Can any linen be proofing linen?

Linen for baking is quite different from linen used for sewing.  The baking variety is coarsely textured and untreated making it more suitable for holding flour and proofing loaves.  Also it cannot be washed as washing negatively alters baking linen.  This does not mean that you cannot use regular linen as it too works well for resisting sticky dough.  If you have it, use it.  If you are going to go buy it then I would get the correct product which can be found here: 

https://www.sfbi.com/baking-supplies/linen-canvas-couche

Jeff

I use the fine linen table clothes that are also used in the restaurant, its the fine weave when dusted with flour or semolina that doesn't allow the dough to stick, it also allows some moisture to wick away from the dough but protects from forming a thick skin through drying.They are also large enough to cover a whole board of dough pieces.

In my situation they are on hand and are freshly laundered

Pillow cases and have been working fine for me.