H O W T O C A R E F O R L I N E N C L O T H I N G
Linen is a fabric that’s both natural and gorgeous. It is super comfortable to wear both during warm weather months and year-round. Linen fibers have properties that wick moisture away from your body. These give the fabric its distinctive characteristic – a cool and airy feeling.
The lifespan of any linen garment depends entirely on the fabric, how it fits you, your lifestyle, how often you wear it, and how you care for it.
We hope that some of our thoughts will help you to care for your beloved linen garments so that they could give you joy for years forward!
- Wash your clothes only when they really need it. Too frequent machine washing is hard on all clothes and can cause damages or even threaten disintegration ahead of time. . In the case of linen, they probably need some airing and some ironing, even if they’re not particularly dirty. Just steam them or apply moisture to remove the wrinkles before the next use.
- Machine wash only by using the gentle (delicate)cycle with cold water after every third wear, or if you know, you won’t be wearing the same garment again in the next two weeks. Hand wash if you prefer. Be careful and only use a minimal amount of mild detergent.
- You can tumble dry your linen products on a low heat/delicate setting, assuming their shape is plain (items like pleated trousers or dresses are best when air-dried). Machine drying on high settings can cause the linen fibers to break or even shrink.
- Be sure to iron only on the wrong side of the fabric. Use low heat, and don’t leave the iron in one place for too long, or you’ll crush the nap and leave an iron imprint on the fabric.
PLEASE, CAREFULLY CHECK LABELS ON OUR GARMENTS. IF YOU FOUND THIS SIGN “O”, IT MEANS THAT WE ONLY RECOMMEND ECO DRY CLEANING FOR THIS GARMENT!
H O W T O W A S H L I N E N C L O T H I N G
Linen is a unique natural fabric that’s low maintenance and long-lasting. But in order to ensure that you prolong their lifespan to the absolute maximum, it is crucial to care for them properly.
Linen washes better than every other natural material. And the more it’s washed, the softer and more beautiful it becomes. But keep in mind that over-washing is not good for clothes. Therefore we recommend washing linen items only when it’s needed.
It is best to hand wash or machine wash using a gentle setting. Wash our linen garments at a low temperature. Use a mild detergent or a specialized linen detergent.
Do not overload the washer when washing our clothes because it can cause excessive wrinkling.
For dark-colored fabrics, use cold water. White or pastel colors could be washed in warm water. Always sort clothing before washes, and never wash our linen garments with any fabric that produces lots of lint like terry cloth, fleece, or felt.
It is also best to wash linen in soft water if it’s possible.
NEVER use bleach on linen.
Some linens or garments such as suits or jackets may have more specific washing instructions. So always follow the instructions on product tags before wash.
H O W T O W A S H L I N E N D R E S S
When you’re washing your linen dress, the most important thing is appropriately chosen water temperature, which should not be too high.
Our linen dresses should be washed at a temperature that’s no higher than 30 ° C.
Linen fabrics could be washed both by washing machine and hands. It is recommended to choose a mild, chemically neutral detergent or washable soap if you want to avoid damage to the fabric and its structure. Please do not overload the washing machine as that’s not good for the linen garments.
We do not recommend putting our dresses in the dryer. Machine drying can affect the shape of the garment and also cause the linen fibers to break down or even shrink. We think that it is best to choose to air-drying for our dresses. Hang dry on a padded hanger or lie flat to dry. Avoid painted or wood surfaces.
If you choose to air dry, make sure there is sufficient airflow that keeps the dress moving while it dries. This will help to avoid an initial feeling of stiffness in the garment right after linen dries. And even if your linen item is initially stiff after washing and drying, do not worry; it will loosen up and soften with regular wearing and washing.
H O W T O W A S H C O T T O N D R E S S
Cotton is a marvelous material. It can take a lot of abuse, and if the garment is well-made, it can last for decades.
It is difficult to give guidance on washing cotton as there are so many types of cotton fabric available and many uses for it. Just to be safe, you should always refer to the care label for your cotton item before washing.
For best results, machine or hand wash cotton items in cold or warm water. Do not use hot water as it may cause the cotton garments to shrink. Use a normal wash cycle and regular detergent (with color-safe bleach if desired). Tumble dry on a low setting, then promptly remove the item from the dryer to avoid wrinkles.
Give the dress a gentle stretch when it comes out of the wash to get it back into shape.
Always air dry: dry items flat and away from direct sunlight, if possible.
