Keep the favourites in your closet in flawless condition with our top tips on how to care for linen clothing.
Share the joys of linen with your loved ones and look after linen clothing like a true expert. How lovely is it to be able to pass down beloved pieces to your daughters or nieces and give them a second life? Or enjoy them all for yourself and wear your best linen garments again and again.
Imagine all the memories that can be experienced in your linen dresses from now and into the future. If only linen could talk. It has seen it all, empowering us to elegantly shine at countless business meetings, dinner parties, and a Mediterranean getaway or two.
Linen is a truly timeless textile, dazzling in every decade and every style. It effortlessly fits into the swinging '60s as mini dresses as it does the preppy, Old Money style of the '80s and the nonchalant cool-girl attitude of the '90s. Whatever the era, linen is the elegant answer and a textile you'll want to keep in your collection year after year.
Linen is already one of the most long-lasting natural fabrics yet keeping a few extra tips in mind will ensure your linen clothing lasts a lifetime. Discover how to care for linen clothing with our best secrets, which will give you the most wear and keep your go-to's looking impeccable.
How to make linen clothing last longer?
Can't picture life without your favourite linen pieces? Armed with the correct knowledge and care, you won't have to. You can make your linen clothing last longer by following a few easy tips. Just like the fabric itself, these tricks are effortless and uncomplicated.
- Choose quality linens for long-lasting clothing. Precisely crafted linen trousers feature superior stitching techniques and a stronger woven fabric. LUXMII Linen pieces are made with French seams that deliver a smoother, more resilient finish.
- Wash linen at gentle temperatures. Either in the washing machine or by hand.
- Iron linen garments correctly. Iron linens when they are damp to prevent unnecessary damage. For more delicate pieces, a steamer is more gentle.
- Air dry your linens. Avoid using the dryer.
- Store your clothing when it is dry. Damp linen can get mouldy and change colour.
- Try to stay away from bleach. It can damage the fabric.
How to wash linen gently
There is no need to be wary of washing your linens; in fact, the more you wash them, the better they will become. Yet, it is crucial to clean them correctly and gently. This is an endless topic, for all the details visit our blog on how to wash linen and give your linens the best possible care.
- Keep temperatures at or below 30C.
- You can clean linen pants and other pieces by hand or using a washing machine.
- Choose a gentle spin cycle.
- Use a mild detergent. Anything that is scent and dye-free works best.
- Do not use bleach. It is incredibly harmful to the fabric and can cause it to tear.
How to remove stains from linen
Removing stains from linen can be a breeze—even a white linen dress. Thanks to the stiffness of the flax fibres, stains cannot soak or harden as easily as with some other textiles. Just remember, again, to stay away from bleach. Learn more with our blog on how to keep your linen clothes stain free for step-by-step instructions.
How to remove stains from linen gently:
- Time is of the essence. Try to perform the stain removal immediately.
- Do not rub the stain into the fabric. First, put cool water on the stain.
- Dab on dishwashing detergent or washing powder.
- Only machine wash your clothing once the stain is fully removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to dry clean linen?
No, you do not have to dry clean linen clothing. Unless the garment label says "dry clean only", your linen pieces do not have to be dry cleaned. Generally, linen pants and linen dresses can be machine-washed without any issues. Linen is not as high maintenance as its reputation sometimes makes it seem. Yet, be wary of more delicate linen pieces. Items that are embellished, embroidered or feature shoulder pads require extra care and could last longer if professionally cleaned.
Can you machine wash linen?
Yes, you can definitely machine wash linen without stress. See linen as a friend, an ally that aims to make your life easier and allows you to take advantage of the convenience of modern technology. There are a few essentials to keep in mind when using the washing machine for your linens. Keep to a gentle spin cycle and low temperatures (maximum of 30C), and your linens will remain in immaculate condition. The type of washing powder you use can also make a difference in the fabric's longevity. Go for mild washing powders and stay away from bleach, fabric softeners and hydrogen peroxide chemicals.
Does linen get better with age?
How to care for linen clothing is easier than it seems. Yes, linen gets better with age—just like 500-year-old redwood trees which are wise, strong and unshakeable in their beauty. As if you need any more reasons to wear your elegant linen pieces, now there is another. The more you wear and wash linen the softer it becomes, growing and moulding with you to offer a truly personal wearing experience.
The softness of this linen cannot be replicated; just like with fine cheeses, no shortcuts can be taken. All that is needed is time and water to gently break down linen's fibres. It almost sounds too good to be true, but these are linen's magical properties that are highly rare. In comparison, cotton does not improve with age, often fading or becoming yellow in colour.
How do you keep linen from wrinkling?
Part of the easy charm of linen is its naturally wrinkled appearance—there is no stress about having to always look polished. There is no ironing, only good feelings and a vacation mindset. Yet, for those moments when you're hoping for smoother linens, help is on the way.
Tiny steps will lead you to the correct destination and the linens you desire. You do not have to shop for crazy products or become a laundry expert. There are simple tricks you can do at home that will leave your linens wrinkle-free. Gentle techniques that will not hurt your pieces but only smooth them.
Do not overstuff your washing machine. Let your clothes air dry, and take them out of the machine as soon as the cycle is finished. This will smooth your linens without the help of chemicals. For more details, read our blog on how to keep linen from wrinkling.
How long does linen clothing last?
With the proper care, there is no limit on how long linen clothing can last. The oldest flax fabric discovered so far is said to be more than 34, 000 years old and found in a prehistoric cave in Georgia. There is hope yet for the linens hanging in your closet. Gentle washing and air drying will help improve the lifespan of your pieces. So, they can become serious investment pieces you can wear time after time.
How do you keep linen clothes fresh?
How do you maintain the light, fresh feeling of linen that everyone loves? Be smart about how you store it. Moisture is the enemy. So, make sure all your linen pieces are completely dry before storing them. If there is any excess moisture it can trigger mildew and changes in colour. What's the best way to store linen? A well-ventilated, dry and dark spot is perfect for linens keeping them safe from dust, moisture and sun.
Conclusion: How to Care for Linen Clothing
Linen is one of the most durable natural fibres and is 30% stronger than cotton. So, caring for your linen pieces is not too complicated. Yet, it always helps to have a couple of extra tips up your sleeve for those special linens you really cherish.
Here is a quick summary of our tips on how to care for linen clothing:
- Wash linen at gentle temperatures. Linen tops will withstand both machine and hand washing. The most important factor is the water temperature, which should be no higher than 30C.
- Do not machine dry linen clothing. At high temperatures, the linen fibres can break or shrink causing damage to the garment. It's best to air dry linens on a flat surface or padded hangers.
- Iron linen when it is slightly damp. Ironing will be much easier and swifter when linens are damp. It means you can avoid unnecessary stress to the textile, ensuring it lasts longer.
- Store linen pieces in a dry place. Before you store linens in the closet, make sure they are entirely dry because excess moisture can cause mildew and discolouration.
