Looking After Linen

Isobel Ridley

Posted on March 02 2022

As well as selecting fabrics which are kind to the environment, ensuring you look after your clothes makes a difference to the world around us. After all, the better we care for something, the longer it lasts. As the sun continues to shine, we’re turning our attention to one of summer’s most versatile fabrics: linen. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure it looks its very best.

Wash Linen On A Cool Temperature

While every Lavender Hill linen piece has been pre-washed to prevent shrinkage, it is still advisable to wash your garment no higher than 30ºC. Not only will it help to reduce the possibility of fading but it is also better for the environment and it will save you money on your energy bills. A cooler cycle is also likely to have less spins. This will reduce the chance of the fibres being damaged which can happen if linen is overhandled.

Use Non-Bio Detergent

Avoid harsh chemicals - particularly bleach - and any fabrics softeners. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-bio detergent or even a baby-friendly one. Once again, this helps to prevent damage to the fibres.

Lie Flat After Washing

A fabric that dries quickly, linen is the perfect choice for travelling. Once it is washed, dry it flat to ensure it holds its shape and to reduce the need to iron it.

Iron On The Linen Setting

If you do decide to iron your garment, ensure you use the linen setting (or on a medium to high heat) and iron inside out. Always iron an inconspicuous section first. We’d recommend starting on a cooler setting and working your way up rather than burning your garment with a too-hot iron.

Why We Love Linen

The fact that linen is pretty easy to look after is one reason we love it so much. Created out of flax fibres, it is completely natural and uses less water in the production process than cotton. Often softening over time, linen works to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter while also being anti-bacterial.