How To Wear It: Summer Linen

Linen, the epitome of sophistication during the warm summer months, is a natural fabric that dates back centuries. If you’ve ever fallen in love with the graceful drape and cool touch of it, you likely know how essential it is to care for your linen garments properly – and how easy it is for them to wrinkle! From washing techniques to smart storage solutions, our comprehensive guide unveils the best practices for preserving the natural allure and longevity of your linen pieces. Read on to find out how to elongate the lifespan of your beloved linen garments and unlock their full potential. 

Linen Care Basics 101

Read The Care Instructions

Always check the care label on your linen items before proceeding with any cleaning method. Certain linen garments may have specific care requirements, so it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Wash Properly

When washing linen garments, it’s important to follow a few key tips for optimal care. Ideally, a hand wash is your best option if you want to preserve the quality of your pieces. However, if you choose to machine wash, opt for a gentle cycle with cold water to protect the delicate fibres. Steer clear of bleach and harsh detergents that can cause damage. Instead, opt for mild and eco-friendly detergents specially designed for delicate fabrics. Additionally, separate your linen items or wash them with similar colours to prevent dye bleeding, and always ensure your washing machine isn’t overloaded, so as to avoid excess friction and potential fabric damage. 

Air Dry

After washing, air drying is the best method for drying linen. Hang your items on a clothesline or lay them flat on a clean, dry surface. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may cause the colours to fade. Linen tends to dry relatively quickly, as air flows through the fibres.

How To Iron

As you’ve likely noticed, linen is a wrinkle magnet, but you can easily remove them by ironing while the fabric is still slightly damp, or by using a steam iron. Set the iron to a medium-high heat setting. Alternatively, you can embrace the wrinkles and wear linen garments with their natural texture. 

How To Store

When storing, make sure your linen pieces are clean and completely dry. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and promote mildew growth. Instead, store your linen pieces in a cool, dry place, such as a breathable cotton storage bag or a linen closet.

Avoid Hanging Heavy Items

To prevent stretching and distortion, avoid hanging heavy pieces (like jackets or suits) for an extended period. Instead, fold them and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.

Rotate Regularly

To prevent excessive wear (or even tearing) on specific areas, rotate the use of your linen items. This allows the fabric to relax and recover between wears.

Travelling With Linen

Fold Neatly

Lay your linen items flat on a clean surface, and smooth out any creases to minimise wrinkles. Avoid rolling linen, as it can lead to even more wrinkles.

Layer With Tissue Paper

Place a layer of acid-free tissue paper between each folded linen item. Taking this extra step helps to reduce friction and prevent creasing.

Use Garment Bags Or Packing Cubes

These bags help keep the items organised and prevent them from getting crushed or unnecessarily wrinkled in your luggage.

Pack On Top

When placing your linen items in your suitcase, pack them on top of other items; this reduces the chances of heavier objects compressing and wrinkling the linen.

Fill Empty Spaces

Fill any gaps in your suitcase with soft items, like socks or underwear, to provide cushioning for your linen pieces. This helps prevent them from shifting around too much during your travels.

Unpack And Hang Upon Arrival

Once you reach your destination, unpack your linen items as soon as possible. Hang them up in a well-ventilated area, ideally with plenty of space between pieces, and gently smooth out any wrinkles by hand. You can also use a travel steamer or hang them in the bathroom while taking a hot shower to help release wrinkles.

How To Style

For A Casual Summer Look

Try pairing a linen shirt with linen shorts or cropped trousers for a comfortable and breezy outfit, perfect for sunset cocktails or a casual dinner. Opt for lighter colours like white, beige or pastels for a fresh and relaxed summer vibe. Complete the look with a pair of sandals or canvas sneakers (and maybe even a Panama hat) for effortless style.

For A Business Casual Ensemble

Wear a linen blazer or jacket over a crisp button-down shirt and tailored linen trousers. Stick to neutral tones or classic colours like navy, grey or black for a more professional appearance. Pair with loafers or leather shoes to elevate the look. Ironing (or steaming) is not optional to look sleek and polished. 

For Boho-Chic Flair

Choose a loose-fitting linen dress or a flowy linen skirt with a printed, crocheted or embroidered top. Accessorise with statement jewellery, such as chunky bangles or a pendant necklace. Complete your relaxed look with Roman sandals – or, if the location allows, go barefoot.

For Fall/Winter

Combine a chunky (and extra warm) knit sweater with wide-leg linen trousers for a cosy and stylish fall or winter ensemble. Wear cashmere or wool stockings underneath if you’re afraid you might be cold during the day. Or layer a linen button-up shirt underneath a warm cardigan or blazer for added texture and depth. Complete the look with ankle boots or leather oxfords.

For A Resort-Ready Look

Opt for a linen jumpsuit or a maxi dress in vibrant colours or tropical prints for a relaxed look. Pair with espadrilles, strappy sandals or woven flats for a beachy vibe, and add a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the sun, as well as a straw tote bag to complete the vacation-ready ensemble. Since linen naturally has a slightly wrinkled texture, embrace the folds as part of the fabric’s character; after all, they add to the laid-back vibe! Or, you can always lightly steam or iron your pieces for a smoother appearance, depending on your preference.