A Guide To Caring for Linen Clothing
With its timeless allure and breezy charm, linen deserves a special place in every wardrobe. From gentle washing techniques to storing tips, discover the secrets to keeping your linen garments looking effortlessly elegant, season after season.
A textile cherished for its timeless appeal, Linen is crafted from the fibers of the flax plant. These beautiful blue-purple flowers flourish in the temperate regions of Northern Europe, creating the ideal conditions for cultivating the finest flax plants and, consequently, the highest quality linen.
From Field to Fabric - The Linen Production Process
The journey from flax to linen involves a centuries-old retting and separating process after harvesting. This meticulous procedure ensures that the fibers are transformed into linen yarn, ready to be woven into the exquisite fabric that will become clothing, bed linen, towels, and an array of other linen items. The inherent creases and slubbing of linen, characteristic of its natural beauty, add to the fabric's unique texture and visual appeal.
Does Linen Shrink?
The question of whether linen shrinks is a common concern for those who adore this fabric. The truth reveals that yes, linen naturally experiences around 4% shrinkage after its initial wash. To mitigate this, many companies offer pre-washed linen fabric, minimising further changes to the shape and size during subsequent washes.
Laundering Linen & Delicates
Most linen items can be machine-washed with mild detergent in lukewarm water, but it's crucial to check individual care instructions. For pure linen, pre-washing becomes even more significant to prevent shrinkage. Handwashing vintage linen in cold water is a gentle alternative, ensuring minimal changes to the garment's original size.
Drying Rituals For Linen Clothing
Drying linen garments requires a delicate touch. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as some linen may shrink in the dryer. To be on the safe side, opt for air-drying in the fresh air, where light-colored items benefit from the natural bleaching effect of direct sunlight.
Pressing Matters - What is the Best Way to Iron Linen Clothing?
Actually, the best way to get wrinkles out of linen is to use a steamer, however, if you don’t have one to hand, we would recommend ironing while still damp with a pressing cloth on top of the garment. This helps to prevent scorching or damaging the item.
Resurrecting Shrunken Linen
If, by chance, your beloved linen item experiences shrinkage after a wash, fear not. A few simple steps can help restore it to its original size. Soak the fabric in lukewarm water and mild detergent, gently press out excess water, then lay it flat on a towel on an ironing board. With a mild temperature on the iron, carefully press the fabric, stretching the fibers back to their initial size.
Treat your linen with care, and it will continue to embrace you with its natural, hypoallergenic allure.
Discover our Linen collection here.