The traditional thinking is, never wear linen clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. While most people adhere to this, there really is no reason – especially in Southern California – not to wear it year round. So, get your “summer” linens out and enjoy the light, airy feeling of this natural fabric.
What Is Linen?
Linen is a light, breathable textile woven from fibers of the flax plant. It has been around for at least five millennia. Ancient Egyptians used it as currency.Its thread comes from the stem’s cellulose fiber. This thread is the foundation for fine toweling, bedding, and dress fabrics.
Poland, Austria, France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland all grow flax for linen. However, the finest-quality fibers in the world come from Belgium, with Scotland and Ireland not far behind.
Don’t Worry About Wrinkles
Linen creases and creases, and keeps on creasing the more you wear it. This is actually a identifying characteristic of the fabric that has become a fashion statement. Try to embrace linen’s wrinkles. If you do prefer a crisper look, try these tips:
- Set your iron to the highest heat, and turn on the steam.
- Wet a cotton towel or T-shirt and place itover your linen garment.
- Iron. The result will be smooth, unscorched linen.
- Or, bring it to your local Flair Cleaners for a quick touch-up.
Remember, once you put it on linen will begin to crease immediately!
Caring For Linen
Machine or hand wash home linens, like bedding and towels, that have been properly manufactured and treated. Tumble dry on low temperatures. Dry clean structured, tailored items such as linen jackets or suits. Always follow the care instructions on your items and test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area before washing the entire piece. When in doubt, check with the professionals at Flair.
FAQs
When worn, linen withstands high temperatures, wicking away sweat without holding bacteria. For that reason, linen is often thought of as a summer fabric, but it's actually wearable all year round. Linen ages like a fine wine, and becomes more soft and pliable the more it is washed over the years.
In what way do you properly care for a linen fabric? ›
Linen becomes softer and more absorbent after each wash, which is pretty neat. Wash linen on low temperatures in lukewarm or cold, and preferably soft, water. Use the gentle machine cycle and a mild detergent to protect the fibres.
What is the care of linen? ›
Always wash the linens with mild soap or detergent! Wash it with softer detergent, in case of stains, and then attend to it with a club or softer washing soda, thereafter. Go for vinegar, in case of tougher stains!
How to wear linen in summer? ›
Layering your linen shirts with other garments on top is always the answer for any season! People also wear linen shirts on the beach or at summer parties where there is little emphasis on dress codes, and all you want is to feel fresh and comfortable. Linen is also absorbent.
What not to do with linen? ›
Avoid detergent with added fabric softener, most fabric softeners available do not work on linen and can leave a residue, and NEVER use bleach on linen! No, not even for white linen. Bleach is linen's worst enemy, and can cause the fibre to rip or wear out much quicker.
When not to wear linen? ›
When should you not wear linen? Traditionally, linen is less commonly worn in very formal or cold-weather settings due to its light and airy nature. However, these rules are becoming more flexible, and with the right styling, linen can be adapted for various occasions and climates.
Can I put linen in the dryer? ›
Natural linen fabric can safely go in the tumble dryer, as long as the care instructions indicate this is suitable on the garment. Use a medium heat to dry linen shirts, linen bedding or linen clothes. Too much heat can, again, cause shrinking or damage. Hang as soon as they are dry to prevent further wrinkling.
Should linen be ironed? ›
Yes, preferably while the fabric is still a little moist. Ironed linen clothes become soft, shiny and more resistant to dirt. We'll of course recommend that you steam your linen instead of iron. Steaming has all of the perks, but steaming is far more gentle and faster than the iron.
How to care for 100% linen? ›
Always wash your linen clothes on your machine's gentle cycle. Avoid washing in cold or very hot water. If it is possible to select the water level in the washing machine, always use the maximum offered. Your clothing should move freely.
Does linen shrink with every wash? ›
Unfortunately, linen does shrink, and it shrinks fairly easily. Linen gets softer over time as you wash and use it, but it also is prone to shrinking. The first time linen is washed, it can potentially shrink between 3-4%. This can be tricky, especially if you're buying clothes and are trying to find the right size.
Linen shirts don't have to be washed every time they're worn. If they're dirty, stained, or smelly, definitely wash them. Otherwise, you can rehang them in your closet and wear them another time before cleaning.
What do you wear under linen pants? ›
The most common undergarments to wear under linen pants are those in the shade of nude, cream color, high-waisted or box-typed underwear. More importantly, we advise that you purchase your linen pants and get some matching color undergarments at the same time.
Is 100% linen good for summer? ›
And while cotton is globally famous for being summer's best fabric, linen is actually a much better choice. Not only it's extremely comfortable, but the natural fibre also manages to keep you cool & dry.
Is linen good to wear in hot weather? ›
Linen is another top choice for a breathable fabric for hot weather conditions. It is also very light and is loosely woven which allows heat to escape from the body. It absorbs a lot of moisture and dries quickly, keeping you cool and dry. It tends to be stiff, but that also means that it is not sticking to your body.
What weather is good for linen? ›
Linen is usually the preferred choice for hot and humid climates, as it has a high moisture absorbency rate, making the wearer feel less hot and sticky.
What kind of people wear linen? ›
For thousands of years linen fabric rules the textile world starting with the lower class everyday clothing, especially undergarments, due to its superior durability, to the upper class, monarchs, noblemen, and women of ancient society, such as priests, pharaohs, and royalties across different civilizations and ...
Is it fashionable to wear linen in the winter? ›
Long-sleeve linen dresses in heavier fabrics can be perfect for winter. Pants: Linen pants are a summer staple for a reason, as they look stylish and can suit different occasions. However, you don't have to put them away during winter, as you can still wear your favorite linen pants.
