Does linen shrink in the wash? – Tips for caring for linen clothes
Linen is one of the most prized natural fibers – a breathable, durable and stylishly vibrant material that only gets better with use. But many people wonder: does linen shrink in the wash? The short answer is: usually yes, but not always. The difference comes from how the linen is treated before it ends up in your wardrobe.
Natural shrinkage of linen
As a natural fiber, linen behaves differently than synthetic materials. Linen fiber shrinks slightly when washed and dried, especially during the first few washes. A regular linen garment can shrink by about 5–10 percent, which may be visible, for example, as the sleeves or hem shortening or the fit becoming tighter.
That's why many linen garments are initially made a little looser to allow for possible shrinkage. However, this is not always clearly communicated to the buyer, so it's understandable that questions arise about the behavior of linen.
Original Story linen is pre-washed
The linen used in the Original Story collection is pre-washed during production. Pre-washing significantly reduces the shrinkage of the material and allows the garment to retain its size and shape well after use. However, as is characteristic of all natural fibers, linen can also show slight shrinkage after washing, but no significant shrinkage is expected when the care instructions are followed.
Pre-washing does not weaken the properties of linen, but makes the fabric feel comfortable from the first use. Linen retains its breathability and natural look, but feels softer and ready to use.
Linen does not require constant washing
Linen is naturally antibacterial and repels dirt, so it doesn't need to be washed after every use. Often, simply airing the garment is enough to freshen it up. This makes linen an easy-care material that's suitable for everyday wear.
When washing is necessary, it is recommended to wash linen garments inside out at 30–40 degrees Celsius with similar colored garments. We recommend using a detergent suitable for natural fibers and avoiding bleaches and fabric softeners, which can weaken linen fibers.
Drying and finishing affect service life
Linen dries best when aired out. We recommend drying the garment flat or on a hanger and avoiding tumble drying, which can weaken the fibers and shorten the lifespan of the garment. It is also a good idea to avoid unnecessary spinning.
Linen's natural wrinkling is part of its look and charm. If you wish, you can iron or steam the garment while it is damp on medium heat. However, it is often sufficient to let the garment dry neatly on a hanger.
When washed and cared for properly, linen will retain its size, appearance and properties for years. Original Story linen products are designed to withstand use and time without the worry of shrinkage.
Discover our linen products
Original Story linen products are designed to last through use and time – without the worry of shrinkage. All of our linen products are pre-washed, so you can wear them right away without worry.
Favorites from the collection:
Short-sleeved linen blend cardigan, Cream
Wide-hemmed linen skirt, Dark chocolate
Wide-sleeved linen shirt, Dark navy
