Over the millennia, flax has been used not only to make clothing but also for a variety of other applications. Sails, fishing nets, ropes, and even paper for important writings have been made from flax. Its natural properties, such as durability and the ability to resist mold and bacteria, made it ideal for these uses.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, flax became even more central to economic and social life. Flemish and Italian merchants made fortunes trading in linen fabrics, and the climate of northern Europe proved well-suited to flax growing. This period saw technological improvements in the processing of flax fibers, which increased both the quality and quantity of cloth that could be produced.