A new linen shirt can feel crisp, almost papery. Give it a summer and it becomes something else entirely — soft, fluid and cool against the skin. That change is the fibre itself at work.
A fibre that breaks in
Linen is spun from the stalk of the flax plant. Its fibres are long and slightly rigid, held together by natural pectins. Every wash dissolves a little more of them, and every wear flexes the fibres, until the cloth relaxes into the shape of the person wearing it.
We garment-wash our linen before it reaches you, so it arrives soft. But it will keep improving for years.
Creases are part of it
Linen creases because its fibres do not stretch. Those creases soften with time and give the cloth its character. If you prefer it smoother, iron it while still slightly damp.
Washing linen
01
Wash at 30–40°C
With a mild detergent and no bleach.
02
Spin gently
A low spin keeps the creases soft.
03
Line dry
In the shade, shaken out and hung by the hem.
