Embracing the Beauty of Wrinkles: The Charm of Linen and How to Keep it From Wrinkling

Linen, a timeless fabric with a rich history, has made a remarkable comeback. With its unique blend of elegance, breathability, and a charming propensity to wrinkle, linen has become a favourite among fashion enthusiasts.
Linen fibers, inherently 'stiff,' not only resist clinging to the body but also enhance air-flow, keeping you cool and comfortable. Its high air permeability lets the air flow through the weave allowing room to breathe!

Why does linen wrinkle?
The unique characteristics of linen stem from the natural flax fibers' chemical composition. The cellulose within these fibers tends to develop wrinkles, especially when moisture evaporates, causing the formation of chemical bonds within the cellulose. Unlike other fabrics, these fibers lack significant elasticity, preventing the material from effortlessly returning to its original shape when folded or creased.
Understanding this intrinsic quality of linen is crucial in appreciating its nature and finding ways to minimise wrinkles.


How do I make it softer?
Wash it and wash it . The more you do it the more buttery soft it will be -and you'll find hard to get a new shirt!
Avoid Overloading: Prevent clothes from bunching up and creasing by avoiding overloading the washing machine.
Ditch the fabric softener: It adheres to the fibers of your linen, accumulating over time and hindering the natural softening process.
Use vinegar instead as a Softener
See how to soften your linen shirts step by step

Image from the Spruce 

 

Preventing wrinkles in linen:

  1. Keep it "damp". When you hang it to dry, pick your garment when it is still a bit humid. If it's too dry, the fibers will be stiffer and less soft.

    linen shirts on a hanger
  2. Hang it to dry - or dry flat
  3. Ironing: The most straightforward method to eliminate wrinkles is ironing. Iron linen items while they are still damp after washing with a mild detergent. If the clothing is dry, mist it with water to evenly distribute moisture.

    https://camixa.com.au/products/white-sand-washed-linen-top?_pos=1&_sid=080e84e69&_ss=rThe Martina Tee, in pure sand-washed linen

  4. Starch: Starching linen clothing provides a crisp, professional appearance. Use spray starches before steaming.

  5. Steaming: Prior to wearing linen garments, use a clothes steamer to pre-steam them. This won't remove all wrinkles but will smooth the fabric for a more uniform appearance.

  6. Linen-Blend Fabrics: Opting for a linen-cotton blend can reduce the fabric's susceptibility to wrinkles, although it may sacrifice some of the distinctive properties of pure linen.
    See our linen cotton shirts.

 

See all our linen shirts for women

See all our linen shirts for men