Does linen soften over time? Would we like a free handbag? Yes, absolutely. The fabric that is celebrated for how effortlessly chic it is feels heavenly on the skin; it just takes a few washes.
There are some things that we’d love to speed up, like when you’re starving and waiting for lunchtime. But linen clothing is here to teach us a little patience and help us embrace the slow living lifestyle, where there’s no rush, and everything happens when it’s supposed to.
It symbolises handmade pasta, recipes passed down from generation to generation, and gondolas paddled by hand instead of with motors. Does anyone else now want to book a ticket to Venice? Yes, linen garments absolutely get softer with time (and it’s not even decades or years, but after just 3-5 washes). It’s worth the wait, we promise!
How to naturally soften linen?
Ever tried to use public transport in a foreign country? Very complicated! Thankfully, transforming linen’s texture is the complete opposite experience and extremely simple.
You can get fancy and try a number of different methods, but at the end of the day, all it takes to soften your linen is to wash, wear and then repeat. There’s no need for expensive fabric softeners, water can do the job all on its own. Now, if only keeping our New Year’s resolutions was that easy (sorry to bring that up now).
Sometimes, we try to look after our most precious clothing by locking it away and saving it for a special occasion that hardly ever comes anyway. But linen asks us to do the reverse and instead wear and enjoy our linen tops so much they become our personality - that’s what’s going to keep it weightless and buttery - it seems counterintuitive but trust the linen experts.
Why does linen naturally soften this way? It’s because the flax plant, which linen fabric is made from, contains pectin. This natural ingredient is what we have to thank for the stiffness of the linen fabric, it helps hold the fibres together. By adding water, the pectin slowly breaks down and begins to dissolve, and thus, along the way, the linen fabric also becomes silkier with each wash.
But you don’t have to worry that one day you’ll wash your linen trousers so much they’ll completely dissolve and fall apart, pectin is just one small compound in the fabric. The thickness of the flax stems and the exceptionally long length of the yarns help linen keep its crown of the strongest natural textile.
Read our blog on why we love linen to discover more details on the many benefits this fabric can offer and why it was so beloved by some of history’s most powerful people.
How long does it take for linen to soften?
Just like a sophisticated cat, linen takes a while to warm up to you. At first, it’s stand-offish and maybe a little scratchy, but after a few awkward exchanges, you have a loyal pal for life that literally moulds to your body and lifestyle.
The quick answer? Linen clothing needs about 3-5 washes to become significantly softer and smoother. You’ll be surprised at what only a few washes can do to give your linens a brushed finish, and then it will be difficult for you to want to wear anything else.
If you’d like to speed up the process, then we’ve also got you covered. You can relax the texture of linen clothing in 4 simple ways without ever having to leave the house.
- Wash your linens: as normal in the washing machine is fine, at a temperature of 30C or lower.
- Iron your linens: for best results, do this when the linen is damp.
- Add white vinegar to the wash cycle: it will help eliminate any mineral, sweat and oil build-up that can all make linen stiff.
- Add baking soda to the wash cycle: dissolve about 1/2 cup of baking powder in a cup of water, then add it to the washing machine cycle.
To learn more about why these methods are so successful and their step-by-step instructions, just visit our blog on how to soften linen clothing.
We always recommend starting with the least invasive method first, which is washing and ironing, to test how your linen pieces react. Then, if you’re still not satisfied with the texture, you can work your way up to the more powerful options like baking soda and vinegar.
Yet, the good news is that these are still natural methods and won’t detract from the healing properties of premium quality linen. Just one essential thing to remember: do not mix the vinegar and baking soda in the wash. Choose only one; otherwise, a laundry disaster could strike.
Keep your favourite linens in flawless condition by following some vital washing rules. Discover all the essentials in our blog on how to wash linen and never risk ruining these wardrobe staples again.
Is linen softer than cotton?
Linen beats cotton in terms of moisture-wicking, breathability and durability. However, in general, linen is more textured and crisper than cotton, at least initially. Both fabrics get smoother with wear and washing, yet this can affect cotton’s longevity, while linen only becomes stronger with time.
Why is my linen scratchy?
This is a question we can answer. How to achieve a work-life balance? That one we’re still working on. Below are the questions you can ask yourself if you're not satisfied with the texture of your linen pieces.
- Has the linen been worn before?
- Has it been pre-washed?
- Am I using hard water?
- Has the linen been pre-treated?
Is the linen brand-new?
When you first take your linen dresses out of their packaging, they won’t have that effortless drape that linen is so famous for. That’s completely normal.
With just a few washes, the fabric will become exceptionally delicate and lightweight—and finally resemble all the linens your cool friends are wearing on their European holidays.
Is the linen pre-washed?
Top-tier linen is always pre-washed by brands before arriving at your doorstep. This helps solve two problems at the same time: shrinkage and stiffness.
It means you don’t have to worry about your beautiful black linen shirt shrinking after putting it in the wash, and it’s ready to wear and enjoy from day one. It also lessens the natural stiffness of the linen and gives you a taste of what’s to come.
Do you wash using hard water?
If you live in an area with hard water, high in magnesium and calcium, then like its name suggests, it could make your linens harder and more textured. Don’t worry you don’t have to pack up and move, there are a few simple tips you can try that can help soften your water.
One of the most common is to add white vinegar to your washing machine, and as a bonus, it’s a lot less harsh than using common laundry products that are brimming with chemicals.
Is the linen pre-treated?
Most linens are treated either with chemicals or biodegradable ingredients to make the final texture more attractive and delicate.
We’re pleased to share that our standard collection is cut from pure 100% enzyme-finished linen that has a subtly shiny finish, which delivers a chic and structured take on the fabric. It’s an expensive process that’s naturally sustainable and helps relax the fabric, guaranteeing easy wear and endless elegance.
Conclusion: Does linen soften over time?
Linen softens over time and only gets better with each day that goes by. There are not many fashion purchases we can say that about.
So if, at first, your linen midi dress feels rough to the touch and rigid, we hope you won’t feel disheartened. It’s actually a sign that the linen is of high quality and hasn’t been drenched with toxins to change its natural state. Simply give it a few washes, and you’ll be amazed at how much airy it becomes.
We’ve summarised all the must-know questions on this topic below:
- How can you soften linen? Linen keeps things simple: all it takes is adding water to give it that enviable lived-in texture. You can wash your linen pants in the washing machine, wear them, and you’re on the right path to the ultimate comfort.
- How long does it take for linen to soften? Linen doesn’t make you wait long. After about 3-5 washes, it will feel super gentle on the skin.
- Can you speed up the process? It’s definitely possible to make your linen pieces smoother faster. The best part is that you don’t need to add any chemicals, which can damage the linen and take away its healing properties. Iron your linens while they’re damp, add baking soda or white vinegar to the washing cycle and watch as your pieces magically become more fluffy.
