How to care for linen: washing, drying, creases and storage

To care for linen, check the care label, then wash it on a cool or lukewarm gentle cycle with a mild detergent and plenty of room in the drum. Take it out while it is still slightly damp, shake it, and dry it on a hanger or a line out of strong sun. Iron or steam it while it is still a little damp, and store it clean and completely dry. Linen softens with every wash, so a well-kept piece usually gets better with age.

Linen is a natural fibre made from flax. It is strong, breathable and cool to wear, which is why it is a favourite for summer, but it creases easily and can shrink if it is treated roughly. Here is how to look after it.

Check the care label first

Linen comes in many forms, and the label inside the side seam tells you what the maker recommends.

Washable linen shirts, trousers and dresses usually go in the machine on a gentle cycle.
Structured or lined pieces, such as linen blazers and tailored suits, are often dry clean only, because the lining and interfacing can shrink at a different rate.
Linen blends, mixed with cotton or viscose, can behave differently. Follow the label for the blend rather than for pure linen.

If the label is missing, treat the piece gently: a cool hand wash or a delicate cycle, and no tumble dryer.

How to wash linen

Turn it inside out to protect the surface and any colour.
Use a cool or lukewarm wash, as the label allows. Hot water can shrink untreated linen and fade colours.
Use a mild detergent and less of it than you would for a heavy load. Too much leaves residue in the fibres.
Do not overload the drum. Linen needs space to move, or it comes out deeply creased.
Use a low spin. A fast spin presses in creases that are hard to get out.
Wash dark and bright linen separately for the first few washes, in case the dye runs.

Avoid bleach on coloured linen. For a mark, a gentle spot clean with a little detergent and cool water is usually enough. Test any stain treatment on an inside seam first.

How to dry linen

Linen dries quickly, which is one of its best qualities.

Take it out of the machine promptly. Linen left in a damp heap sets in creases.
Shake it out and smooth it by hand. Pull the seams, collar and cuffs straight.
Hang it on a hanger or line out of strong direct sun, which can fade colours.
Only tumble dry if the label allows, and then on low, and take it out while it is still damp.

Creases: iron, steam or embrace them

Creases are part of linen's character, and many people like the relaxed look. If you want it smoother:

Iron it while it is still slightly damp. Dry linen is much harder to press.
Use the linen setting or the temperature the care label shows, and iron dark linen inside out to avoid shine.
Use a steamer for a softer finish, keeping the head moving and away from your hands.
Hang it in a steamy bathroom for a quick refresh when you are in a hurry.

How to store linen

Store it clean. Marks left over the winter can set and become permanent.
Make sure it is completely dry before you put it away. Damp linen can develop mildew.
Hang shirts and dresses on good hangers or fold them loosely. Very sharp folds pressed in for months can weaken the fibres along the line.
Use breathable storage, such as cotton bags or boxes, rather than sealed plastic.

Our guide to storing summer clothes over winter covers putting a whole summer wardrobe away.

Buying second-hand linen

Linen is a good fabric to buy second-hand because it is hard-wearing and any first-wash shrinkage has usually happened already. Check:

the composition label, so you know whether it is pure linen or a blend
the measurements, since linen can shrink, and compare them with something you own
the collar, cuffs and seat for thinning or small holes
any yellowing or marks, often at the collar and underarms
creases in the photos are normal and are not a flaw

If the measurements are not in the listing, ask the seller. Our guide on how to measure clothes shows which ones to take.

Selling linen

Spring and early summer are the natural time to list linen, when buyers are thinking about warm days. Wash it, iron or steam it for the photos, and photograph the composition label clearly. Mention whether it is pure linen or a blend, and give the measurements in cm, laid flat.

A linen shirt or a pair of linen trousers also makes a good warm-weather staple if you are planning a capsule wardrobe, and our guide to caring for denim covers that other hard-wearing everyday fabric.

The short version

Check the label. Wash linen cool and gentle, with room in the drum and a low spin. Take it out promptly, dry it on a hanger and iron or steam it while still damp. Store it clean, dry and loosely folded or hung, and it will last for years.

Find your next piece

Second-hand clothing from sellers across the UK, with measurements in cm where sellers add them and buyer protection at checkout.

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