What Do EUROPEAN FLAX® and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® Mean?
A Guide to Linen Certifications
When you're shopping for linen clothing or linen pyjamas, you've probably seen labels like EUROPEAN FLAX® and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
At first glance, they can seem like just another logo attached to a product. But these certifications actually tell you a lot about where the linen comes from, how it's produced and what you're putting against your skin.
At Jade and May, we believe knowing the story behind what you wear matters just as much as how it feels. Here's what these certifications mean and why we choose linen that carries them.
What is EUROPEAN FLAX®?
EUROPEAN FLAX® is a certification that guarantees the flax used to create the linen has been grown in Western Europe, primarily in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
These regions are considered the world's best for growing flax thanks to their natural climate and generations of expertise.
A product carrying the EUROPEAN FLAX® certification means the flax has been:
- Grown without artificial irrigation, relying almost entirely on natural rainfall
- Non-GMO
- Fully traceable from field to fibre
- Produced using farming methods that minimise environmental impact
- Grown by farmers committed to responsible agriculture and protecting biodiversity
Because flax naturally requires very little water and fewer pesticides than many other textile crops, it's already considered one of the most sustainable natural fibres available. EUROPEAN FLAX® helps ensure those environmental benefits are maintained throughout the farming process.
Why does this matter?
Choosing EUROPEAN FLAX® certified linen means you're investing in quality from the very beginning.
Long, healthy flax fibres create linen that is:
- Softer with every wash.
- Stronger and more durable.
- Naturally breathable.
- Temperature regulating throughout the year.
- Less likely to pill or wear out quickly.
It's the difference between linen that lasts for years and linen that simply looks like linen.
What is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®?
While EUROPEAN FLAX® focuses on the fibre itself, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® looks at the finished fabric.
This internationally recognised certification tests textiles for hundreds of potentially harmful substances that could remain after dyeing, printing or manufacturing.
Every component is tested, including:
- Fabric
- Thread
- Buttons
- Zips
- Labels
- Trims
Only products that pass strict testing standards receive the certification.
Why is OEKO-TEX® important?
Your sleepwear spends hours against your skin every night.
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® gives you confidence that your linen has been independently tested and found to be free from harmful levels of chemicals that could affect your health or comfort.
This is especially important if you have:
- Sensitive skin
- Allergies
- Young children
- A preference for more natural products
It offers peace of mind that the fabric feels as good on your skin as it does to wear.
Do these certifications mean the product is ethical?
They certainly help, but it's important to understand that each certification looks at something different.
- EUROPEAN FLAX® focuses on responsible flax farming and fibre traceability.
- STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® focuses on testing the finished textile for harmful substances.
Neither certification alone guarantees where a garment is sewn or the working conditions of the factory producing it.
That's why we believe certifications work best alongside knowing who makes your clothing.
Why Jade and May chooses certified linen
Our linen sleepwear is made from premium European flax linen carrying both EUROPEAN FLAX® and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certifications.
We then work with our long-term production partner, a small women-owned factory in Bali, where our linen pyjamas, robes and sleepwear are ethically made in small batches.
For us, quality isn't just about beautiful fabric.
It's about knowing where it came from, how it was grown, who made it and creating pieces you'll wear season after season.
Because the most sustainable clothing is often the clothing you continue reaching for year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EUROPEAN FLAX® better than regular linen?
EUROPEAN FLAX® certification guarantees the flax has been grown in Western Europe under strict environmental and traceability standards. While beautiful linen can come from other regions, this certification provides additional assurance about quality and responsible farming practices.
Is OEKO-TEX® the same as organic?
No. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® does not mean a fabric is organic. It means the finished textile has been tested for harmful substances and is considered safe for human use.
Why are these certifications important for sleepwear?
Sleepwear sits against your skin for many hours every night. Certified linen offers confidence that the fabric has been responsibly produced and independently tested for harmful substances, while still delivering the comfort, breathability and durability linen is loved for.
Does certified linen still soften over time?
Yes. One of the wonderful qualities of high-quality European flax linen is that it becomes softer and more comfortable with every wash while maintaining its strength and durability
