How to Care for Linen

Linen is a timeless, natural fabric that’s beloved for its breathability, durability, and effortless style. Whether it’s a crisp shirt, flowing dress, or a tailored set, linen pieces add an air of relaxed sophistication to your wardrobe. To maintain their beauty and longevity, it's important to care for linen properly. Here's how you can keep your favourite garments looking their best:

Washing

Linen is a strong fabric that can handle machine washing, but it’s essential to take care to prevent wear over time. Always check the care label first, but typically:

Use cold or lukewarm water: Washing linen in cool water will help prevent shrinking and protect the fibres from damage.

Opt for a gentle cycle: Linen can be delicate, especially finer weaves. Choose a gentle cycle to avoid harsh agitation.

Avoid heavy detergents: Use a mild detergent to maintain the fabric’s integrity. Avoid bleach, which can weaken the fibres and affect the colour.

Drying

Linen dries quickly, making air drying the best option for maintaining its texture and shape.

Air drying: After washing, gently reshape the garment and lay it flat or hang it up to air dry. This prevents wrinkles from setting in too deeply.

Avoid high heat: If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove the garment while it's still slightly damp to prevent over-drying, which can make linen feel stiff.

Ironing Linen

One of the natural characteristics of linen is its relaxed, slightly wrinkled look, but if you prefer a crisper finish:

Iron while damp: Linen is easier to iron when it’s slightly damp. Set your iron to a medium-hot setting and use steam to smooth out any wrinkles.

Press inside-out: To avoid a shiny finish, always iron your linen garments inside-out. This helps maintain their natural texture.

Storing Linen

Proper storage ensures that your linen items stay fresh and ready for wear.

Hang or fold carefully: Linen garments can crease easily, so hang them or fold them with care. If hanging, use wide, padded hangers to prevent marks on the shoulders.

Avoid cramped spaces: Linen needs breathing room. Store your pieces in a cool, dry place with plenty of space for air to circulate around them.

With the right care, your linen pieces will continue to exude their effortless style and natural beauty for years to come. Whether you're wearing them during the warmer months or layering them for cooler weather, linen remains a favourite in every wardrobe.