While cotton is, in general, easy-to-wash, some clothes or accessories may have elements that provide structure and shape―like linings and interfacings in structured jackets and blazers―that are not washable. Other cotton clothing may be fragile, which requires using the delicate cycle in the wash or hand-washing. So, if you are a novice at doing laundry and see a dry-clean-only tag, pay attention and trust the tag’s instructions.
PLEASE, CAREFULLY CHECK LABELS ON OUR GARMENTS. IF YOU FOUND THIS SIGN “O”, IT MEANS THAT WE ONLY RECOMMEND ECO DRY CLEANING FOR THIS GARMENT !
H O W T O I R O N A C O T T O N D R E S S
If your cotton dress does need ironing:
- Refer to the garment care label to know which iron temperature setting is safe. We recommend using a medium-hot iron and always ironing on the wrong side of cotton fabric. For extra protection, use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- It is best to iron cotton items while they are still slightly damp or using the steam setting on your iron.
- Make sure the items are dry/aired before folding and putting them away.
Some of our dresses have collars. So, here some tips on how to iron a cotton dress collar. Unfold the collar so that it is “popped” and lay it flat on the ironing board with the backside facing up. Spray the collar down with a good amount of water and give it ~30 seconds to soak in. Iron from the middle of the collar outwards all the way to the tips of the collar points. Because the collar is a thicker, stiffer piece of material, you may need to press slightly harder than you would for the rest of the dress. When you’re done, put the collar stays back in the collar and fold it down again.
H O W T O R E M O V E I N K F R O M C L O T H E S
Ink stains can be tricky to remove, but getting them out of your clothing is mission possible! There are several household products you can use to remove an ink stain, all depending on what you have on-hand! Attack the stain as soon as possible for best results. You’ll be wearing your favorite item again in no time!
- Rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol effectively removes all kinds of ink stains, whether it be from a marker or a ballpoint pen.
Place a paper towel under the stain and sponge it by rubbing alcohol on it. Use an eyedropper to apply alcohol directly onto the stain or, for a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, dip the stained area and soak for 15 minutes. If you succeeded in getting the stain out, launder the garment as you usually would.
Don’t use this technique on acetate, silk, wool, or rayon.
- Use glycerin and dish detergent. Glycerin is excellent at removing old stains because it saturates the stain and helps the detergent clean it away. It should work on all fabrics.
Mix 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml or 0.5 oz.) of glycerin and 1 teaspoon (4.92 ml or 0.15 oz.) of liquid dish detergent in a bowl. Dip a white cloth into the glycerin mixture and dab it against one side of the stain. When you don’t see any more of the stain being lifted, flip the garment over and dab the other side of the stain.
After dabbing, let the garment sit for about 5 minutes. Then use your finger to apply more glycerin to the stain. Finally, flush the garment with water to remove the glycerin and soap.
- Use baking soda and water. Baking soda is safe to use on all materials.
To prepare the stain with baking soda, mix baking soda and water together, in a small bowl, at a ratio of 2:1 to make a loose paste. Use a cotton ball to apply the paste onto the ink stain, then dab it with the same cotton ball. Once the stain has been removed or is no longer lightening, wipe off the paste with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Clean the stain with white vinegar. If you have not succeeded in getting out the stain, soak the entire garment for 30 minutes in a 1 to 1 solution of white vinegar and water. While the garment is soaking, gently blot the stain with a sponge or cloth every 10 minutes or so. Then, launder your garment as usual. Don’t use hot water, as hot water can set the stain.
White vinegar is safe to use on all materials.
- Fill a shallow bowl or another container with enough milk to cover the ink stain. Once the fabric is fully submerged, let it soak overnight. Remove it from the milk the next day and launder the garment as recommended.
If the garment is dry-clean-only, point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner.
H O W T O G E T O I L O U T O F C L O T H E S
When you drop something oily or greasy on your clothing, the sooner you get it out, the better. Don’t throw your clothes in the washing machine immediately. Instead, do some stain pretreating to make sure it comes out.
Here are some suggestions which should help:
- Baking soda. Remove any excess oil with a paper towel or cloth. Sprinkle baking soda on the affected fabric and allow it to sit for 24 hours. After a day passes, vacuum or brush the baking soda away. Spray the affected area with a vinegar and water solution. Scrub with soap and a brush, then rinse.
Repeat the process if the stain remains visible.
- Chalk should remove oil from your clothes the same way baking soda does: by pulling the oil from the fabric. We do not recommend chalk for large or set-in stains. Instead, try this trick on small grease splatters. For example, you’re cooking, and a dot of grease ends up on your shirt.
