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.
Linen Shrinkage - How Much Does Linen Shrink When Washed?
As a natural fiber, linen behaves differently from synthetic materials. During washing and drying, linen fiber shrinks slightly, especially during the first few washes. A typical linen garment can shrink by about 5–10 percent, which may be noticeable as a shortening of sleeves or hemlines, or a change in fit to become snugger.
Therefore, many linen garments are initially made a bit looser to account for potential shrinkage. However, this is not always clearly communicated to the buyer, so it is completely understandable that the behavior of linen raises questions.
Original Story linen is pre-washed
The linen used in the Original Story collection is pre-washed during the manufacturing stage. Pre-washing significantly reduces material changes and allows the garment to retain its size and shape well during use. However, as is characteristic of all natural fibers, linen may also show slight changes with washing, but significant shrinkage is not expected when care instructions are followed.
Pre-washing does not weaken the properties of linen, but rather makes the fabric pleasant to the touch right from the first wear. Linen retains its breathability and natural look, but feels softer and ready for use.
Linen does not require continuous washing
Linen is naturally antibacterial and repels dirt, so it does not need to be washed after every wear. Often, simply airing it out is enough to freshen up the garment. This makes linen an easy-care and everyday material.
When washing is necessary, linen garments should be washed inside out at 30–40 degrees Celsius with similar colored clothes. We recommend using a detergent suitable for natural fibers and avoiding bleaches and fabric softeners, which can weaken linen fibers.
Drying and finishing affect lifespan
Linen dries best in open air. We recommend drying the garment flat or on a hanger and avoiding a tumble dryer, which can weaken fibers and shorten the garment's lifespan. Excessive spinning should also be avoided.
The natural wrinkling of linen is part of its look and charm. If desired, you can iron or steam the garment while damp on medium heat. Often, however, it is enough for the garment to dry neatly on a hanger.
When linen is washed and cared for correctly, it retains its size, appearance, and properties for years. Original Story's linen products are designed to withstand wear and tear over time without worrying about shrinkage.
Frequently asked questions about linen:
Does linen shrink on the first wash?
Yes, untreated linen shrinks by approximately 5–10%. Pre-washed linen usually shrinks considerably less.
Can linen be washed at 40 degrees?
Yes, most linen garments can be washed at 30–40 degrees according to care instructions.
Why does linen wrinkle easily?
Wrinkling is one of linen's natural characteristics and is part of the material's look.
Explore our linen products
Original Story's linen products are designed to withstand wear and tear – without worrying about shrinkage. All our linen products are pre-washed, so you can wear them immediately and worry-free.
Favorites from the collection:
Wide-hemmed Linen Skirt, Dark Chocolate
Wide-sleeved Linen Shirt, Dark Navy
