How to wash and store linen clothing at home
Linen has a reputation for being difficult. It wrinkles, people say. It shrinks. It needs ironing. Some of that is true and some of it is overstated. Linen is actually one of the more forgiving natural fibres if you understand what it needs, and it improves with washing in a way that most fabrics don't.
Washing: cooler than you think
Most linen garments can be machine-washed on a cool cycle. 30 degrees is usually fine, 40 degrees for heavier weights. The risk with linen is not the temperature so much as the spin speed. A high spin cycle will crumple the fabric in ways that are hard to press out. We recommend 800rpm or below, and taking the garment out of the machine promptly.
If the care label says dry-clean only, it's worth asking why. Some linen garments are lined with a fabric that can't be washed, or they have a construction detail. A fused interfacing, a delicate trim. That makes machine washing risky. In those cases, follow the label. But a plain linen shirt or trouser that says dry-clean only is often being cautious rather than accurate.
Drying and the wrinkling question
Linen wrinkles. This is not a flaw; it's a property of the fibre. The wrinkles that develop through wearing are different from the deep creases that come from being folded in a drawer for a month. The former are fine. The latter can be shaken out or lightly steamed.
The best way to dry linen is flat or on a hanger, away from direct heat. A tumble dryer on a low setting is usually fine for heavier weights, but it will shrink finer linens slightly over time. If you're drying on a hanger, pull the garment into shape while it's still damp. This is when it's most responsive.
Storage through the off-season
Linen stores well folded or hung. If you're putting pieces away for the summer or winter, make sure they're clean first. Any residual body oils or food will set over time and become harder to remove. A breathable cotton bag is better than a plastic cover, which can trap moisture.
Cedar blocks are useful if you're storing linen alongside wool, as a deterrent to moths. They don't replace proper cleaning, but they help.
The linen shirts we carry have been through our own washing machines more times than we can count. The fabric gets better. That's the point of buying it.