the Northern European region stretching from Normandy to the Netherlands through Flanders, it supplies prestigious fabrics celebrated worldwide.
Drawing on centuries of craftsmanship and an ideal geographical location, Libeco has elevated linen weaving to an art form over the decades. The inheritor of unique expertise where tradition meets innovation, this European institution is the pride of an entire continent. Several certifications bear witness to this virtuosity:
Belgian linen™. Worldwide, only 6 weavers are entitled to claim this label, which guarantees quality, traceability and authenticity. Libeco is one of them.
Masters of Linen®. This certification guarantees a transparent manufacturing process and authenticates fabrics crafted entirely in Europe.
Warrant Holder to the Court of Belgium. As its name suggests, Libeco is also an official purveyor to the Belgian Royal Family, an elite royal warrant honouring the finest craftsmanship nationwide.
As you might expect, it is an honour for Hast to collaborate with such a leading authority, and a privilege to offer you fabrics of such distinction.
Linen, a naturally exceptional fibre
A plant-based fibre with myriad qualities, linen has been used for millennia across textiles. In the late 2000s, a team of American and Georgian palaeontologists discovered 36,000-year-old flax textile fibres in a Georgian cave, eloquently illustrating mankind's enduring love affair with this unique material.
If we hold linen in such high regard, it is because it boasts truly unique qualities, 100% naturally. Among its key virtues, here is what sets it apart:
It is thermoregulating and insulating. Thanks to hollow fibres and high breathability, linen retains warmth when it is cool and releases it when the temperature rises. This quality has crowned it the ultimate summer fabric, although it performs just as well in winter.
It is absorbent. Requiring very little water, linen fibre can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. In a garment, it dries remarkably fast and significantly reduces the appearance of unsightly perspiration marks. The perfect ally to stay dry all summer long.
It is “self-cleaning”. Thanks to the structure of its fibres, linen prevents dust mites and bacteria from clinging to it. The same applies to dust, allowing it to stay clean and crisp for longer.
It is exceptionally durable. With its dry and rustic handle, linen also stands out for its superior strength. Undeterred by heat or cold, it does not pill, does not stretch under humidity, is remarkably hard-wearing, very easy to care for, and softens with every wash—making it a genuinely durable fabric.
It is hypoallergenic. Much like wool, linen is hypoallergenic. If you have sensitive skin (prone to irritation, itching, redness, and other sensitivities), this delicate fibre is perfectly suited.
Responsibility at heart
Since 2012, we have placed honesty and sincerity at the heart of our wardrobe. With total transparency, we stand behind our production processes to offer you environmentally mindful garments, developed entirely from natural and/or recycled materials.
Among these natural raw materials, linen holds pride of place as it is widely regarded as the most eco-friendly fibre in the world. Not only does its cultivation require minimal water and inputs, but the various stages of its transformation (pulling, retting, scutching, hackling) are remarkably low in energy consumption. Add to this that the flax plant captures 3.7 T/HA of CO2 during its growth, is fully usable from root to tip, produces zero waste, and is 100% biodegradable, and you get the most responsible fibre there is.
At Libeco, this responsibility reaches new heights, as the House has been committed to sustainable and responsible practices for many years. Local manufacturing, decarbonisation, certifications, zero-waste production, energy-efficient building construction, solar panel installation: the list is extensive, and we invite you to discover more here.
Ultimately, Libeco linen combines exceptional quality, unparalleled eco-responsibility, and a deep environmental conscience; a triptych that naturally contributes to the global reputation of this historic mill.
Hast x Libeco, a natural match
As genuine enthusiasts, partnering with an institution like Libeco felt only natural. Sharing values and vision, we united our expertise to present 5 exceptional pieces for our Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
Drawn by the House's ethical commitment, captivated by the quality of its fabrics, and moved by the heritage of a preserved craft, we wanted to bring you the very finest in craftsmanship through the following creations:
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Libeco linen suits. Available in beige and emerald green, this pair of two-piece suits is tailored from a remarkable 295 g/m² Libeco linen fabric. Densely woven to ensure a handsome drape, this weave remains fresh and breathable thanks to the inherent qualities of linen detailed above.
Up top, you can rely on a jacket with a pronounced waist: half-canvas construction, 8.5 cm notched lapels, lightly structured shoulders, double vents at the back, and a slim fit.
When it comes to the trousers, sartorial influences are just as evident, notably with the side buttoning placket at the belt line. The double pleats reinforce this spirit, alongside the crisp leg crease that lends elegance and verticality to the silhouette.
Indeed, these suits will carry you through the entire summer, from formal ceremonies to casual occasions. What is more, you can easily wear them as separates to expand your styling options, pairing your linen trousers with a T-shirt, a linen shirt, or a polo shirt; or your jacket with jeans, shorts, or chinos.
The Libeco linen work jacket. Crafted from the same fabric as our suits, the Libeco linen work jacket adopts the traditional design codes of French workwear from the 1950s. Specifically, a painter's jacket inspired its silhouette, featuring a generous spread collar, a regular fit, and two patch pockets. An iconic design, jade-coloured fabric with a crisp, dry handle, and the signature performance of linen fibre: you are well and truly set.
A final word
Across the industry, around 70% of raw materials used in garment manufacturing are synthetically derived. A startling figure that continues to rise, driven in part by fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion players. In this landscape, offering a wardrobe built on natural fibres is far from trivial; it is a true statement of purpose.
By selecting Libeco linen to craft key pieces in our Spring/Summer 2025 collection, we renew this commitment and offer you one of the finest fabrics ever tailored at Hast.
Natural, ecological, local, durable, sturdy, comfortable, breathable, and brimming with character, linen ticks every box; and the cloth Libeco has woven for us blends character, performance, and responsibility like no other. A unique blend of conscience and craftsmanship, working together in service of century-old heritage.
A masterpiece not to be missed, available now in our shops and on Hastparis.com