Behind the Scenes: Sourcing

March 4 2025

The selection of fabrics is a key part of our business, and so I wanted to write a bit about it. Over the years, we have transitioned from being purely a product based business to one that also sells yardage. The first bit about our linens is that they are not exclusive to us - we don't own them and we have not created them. But within this framework, the collection is very curated and those fabrics in our collection have been vetting in many ways. Here's a look into how we make the selections:

100% Natural Fiber

We source only pure natural fibers for our collection, mainly flax linen but are also bringing in some cottons and wools. This choice is part of our brand DNA. As a California brand, we are eco-conscious at every turn. Our fabric and products are made from renewable, biodegradable, durable, breathable, and environmentally easy to grow and harvest natural materials.

Origin

Where our linen comes from the first thing we think about in sourcing. As there is a lot of selection of linen in the market, not all are created with equal care and quality. Where the flax fiber originates from largely determines the eventual quality of the weave. We look for fibers and fabrics from Europe, as this area (western and eastern) have the most favorable growing conditions for the flax plant. Yes, flax can grow in places with a warmer and drier climate (like India or Asia) but the durability and strength of the flax can become comprised leading to fabric that breaks, pills, or fades more easily than European fabric.

Design

After origin, we curate based on design, and lean toward classic stripes, checks and yarn-dye solids. Considerations include - what is the particular pattern or visual texture of the fabric? Does it fit in with Modernplum's nature-based established color palettes? Does the design of the fabric add something new, both to our collection and to the linen choices already on the market? Our aesthetic is simple and not overly designed.

Feel

Next, we look for weight, drape, and hand. For us, these are the small qualities that make a huge difference in how we experience a fabric. It's not enough to have it look good at first glance - if we are to live with it at home and use it - it needs to feel good too. The weight of our linens varies with the collection, and what we think is appropriate for the fabric personality and use. Our delicate yarn-dyes, for example, are lighter in weight. The breezy quality is enhances the intricate and visual warp and weft patterning. For our stripes, we select a classic mid-weight (around 5.0 ounces), as this weight drapes wonderfully, feels good in the hand, and has a presence about it that really screams luxury.

Pre-Washed and Sanforized

Our fabrics are all pre-washed (or sanforized during the weaving process). We believe this is essential to our offerings. No matter your purchase of products or yardage, you can know that shrinkage will be keep to a minimum, colors will resist fading, and the integrity of the weave will remain intact.

Reorder and Deadstock

Keeping with our sustainability and zero waste measures, we offer some deadstock fabrics in larger quantities and fabrics that can be reordered. In either case, shipping times are 5-7 business days.