Linen clothes
care guide.

Plain linen can be machine washed — this is one of linen's advantages over silk or wool. Temperature and agitation are the key variables.

Machine washing: 30°C to 40°C maximum. Gentle cycle. Mild detergent — no harsh bleach on coloured linen. Separate light and dark linen for the first few washes. Remove immediately when done and shake out before hanging.

Shrinkage: Linen can shrink 3–5% in the first wash, more in hot water. Wash at 30°C for new linen. After 2–3 cold washes, most linen stabilises and shrinks very little.

Line drying: Hang on a padded hanger in shade — UV fades linen dyes. In Kolkata during monsoon, dry indoors away from damp walls.

Tumble drying: High heat causes significant shrinkage. If using a dryer, remove while still slightly damp and iron immediately — this is actually the ideal state for ironing linen.

The damp ironing window: This is the most important linen care tip. Remove from the line while just under fully dry and iron immediately. Linen that has dried completely is much harder to iron smooth. If it has dried, mist lightly with water before pressing.

Linen creases easily — this is a characteristic of the fibre, not a defect. The question is how to manage it efficiently.

Key principles:

Iron while damp. This is non-negotiable for efficient linen pressing. The moisture relaxes the fibres and allows creases to be removed with less heat and effort.

High heat and steam. Linen requires the linen or cotton setting on an iron. A low-temperature iron on linen is largely ineffective.

Long strokes. Iron in long strokes along the grain of the garment — not short back-and-forth motions, which create new small creases.

Reverse side for coloured linen. Press dark and coloured linen from the inside to prevent sheen marks. White linen can be pressed from either side.

The guidance above applies to plain linen shirts, kurtas, trousers and sarees. Structured linen garments are different.

Linen suits and blazers: The canvas interlining and shoulder padding cannot withstand water. Washing a linen suit causes the interlining to shrink and bubble, destroying the structure. Dry clean only.

Embroidered linen: An embroidered linen kurta with silk or metallic thread must be dry cleaned. The base fabric can be washed — but the embroidery cannot.

Linen-silk blends: The silk component requires dry cleaning regardless of the linen content. Dry clean only.

Linen stores more easily than silk or wool — it tolerates wider humidity and does not require the same moth protection. The main concerns are breathability and preventing deep fold lines.

Clean before storing: Sweat and food residue on stored linen causes yellowing and attracts silverfish (which eat plant-based fibres). Wash or dry clean before seasonal storage.

Breathable storage: Linen needs air circulation. Sealed plastic bags trap moisture and create musty odour. Cotton garment bags or open shelf storage is correct.

Fold with tissue: Linen develops permanent creases from folding under pressure. Tissue paper at each fold line reduces pressure concentration. Alternatively, hang linen garments on padded hangers.

Kolkata monsoon: Unlike wool, linen is a plant fibre and slightly more resistant to mould. But in extreme monsoon humidity (85%+), even linen stored in a damp room can develop mildew. Store in a well-ventilated location and add silica gel if the storage area is noticeably humid.