What makes linen so special?
Linen is known for its airy character. The fabric is made from flax fibres and therefore feels cool on the skin. Ideal for warm days, during a city trip abroad or when you want to look well-groomed without overheating. Linen breathes well, absorbs moisture and dries quickly. That makes it a smart choice for both the spring and summer months. Moreover, linen has a natural, casual look. The slight crease gives it an authentic appearance and proves that style doesn't always have to be crisp. Sometimes class lies precisely in the relaxed details.
From beach to office: style it right with linen
Linen is surprisingly versatile. Depending on the occasion, you can style it in different ways:
How to keep linen looking its best
Many men fear that linen is difficult to care for, but it's really not that bad once you know the rules:
- Wash linen at a maximum of 40 °C with a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener, as it damages the fibres.
- Let the garment air-dry hanging up to limit creasing and deformation. Avoid the tumble dryer: the heat damages the quality of the fibres.
- Does the fabric have too many creases? Then iron the garment while it's still slightly damp. Use a steam iron or hand steamer for the best result.
- Hang linen jackets on a wide hanger to preserve the shape of the shoulders.
Frequently asked questions
Is linen suitable for a formal business appointment?
Absolutely, provided the fit is perfect. Choose a dark colour such as navy, olive green or brown. These colours mask the creases better than a sand-coloured suit and radiate more authority, while you still benefit from the cooling effect.
How do I prevent linen from creasing too much?
Although creases are part of linen, you can limit them by opting for a linen-cotton blend. This retains the look of linen, but the cotton fibre provides more shape retention.
Can I still get linen back into shape if it has shrunk?
Linen tends to shrink slightly after the first wash. However, you can 'stretch' the fibres again by ironing the garment while it's still nice and damp. The heat and steam relax the fibres and the garment largely regains its original shape.
Don't linen trousers always show through?
This is a common misconception. With cheaper, thin linen fabrics this can happen. Therefore choose a heavier quality linen or trousers with a light lining down to the knee. Also always wear underwear in a colour close to your skin tone rather than bright white.
Is linen only suitable for summer?
Although it's the ultimate summer fabric, linen works excellently in spring and autumn as a stylish layer. A linen shirt under a wool jumper or a linen blazer over a thin hoodie gives your outfit an interesting texture with which you stand out in a stylish way.
