Does Linen Shrink? The Best Linen Care Guide + Tips
Linen is one of the most common fabrics used to manufacture items we all use in our homes.
Many bath towels, curtains, bedding, table linens, and much more are all made of this natural fiber material.
In this post, we’re going to chat about this classic fabric that’s been around for eons and why we love it.
We’ll break down things like how to wash it, the durability, and how to store it so you can make the most of your linen items.
Read on to find out!
But….what is Linen?
Linen is a fabric that’s been used for centuries for its unique qualities.
It’s made from flax fibers and is known for being breathable, durable, and cooling.
It has a smooth and slightly textured surface that adds a touch of luxury.
One of linen’s top selling points is its absorbency.
It’s great for both warm weather and summertime clothing because it’s able to absorb moisture from the body, keeping you comfortable no matter the weather.
This also makes it a popular choice for bedding because it helps regulate body temperature and keeps you nice and comfy while you sleep.
On top of the benefits of its usefulness, linen is also a sustainable option.
Flax plants use less water and pesticides, so it’s environmentally friendly.
It’s also biodegradable and recyclable, which makes it a great choice if you’re trying to reduce your impact on the environment.
The texture and appearance of linen also add to its charm.
It somehow has both a luxurious and relaxed and casual look at the same time.
Overall, it’s a versatile fabric that offers both style and function.
Does Linen Shrink?
Yes, linen can shrink when it’s washed and dried in high heat or if it is not pre-shrunk before it’s made into clothing or other items.
If your linen is not preshrunk, it will always shrink a little bit during the first wash, no matter what.
Manufacturers take that into account when sizing.
Factors that can cause linen to shrink
Linen is known for its durability, but it can still shrink under certain circumstances.
There are several things that can cause linen to shrink, so it’s important to know what to do and what to avoid so you don’t ruin your favorite linen items.
Hot Water
High heat is a major culprit when it comes to shrinking linen clothes.
When it’s exposed to high temperatures, linen fibers will most likely contract.
It’s important to avoid washing or drying your linen items on high heat settings.
Instead, use a gentle or delicate, cold water cycle or a delicate cycle with lukewarm water.
Washing Machine Agitation
Agitation is another factor that can cause shrinkage when you wash linen.
When linen is vigorously rubbed or twisted during the washing or drying process, the fibers can get tangled and shrink.
Always use a mild detergent and a gentle washing machine cycle and don’t ring out excess water or twist your linen fabrics when they’re wet.
Drying Methods
The wrong drying methods can also cause your linens to shrink.
Hanging linen items to dry in direct sunlight or using a high heat setting in the dryer will cause shrinkage, even in preshrunk linen.
The best way to dry items made of linen is to air dry them in the shade or indoors.
Alternatively, you can use the lowest heat setting in the dryer or put it on the tumble drying setting, although I would skip the dryer altogether, just to be safe.
Can Linen be Unshrunk?
The good news is that this natural fabric can be unshrunk!
The bad news is, it’s quite the process.
It will take some time and effort, but it’s worth it if your linen shrinks.
So how do you go about unshrinking linen garments and other linen items?
How to Unshrink Linen Clothing
Unshrinking linen does take a little patience.
Depending on the amount of shrinkage you may or not not have to follow each exact step.
before you attempt to make your linen stretch back to its original state, first determine just how much it has shrunk.
Following the steps below is your best option for getting your linen back to normal.
Step 1: Rewash the linen item, following the care instructions on the label
Step 2: Hand the item up to dry until it’s just damp
Step 3: Resist the urge to stretch the fabric by hand so you don’t end up with an unevenly stretched-out item.
Lay the item on an ironing board and cover it with a thin towel.
Set the iron to a low temperature and iron from the center out, gently applying pressure.
This process is easiest with items like linen pants or a linen shirt.
It’s going to get a little trickier and more time-consuming with things like linen jackets, for instance, that you want to have a very good shape, but it’s not impossible!
You probably won’t be able to restore your linen item to its original state, but you can get it close and wearable again.
Your pants, for example, may not end up at their original length, but close enough that they can be comfortably worn.
How to Unshrink Linen Bedding
Unshrinking linen bedding can be done in the same way you would unshrink a piece of clothing, the only difference is the amount of time you’ll have to spend doing it.
I would just go and get settled in front of the TV to keep you occupied while you work on getting your linen sheets back to their original size.
Obviously, it will be a little more difficult to gauge your progress as you work on unshrinking bed linen.
I suggest going over the entire piece, testing it out on your bed, and then starting over as needed.
You don’t have to do it all at one time.
You can always rewash and start the process over again another day.
You can also use a spray bottle to wet the fabric as you’re working if you need to continue to work on the delicate fabric.
How to Lengthen the Life of Your Linen
1. The right washing techniques:
The first step in extending the life of your linen is washing it properly.
While it may seem convenient to throw your linen fabrics in with a regular load of laundry, this is not recommended.
if you don’t want to see your linen fabric shrink because of the water temperature, always pay attention to the care instructions.
The typical method suggested for most linens is to machine wash in cold or cool water on a gentle cycle.
Hand washing is often suggested as well.
2. The right drying techniques:
We’ve already talked about how an excessive drying temperature can damage the fibers of pure linen fabrics and cause them to shrink and lose their original shape.
This is why air-drying linen is usually the best choice, but a very low heat setting on a tumble dryer should be okay too.
It’s a good idea to err on the side of caution with the natural fibres of linen.
My suggestion would be to always air dry linen.
3. Iron with caution:
Linen is well known for wrinkling easily, but it’s important to iron with caution to avoid damaging the fabric.
Use a low or medium heat setting and always iron on the reverse side of the fabric.
You can add a thin towel between the item and the iron for extra safety if you’re nervous.
If ironing linen makes you nervous you can also opt for dry cleaning instead or use a steam iron.
I prefer steaming over ironing because you’re much less likely to damage clothing this way.
4. Proper storage:
When you’re not using your linen items, store them in a cool, dry place.
Avoid storing them in plastic bags or boxes.
In hot weather, this can cause moisture build-up and mildew.
Use breathable fabric or garment bags to protect them.
5. Rotate Linen Items:
If you have multiple sets of linen sheets or towels, rotate which ones you use so they get less wear and tear.
This will also help them maintain their shape and texture since they won’t have to be washed as often.
6. Avoid direct sunlight
If your linen bedding, for instance, is exposed to direct sunlight coming through your window every day, it can cause the linen to fade and weaken.
For example, if you’re wearing a linen dress for hours in the sun, it can actually shrink while you’re wearing it if you get hot and sweaty.
7. Use gentle cleaners:
When spot treating stains, don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach.
Use natural stain removers or gentle soap.
Always use gentle laundry detergents as well.
8. Choose high quality linen:
One of the best ways to ensure a long and useful life for your linen is to buy high quality linen fabric.
Whether you’re shopping for sheets and bedding, clothing, or other home decor, you will get the most life out of the highest quality fabrics.
Linen is worth paying a little more for in the long run if you care for it properly.
Conclusion
Linen is a widely loved and highly durable fabric, but it’s definitely not immune to shrinking.
Proper care and maintenance are extremely important in preserving the quality and fit of your linen garments and any linen products you need to wash.
You can’t just toss this fabric in the washer and dryer with the rest of your clothing and expect it to be okay.
By following the tips I’ve shared here, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of this natural and versatile fabric for a long time!
Just remember to always check the care label and follow the instructions from the manufacturer for the best results!
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