How to take care of your linen clothes

How to take care of your linen clothes

Care guide

Linen is a timeless favourite for warmer days, loved for its light and airy feel. With the right care, your linen garments can stay beautiful season after season. Discover our simple care tips to help you enjoy your favourites for years to come.

What is linen?

Linen is a natural material made from fibers from the flax plant. Spun flax fiber is known as linen. It is one of the world's oldest textiles, valued for its coolness and excellent moisture-absorbing properties and comfortable enough for everyday wear from spring through summer.

100% Premium linen

Premium linen has a naturally crisp feel with a subtle texture and a clean appearance. The fabric softens with wear and washing over time while maintaining its quality and breathable structure.

What is linen blend?

Linen blend fabrics combine linen with fibers such as cotton, lyocell or viscose, resulting in a smoother drape and softer feel while preserving linen’s breathability. Linen blends are ideal for those who want the look of linen with added fluidity and ease of movement. With its crisp texture, linen has a higher tendency to crease than cotton, often creasing progressively as you wear your garment, or while folded or transported. If you're looking for a piece that has the properties of linen but creases less, a linen-blend piece is a great choice.

How to take care of linen clothes

By washing, ironing, and storing your linen using our simple guide, you can keep your pieces looking impeccable, wearing beautifully, and feeling great for decades. With the right care, this wonderfully durable fibre can serve you for a lifetime.

How to wash linen clothes

Linen is a naturally durable fabric with self-cleaning properties, meaning that odours and light dirt do not cling to the fibres as easily as they do to many other materials. In many cases, simply airing your linen garments outdoors is enough to refresh them. Unless there are visible stains, we recommend trying this before washing your linen clothes.

When your linen shirt, trousers, dress, or other garment does need washing, a little extra care will help preserve its quality and appearance.

Linen can sometimes feel slightly stiff or textured, particularly when it is new. To soften the fibres, you can soak the garment in lukewarm water before washing it according to the care instructions. This is especially beneficial for brightly coloured linen, as these fabrics are often more heavily treated and may feel firmer than undyed or naturally coloured linen.

For the best results, sort your linen garments by colour and wash light and dark items separately to prevent colour transfer and discoloration.

Avoid overloading the washing machine, as linen garments need room to move freely during the wash cycle. This reduces friction between fibres, helping to prevent deep creases from forming. Giving your linen plenty of space allows it to wash more gently and helps maintain its natural texture and appearance.

Always follow the care instructions on the garment label and use a mild detergent that does not contain bleach. With the right care, linen garments will remain comfortable, breathable, and beautiful for years to come.

Does linen shrink in the wash?

Our linen garments are pre-washed. Pre-washed linen means that the manufacturer has already washed the item to reduce the chances of it shrinking in the future, and also to soften the fibres.

How to remove stains from linen clothing

If you notice a stain on your linen garment, it’s best to treat it as soon as possible. Start by holding the stained area under lukewarm running water to help loosen and lift the stain from the fibres.

Next, gently apply a small amount of mild soap to the affected area and carefully work it into the fabric. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing too vigorously, as this can damage the fibres and affect the fabric’s appearance. Allow the soap to sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

If the stain persists after spot treatment, wash the garment in the washing machine according to the care instructions on the label. In most cases, a gentle wash cycle and a mild detergent will help remove any remaining traces while preserving the quality and softness of the linen.

How to dry linen

Linen can be prone to wrinkling because it lacks natural elasticity. To minimize creases, hang your linen garments to dry as soon as they come out of the wash.

After washing, gently shake each garment to release wrinkles and make ironing or steaming easier. If you're drying them outdoors, choose a shaded area to help prevent the colors from fading in direct sunlight.

Since linen dries quickly, tumble drying is often unnecessary. However, if you prefer the softness that machine drying provides, use a low-heat setting and avoid overloading the dryer. High temperatures can cause the linen to shrink.

For best results, remove the garments from the dryer while they are still slightly damp and allow them to finish drying on a hanger. This helps reduce creasing and keeps the fabric looking its best.

How to iron and steam linen

To smooth out creases, use a medium-hot iron with the steam setting enabled. For best results, iron linen while it is still slightly damp, as this helps relax the fibres and makes wrinkles easier to remove. If the fabric has already dried, lightly mist it with water before ironing.

Turn garments inside out to protect the fabric and prevent shiny marks. For more delicate pieces, place a cotton towel or pillowcase between the iron and the linen for an extra layer of protection.

A garment steamer is also a great option for refreshing linen. Simply hang the garment and steam it gently until the wrinkles begin to release.

Repair before storege

Before storing away your summer wardrobe for the season, take the time to give each piece a little extra care. If a seam has come undone, a button is missing, or a small tear has appeared, repair it straight away. This helps prevent further damage and keeps your garments in great condition for next season.

How to store linen

As with many other natural fibres, like merino wool or cashmere, you should always store linen only once it is clean and completely dry. A damp fabric that’s stored in a cupboard with poor air circulation can be susceptible to mould.

Let your linen clothing breathe by keeping it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid keeping it in plastic bags or cardboard boxes.

If hanging in a wardrobe, a padded hanger will help keep your linen suits crease-free by filling out folds that would otherwise have formed creases. You may even wish to look for hangers with the trouser-rail part padded or covered with foam. When hanging, linen trousers should be folded in half lengthways, along the pleat if the trousers are pleated. If you store them in boxes, roll your linen garments instead of folding them to avoid crease lines.

How can I protect my linen from pests?

To keep your linen garments in great condition while in storage, always make sure they are clean and completely dry before putting them away. Moths are often attracted to natural residues left on fabrics, so proper washing is key.

Store linen in a breathable cotton bag to protect it while allowing air to circulate. For added protection, place natural moth repellents such as lavender or cedar wood in your wardrobe. These simple steps help keep pests away and your linen favourites looking their best.