Guide: how to care for your linen garments
Linen fabric has many advantages – it's environmentally friendly, breathable, and becomes more comfortable over time. But how do you wash and care for linen in the best way? Here’s a quick and simple guide to keeping your linen garments fresh and beautiful for a long time.
Washing linen
- Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle. Pre-treat any tough stains before washing
- Don’t overload the machine – linen needs space to move around and keep its shape. An overfilled drum can twist and stretch your pieces out of form.
- Go for a mild detergent and skip the bleach (it can damage the fabric and isn’t great for the environment either).
- Soak dark linen items before washing to help preserve the color and prevent creases or stress marks.
- Keep in mind that linen may shrink 5–7% the first time you wash it. Follow the tips below to help avoid too much shrinkage.
Drying & ironing linen
- Show your linen some love right after washing. Give it a good shake, gently pull it into shape and smooth it out while it’s still damp – before hanging it up. This helps the garment return to its original size and shape.
- Skip the tumble dryer if you can – it can shrink and wear out the fabric. If you really need to use it, go for low heat and take the garment out while it’s still slightly damp.
- Avoid drying in direct sunlight to keep the color from fading.
- Iron inside out on medium heat (look for one or two dots on your iron) to avoid shiny marks. Always follow the care label. A quick iron helps bring the garment back to its perfect fit.
- A steamer works great too if you’re just looking to smooth out wrinkles fast!
Keep your linen looking fresh for longer
- Don’t over-wash – just airing it out can be enough.
- Got a stain? Try spot-treating it instead of throwing the whole piece in the wash.
- Use just the right amount of detergent – too much can leave residue in the fabric (and hey, it's better for the planet too!).
- Skip the fabric softener – linen naturally softens over time.
- When storing, fold your linen and lay it flat – it can lose its shape on hangers.
- Linen is made to last. Try repairing your faves instead of replacing them.
Why linen?
Linen isn’t just stylish and on-trend – it’s a natural fabric and a great eco-friendly choice. It requires less water and fewer chemicals to produce than, say, cotton, and it only gets softer the more you wear it. Perfect for anyone who loves a clean, effortless look and wants to make a more sustainable choice.
By following these simple care tips, your linen pieces will stay fresh, soft, and beautiful for years to come.