Remove any excess food and oil from the garment with a clean paper towel. Cover the entire spot with chalk, allowing a few minutes for the whole thing to settle. Wash the soiled item as soon as possible after the stain appears.
H O W T O G E T S T A I N S O U T O F L I N E N
Stains from linen fabrics could be removed by using standard stain removers or soap. The main requirement for successful stain removal is doing it quickly as possible until they soak in the fabric and are yet to penetrate it.
The wonderful thing about linen is that stains are not too hard to remove, making the process far less stressful than with most other fabrics. Always treat stains before washing and hang dry to make sure the stain has cleared. If you machine-dry, the stain will set in the fabric and make it more difficult to get out.
Be careful with cleaners containing chlorine when removing stains. Chlorine could damage the linen fabric structure and hamper its quality as well as durability.
Stains should be treated before washing, following the recommendations for specific stains. One word of caution: if the linen has been dyed, stain removal products can change the color. Therefore, always test the cleaning agent or stain remover on an inside seam or hem before treating the stain. Spread a dab of the stain remover on the seam and then rub with a cotton swab. If color transfers to the swab, don’t use the product! Test and use another agent instead.
Do NOT use bleach products! Bleach is the worst enemy of linen. Do not use hydrogen peroxide-based stain removers as well.
To spot clean a stain, we usually go straight for the dishwasher soap. Wet the area with cool water, add a drop of soap, dab lightly then rinse. Once it’s out, wash and air-dry. Another way is to get the stain wet, sprinkle on baking soda and a few drops of vinegar and blotch excess liquid with a paper towel, then rinse, wash, and air-dry.
H O W T O I R O N L I N E N
Some people choose to never iron linen clothes and embrace the slightly rumpled look of the unironed linen fabric.
The choice of whether or not to iron your linen clothes is exactly that — a choice. It really depends on the individual garment and how you plan to wear it. You probably won’t want to iron a slouchy linen top. Still, perhaps you’ll want a crisper look when it comes to a more tailored linen shirt that you plan to wear to the office or a linen dress worn at a wedding or other dressy occasion.
If you choose to iron linen, it is easier to iron linen garments while they are slightly damp. Always be sure to use the correct iron temperature setting when pressing linen. Extremely high temperatures when ironing can scorch linen fibers. The scorching or yellowing occurs as the fibers begin to burn. Unfortunately, burned fibers cannot be revived.
Be sure the soleplate of your iron is clean and smooth for quicker and easier ironing.
You should iron all linen clothing from the wrong side up.
Straighten out linen clothes while they’re still wet, hang them on the hanger and leave until they dry. Flax is a fast-drying fabric, so it is important not to over-dry it.
W H Y W E W E A R L I N E N C L O T H E S D U R I N G S U M M E R
Linen is considered to be the strongest of all natural fibers. It has been dated back to 8000 BC, and in ancient Egypt, it was used as currency, demonstrating its strong and sturdy nature. This means that linen clothing will last for many summers to come, making it a perfect addition to any conscious, capsule wardrobe.
Linen tunics and dresses, linen shirts or blouses, linen jumpsuits or pants are irreplaceable during the summer, forming an essential part of a capsule wardrobe when traveling or in a hot and humid climate. And it’s not just because of their natural, timeless beauty that we love linen clothes in the summer; linen summer clothes actually also offer many benefits in warmer weather.
Here are the main benefits of wearing linen clothes (like linen jumpsuits, dresses, etc.) during the summer:
- It is hypoallergic and naturally anti-bacterial. Linen itself is naturally hypoallergenic and skin-friendly. For people with chemical sensitivities—even allergies—linen garments is an ideal choice, especially if we talk about linen that is OEKO-TEX® certified. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification guarantees that your fabric has been tested for and is free of banned and regulated substances. Linen is also naturally anti-bacterial and pathogen-resistant thanks to its inherent wicking and moisture-retention properties—it can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in water without feeling wet. This, in turn, inhibits bacterial growth and makes linen a highly sanitary choice.
- Temperature regulation. Due to its weave and the natural properties of flax fibers, linen fabric is breathable, allowing air to flow between the fibers. This keeps you cooler in hot weather, and the structure of the fabric means it softly billows away from your body, rather than clinging, which also keeps you cooler. Not only does linen fabric keep heat away from the wearer, but it also reflects heat too. Your linen jumpsuit, linen dress, or shirt’s ability to shade also ensures you stay comfortable in summer weather without needing bulky layers.
