Why is linen stronger when wet?

Question

How can this be?Why is it?

Found at http://www.hookedonfacts.com/index.htm

Answer 1

I may be way off here, but could it be something to do with the chemical formula of linen (and infact many clothing materials too)?

Perhaps when  certain materials get wet (assuming the substance is H2O), the hydrogen bonds from the water help make the material stronger, perhaps some of the bonds transfer to the linen? I do not know the chemical formula for linen so I cannot be sure though.

If the bonds can create surface tension in water, then I suppose this is not an impossible theory, as they could act as an outer layer. I am thinking it could be similar to skin (water) on a bone (linen).