Living with Linen

Linen is one of the oldest fabrics we have, and still one of the most practical. It is strong, breathable and naturally temperature-regulating — cool against the skin in summer, comfortably warm in winter. And unlike most things in a home, it improves with use.

Wash it gently, and often

Stone-washed linen is already pre-shrunk and softened, so a regular wash at 30–40°C with a mild detergent is all it needs. Skip the fabric softener: it coats the fibres and makes them less absorbent. Wash darker colours separately for the first few cycles.

Dry it slowly

Line drying is kindest to linen, and outdoors it picks up a freshness nothing else quite matches. If you use a tumble dryer, choose a low heat and take everything out while it is still slightly damp, then shake it out and smooth it with your hands.

Embrace the creases

Washed linen is meant to look relaxed. If you prefer a crisper finish, iron it on a medium setting while it is still damp. Otherwise, let the fabric fall the way it wants to.

Store it so it can breathe

Keep clean linen in a cool, dry cupboard rather than in plastic, which traps moisture. A sprig of dried lavender between the folds is an old habit worth keeping.