- It is highly breathable. As a fabric, linen is considered stiff that’s why it doesn’t cling to your skin. The wind allows the fabric to dry quickly. Linen is not only a good conductor of heat but also highly absorbent. It absorbs all the moisture (read “perspiration”) and dries faster than other fabrics. So, you won’t ever feel clammy!
- It is a sustainable choice.
W H Y A R E C O T T O N C L O T H E S C O M F O R T A B L E I N S U M M E R ?
There’s a reason your summer wardrobe consists of so many cotton dresses, shirts, and flared skirts.
Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate and move freely through the fabric, ensuring airflow that dries out damp areas of the body. It is soft, lightweight, breathable, and soaks up sweat, allowing heat to escape and allows for you to stay cool.
W H A T T O P T O W E A R W I T H L I N E N T R O U S E R S
Whether you’re going to work, on a date, to the beach, or simply staying home, linen pants will have you looking and feeling cool. That’s because linen is one of a handful of fabrics that are ultra-breathable while still looking polished (just make sure you iron the piece properly).
Wide linen culottes will look great with a sleeveless linen cropped hem top or oversized kimono-style linen blouse.
If you want to choose a more classic style suitable for business environments, choose classic cropped linen pants, which look great with a revere collar linen shirt, linen wrap ruffle blouse, or sleeveless linen top and linen kimono-style jacket.
High waist linen shorts are perfect for the beach and hot summer days. Wear them with cropped hem tops or linen tops with puffed sleeves.
Everywhere you look, palazzo pants are making a comeback. You see them in the street, at parties, on the beach, in the office, and even at weddings. We recommend wearing them with linen puffy sleeve blouses, simple linen tops, or linen jackets.
H O W T O U N S H R I N K C L O T H E S
Natural fibers, such as linen or cotton, feature manipulative qualities, making them super easy to accidentally shrink, even when being extra careful. However, it does mean that they’re relatively straightforward to stretch back to their original size and shape.
- How to unshrink cotton. Cotton is perhaps the garment to fix due to its unique qualities. All you need is baby shampoo or soft conditioner, lukewarm water, a towel, and a sink (or bowl). Place your garment inside your sink/bowl, fill it with lukewarm water, and add two tablespoons of shampoo or conditioner. Then, let it soak for 30 minutes. Afterwards, some sources suggest rinsing out the shampoo/conditioner, and others insist not to do so. Regardless of whether you choose to rinse or not, your ultimate goal is to get your clothing as dry as possible. An easy way to do this is by placing the clothing flat on a towel and rolling it up so that it is damp, not soaking wet. Then, carefully unroll your garment and lay it flat to dry. Be sure to pin the edges or use heavy objects to stretch out the material during the drying process.
- How to unshrink linen. First, rinse the item in warm water. Do not squeeze the water out; just let it drip first. After that, hang the item to dry in a well-ventilated space. While the item is still wet, you need to start ironing it. And while doing that, move the iron from the center to the edges of the item as if stretching it.
- How to unshrink denim. Denim doesn’t usually shrink, but when it is blended with other materials, that is a possibility. There are two remedies for this one. The first one requires you to sit in a lukewarm bathtub for 15 minutes while wearing your jeans, then walking around/sitting/periodically squatting for an hour afterward (while still wearing the jeans) to reform its shape. If something about that sounds…uncomfortable, then you can simply use the same method as for unshrinking cotton and hang to dry.
H O W T O O R G A N I Z E A L I N E N C L O S E T
No matter the size of your closet, the number of clothes you have, or how messy it is, we hope that this will help you get it organized so you look at your closet with excitement!
Everyone’s closet is different and depending on your type of clothes and the size of the closet, you need to adjust as needed. We recommend cleaning and organizing your closet two times a year: Spring and Fall reorganization.
- Take everything out of your closet. You will take everything out of your closet and find an empty area to put the clothes. This could be your bed, your couch, or simply – a clean floor.
- Separate all clothes into seasons. Separate all of your clothes into different piles based on the season: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. This includes coats, sweaters, dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, etc.
- Create three piles for keep, throw, maybe. When you separate clothing into seasons, you need to decide and sort each pile by deciding which clothing items you will keep, toss, or you haven’t decided about?
Such questions as: does this item fit me, is it in good condition, have I worn it recently, how does it represent me, is it a classic piece and etc., can help make your decision.
- Put items which you kept back in your closet. You can do that by season or clothing type. Also, we recommend separating work and casual outfits, and also by how often you wear them.
- Removing unwanted items. You can donate your undesired pieces to the people or families in need or consider giving them to friends or family.