Linen is one of the easier natural fibers to care for well — it just responds better to a few specific habits than to guesswork. Here's the complete routine.
How do I wash 100% linen?
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, using a mild detergent. Cold water protects both the fiber and any natural dye from the heat damage that causes fading and premature wear. Turn darker or printed pieces inside out to further protect the surface.
Can I put linen in the dryer?
Yes, on a low heat setting — or line dry for the gentlest option. High heat is the single biggest cause of shrinkage and long-term fiber damage in linen. Low heat gets you most of the convenience of machine drying with almost none of the risk.
Does linen shrink when washed?
Some shrinkage happens in the first few washes as the weave relaxes, then it stabilizes. Washing cold and drying on low heat from the very first wash keeps this minimal and predictable. After that initial settling, a well-cared-for linen piece holds its size consistently.
Why does linen wrinkle so much?
Linen's fiber is stiffer and less elastic than cotton, which is exactly what makes it durable — and also what makes it crease. We consider this a feature, not a flaw: a slightly creased linen piece reads as lived-in, not neglected. If you want a crisper look for a specific occasion, iron on a linen or high setting while the fabric is still slightly damp.
Is linen supposed to feel stiff when it's new?
Yes — new linen contains natural plant pectin that keeps it feeling crisp until it's washed a few times. Most people notice real softening by the third to fifth wash. This is normal and expected, not a sign of lower quality.
How should I store linen between seasons?
Make sure it's fully clean and completely dry, then fold (don't hang) and keep it out of direct sunlight. Hanging can stretch linen at the shoulders over a long storage period, and any residual moisture or body oil left in storage is what actually invites must or fiber damage — not the fabric itself.
How long should well-cared-for linen actually last?
Years to decades, if washed cold, dried on low heat, and mended rather than discarded at the first small repair. Linen's long fiber structure is genuinely more durable than cotton's under the same conditions. See How to Mend and Repair Linen Garments at Home for simple repairs that extend a piece's life even further.
Every piece in our women's and men's collections is built to hold up to exactly this routine. If you're deciding what to order next, our Sizing Guide covers fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dry clean linen instead of washing it at home?
You can, but it's not necessary for our pieces - all our linen is designed for regular machine washing at home on a cold, gentle cycle.
Will fabric softener help linen feel softer faster?
We don't recommend it. Fabric softener coats the fiber rather than actually softening it, and can reduce linen's natural breathability over time.
Is it normal for linen to fade slightly over time?
Some gradual, even fading is normal, especially with naturally dyed fabric, similar to how raw denim ages. Washing cold and avoiding direct sun during drying slows this down.
What's the best way to remove a fresh stain from linen?
Treat it as soon as possible rather than letting it dry and set, then wash on the normal cold cycle. Avoid hot water on an unset stain, which can lock it in rather than lift it.