OUR FABRICS & MATERIALS

LILLY PILLY uses premium natural fibres: EUROPEAN FLAX® certified linen, bluesign® certified silk, pure and recycled cashmere, extra-fine Merino wool and cotton voile for all its dresses, pants, tops, jumpsuits and matching sets. Each fabric is chosen for its quality, sustainability, and comfort.

LILLY PILLY produces its own linen fabric using EUROPEAN FLAX® certified flax, grown in Europe where unique climate conditions, mineral-rich soil, and generations of farming expertise produce extra-long fibres. The result is linen that is remarkably strong, notably soft, breathable, sustainable, and traceable. We use this premium linen for our dresses, tops, shirts, skirts, pants, jumpsuits and matching linen sets. 

EUROPEAN FLAX® certified linen must be grown in Western Europe’s traditional flax belt of France, Belgium and the Netherlands. There, a mild oceanic climate and rich soils produce exceptionally long, strong fibres. Unlike generic linen, which can be grown and processed anywhere without oversight, it is independently audited and traceable from seed to fibre. It is produced under strict EU agricultural, environmental and labour standards.

Most of our linen pieces are 100% EUROPEAN FLAX® certified linen. A few styles blend linen with silk for a subtle shine, or with cotton for a little stretch, and some of our vests and jackets have a soft 100% cotton lining. The exact fabric is always listed on each product page.

Our linen is EUROPEAN FLAX® certified rather than certified organic, but the standard sets strict rules on how it is grown and processed. The flax is rain-fed only, with no artificial irrigation. GMOs and chemical defoliants aren’t allowed. The fibre is separated from the stem mechanically rather than with chemical solvents.

Good-quality linen should never feel harsh or scratchy against the skin. Our EUROPEAN FLAX® linen uses long, fine fibres, so it starts soft and becomes softer and more supple with every wash and wear.

Yes. LILLY PILLY uses 20MM premium bluesign® certified silk — one of the highest sustainability standards — meaning it is dyed with safe chemicals using less water and less energy.

Momme (MM) is the measure of a silk’s weight and density, and the higher the number, the richer the fabric. LILLY PILLY uses 20MM silk, a step up from the lighter 16–19MM silks often used for silk slip dresses and silk camisoles & tops. We chose it for its fluid drape, soft lustre and beautifully smooth feel against the skin. It is also more opaque and more durable, so each piece keeps its quality for years.

Cotton voile is a fine, lightweight, plain-weave cotton with a soft, slightly sheer finish. It is breathable and airy, perfect for warm days, and drapes beautifully in our tops and dresses.

Extra-fine merino wool has a significantly smaller fibre diameter than standard merino or regular wool, making it softer, less itchy, and more luxurious. It offers excellent insulation, natural odour resistance, anti-static properties, and hypoallergenic qualities — durable, washable, and low-maintenance.

LILLY PILLY uses cashmere made from the softest undercoat of cashmere goats. It is exceptionally soft, lightweight, and breathable, becoming softer over time. LILLY PILLY uses up to 60% recycled cashmere where possible to reduce waste and support sustainable living.

Both are luxurious natural fibres, but they come from different animals and feel different to wear. Cashmere comes from the softest undercoat of cashmere goats. It is exceptionally soft, lightweight and warm, becomes even softer over time, and with proper care a cashmere knit tops can last over 200 wears. Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. Its fibres are much finer and smoother than standard wool, so it is breathable, practically itch-free, naturally odour-resistant and easy to wash. LILLY PILLY never uses standard Merino: we use only Extra-fine or Ultra-fine Merino for our Merino knit tops, which has a smaller fibre diameter for an even more luxurious feeling that’s gentle enough to wear against sensitive skin.

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash, or dry clean. Gently squeeze out the water without wringing, and dry flat in the shade. Fold rather than hang to keep the shape.

LILLY PILLY uses corozo buttons made from the seed of palm trees grown predominantly in South America. They are 100% natural, durable, scratch-resistant, OEKO-TEX certified, and completely free from harmful chemicals and toxins.