Linen is a textile fiber derived primarily from the stalks of the flax plant. The process of creating linen involves retting, an enzymatic breakdown of the pectin that binds the fibers to the stem, which allows for the separation and subsequent purification of the long, strong bast fibers. These fibers are renowned for their exceptional tensile strength, breathability, and high absorbency, properties that make the resulting fabric highly valued in material science and textile manufacturing. Chemically, the cellulose structure of linen makes it durable, resistant to mildew, and relatively hypoallergenic, contributing to its historical and continued use in various applications requiring gentle contact materials.