Comfort remains the top priority during the summer, whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or filling a kiddie pool in your own backyard. Linen shirts are an excellent choice on hot days because they are a lightweight, breathable material. Additionally, they look stylish. However, maintaining linen can be a challenge if you are not familiar with the fabric. In this article, we provide advice on how to preserve the quality of your linen wardrobe.
What is linen, actually?
Linen is a natural product extracted from the stalks of the flax plant. The use of linen dates back to ancient Egypt. Eventually, European countries adopted the traditions and production. The flax plant thrives, especially in the moderate climate of the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Linen is a sustainable product because flax is a fast grower; it takes about a hundred days to mature. Furthermore, the plant requires little water, and pesticides are unnecessary. This makes linen cultivation one of the most environmentally friendly in the world.
The popularity of linen clothing
In addition to its cooling and ventilating properties, linen shirts for men are also very comfortable. Because it’s airy, you can easily catch a breeze at the beach. It’s also simple to create stylish combinations. Consider how you want to wear it. Do you prefer an adventurous look or a casual one at home? You can wear the shirt tucked in or untucked. Don’t worry about a wrinkle or two; it’s perfectly fine.
Stylish linen outfits for men
Due to the versatility of linen shirts, it’s easy to put together summer outfits. You can also consider other linen clothing items. For example, you have comfortable linen shorts or T-shirts. Planning a dressed-up look this summer? Opt for a linen suit or linen blazer. You’ll look stylish and feel comfortable on your skin! Complete the stylish ensemble with white sneakers and a cotton shirt in a fresh color like light blue or white.
Linen care for everyone
You may have never worn linen or only have a few linen pieces in your wardrobe. With these practical tips, you’ll become an expert in no time:
- Follow the care instructions on the label to prevent distortion, shrinkage, and wear. If you’re using a washing machine, use a delicate wash cycle (no higher than 30 °C!) with mild detergent. However, it’s better to hand-wash linen in cold water.
- While hand-washing, do not rub or wring the clothing item! Gently squeeze the linen shirt or other clothing item to remove excess water.
- Linen tends to wrinkle, which is part of its charm. However, there are limits. To remove unnecessary wrinkles, iron linen clothing while it’s still slightly damp. Turn the garment inside out, set the iron to the highest setting, and use the steam function.
- Do not dry linen in direct sunlight! This can cause the colors to fade. Additionally, the heat from the dryer can damage the fibers and cause your clothing item to shrink. The best way to dry washed linen clothing is to lay it flat on a towel and let it air dry.
- Storing linen shirts for men is a skill of its own. Ensure a cool, dry place. Avoid hangers with sharp points and edges. It’s best to use wooden or padded hangers. Other linen clothing items should be neatly folded and laid flat in a wardrobe or drawer. Make sure not to stack linen clothing items on top of each other; they need space to breathe.
If you have a stain on your linen shirt, time is of the essence! Gently blot the stain with a damp cloth to remove excess dirt. Then, you can use a stain remover or baking soda with drops of vinegar or lemon juice. Whatever you do, do not rub the stain! Test it first in an inconspicuous area to see how it reacts to the fabric.
