How do I care for a linen shirt?
Linen, a material that lives to its own tempo
Linen gives a shirt a lightness that cotton doesn't always allow. Its slightly irregular texture and the gentle, intentional creasing make it a material with character, tailored for sunny days. Unlike other fabrics, we don't try to entirely erase its marks: it is precisely this life inherent to the fiber that gives linen its look, at once relaxed and sophisticated.
Wash without damaging the fiber
Linen should be washed at 30°C on a delicate cycle, preferably inside out to preserve the finishes. It does not handle frequent high-temperature washes well, as these accelerate wear and dull its color. Washing less often, but always with care, significantly extends the lifespan of a linen shirt.
Drying to minimize wrinkles
Linen wrinkles naturally, but improper drying can turn that charm into a mess. Drying the shirt on a hanger, buttoned up, helps it maintain its shape without excess creasing. Avoid the tumble dryer: the heat weakens the fiber and accentuates shrinkage, which is more pronounced in linen than in cotton.
Ironing (a little), but not too much
Unlike cotton, linen does not require impeccable ironing: a few light wrinkles are part of its identity. A quick iron while the shirt is still damp is enough to restore its structure without erasing its natural character. Ironing inside out protects the fabric's luster, especially on darker colors.
Storing and making it last
Like any shirt, a linen one should be kept on a hanger rather than folded to avoid permanent shoulder marks. And if a snag occurs despite everything, the Les Réparables repair service can give it a second life instead of a place at the bottom of a drawer.
