How to Properly Care for Your Linen Clothing

You’ve invested in a beautiful piece of linen clothing. Congrats on committing to being comfortable, cool and chic! But your journey doesn’t end there – a little bit of extra time, love and attention will extend the longevity of your new wardrobe staple. We’ve written extensively about looking after your linen bedding and tableware, but since we launched our loungewear collection, caring for our wearable linen pieces is top of mind.

Flax linen is incredibly strong and durable, but it still needs to be treated gently to retain its quality and softness. These key tips for washing, drying, storing, and handling your linen clothing will ensure your threads stay in great condition for years to come.

Stain Removal

Spills are a part of life, but as linen is a highly absorbent natural fabric, if a stain occurs it’s important to spot treat it before laundering as normal. The moisture-wicking quality of linen is what makes it comfortable and breathable; unfortunately it also means that spills and stains can penetrate the fibres quickly. Using a clean, dry cloth, blot the area immediately and remove as much of the stain as possible. Rinse the stained area with cold water to flush out the spill before it sets and apply a mild detergent suitable for natural material directly to the stain. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can weaken fibres or cause discolouration. If the stain persists, soak the fabric in lukewarm water with detergent for 15–30 minutes before washing on a gentle cycle.

Oil can be particularly stubborn, so pre-treat these immediately with baking soda. When it comes to wine or coffee, a vinegar solution can be your first step before rinsing with cold water. For more detailed advice, read our guide on the secrets to removing linen stains.

Washing

Remember: care labels are your best friend when it comes to linen. While there are general rules that you can assume will apply to your garments, it’s always wise to double check whether there are any specific requirements for your particular piece. Some labels may recommend handwashing, for instance if the garment is particularly delicate, but it will usually be okay in a cold or lukewarm cycle (less than 30 degrees celsius). Wash on a gentle cycle with a mild concentrate specifically formulated for linen to prevent fabric damage. When in doubt, refer to our guide on which products and ingredients to use (and avoid) in your laundry.

Although a relaxed, crinkled look can be part of the charm for a linen outfit, to avoid it wrinkling too much, give your clothing plenty of room in the washing machine. Being sure not to overload will reduce creasing and allow for a more thorough wash. Always wash light and dark linens separately to avoid colour bleeding, especially if you have a crisp white linen ensemble you want to keep fresh.

Drying

Air drying will almost always be the way to go to avoid garments shrinking, losing their shape or the fibres weakening. However, if you’re doing a load of laundry on a day when the sun is beating down, consider hanging your clothes in the shade as direct sunlight can fade colours over time. To best retain their shape, hang items on padded hangers or lay them flat on a clean towel. If you must use a tumble dryer, set it to low heat or air-dry mode and take out the piece while it’s slightly damp to reduce wrinkling. You can also give it a few gentle shakes while it’s damp to smooth out the fabric before it dries the rest of the way.

Ironing

Whether or not you iron your linen garments is entirely a matter of preference. Linen was originally intended to have a creased finish, so some people prefer to let the natural texture of the material remain and skip ironing all together. If you’re after a more polished look, press your garments while they’re still slightly moist using a steam iron on a low to medium setting. Turn the item inside out first to avoid changing the appearance of the fabric.

Storing

Plastic bags and vacuum sealed storage are a no-go for housing your linen loungewear. Breathable cotton garment bags or drawers will allow air flow and stave off musty odours and dampness. Lightweight items can be hung up to avoid creasing, again a padded hanger will provide some extra TLC. For heavier clothing, fold and place in a well ventilated spot to prevent stretching.