How to wash and care for linen

Linen is one of the best fabrics for hot weather: it breathes, dries quickly and gets softer the more it is worn. It only asks for a gentle routine.

Washing

Use cool or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Wash with similar colours and do not overload the machine, because linen needs room to move or it creases hard. Skip bleach; it weakens the fibres and yellows white linen over time.

Drying

Shake each piece out and hang it to dry in the shade. Strong direct sun fades dyed linen. Avoid a hot tumble dryer, which is the most common cause of shrinking.

Ironing

Iron while the fabric is still slightly damp, on the reverse side for dark colours. If you like the relaxed look, smooth the garment by hand while it hangs and skip the iron entirely.

Storing

Keep linen in a dry, aired place. Hang shirts and dresses; fold heavier pieces. Avoid plastic covers, which trap moisture.

Small creases are part of the character of linen. They are a sign of the real fabric, not of a garment that was badly cared for.