Fabrics We Use and Their Care: Linen

Linen stands out as a lightweight and breathable fabric synonymous with casual luxury. Renowned as one of the sturdiest natural fibers, linen boasts exceptional durability, ensuring long-lasting wearability and timeless appeal. Moreover, it aligns with sustainability principles, as it is crafted with minimal water, pesticides, and fertilizers, sourced from the rapidly growing flax plant stalk. Impostor uses linen in its core line of classic button-downs as an easygoing alternative to the more conventional cotton choice. Linen shirts pair just as easily with your wool trousers as over jeans for casual Fridays, and are much more comfortable during the warm season.

Why is linen a more sustainable fabric choice?

Linen fabrics, though heavier than their cotton counterparts, boast approximately 30% more strength, making them a preferred choice in warmer climates for their exceptional breathability.

Embraced for its timeless style in hot weather, linen's naturally hollow fibers excel in water absorption and breathability. The fabric's inherent crispness allows it to drape elegantly away from the body, ensuring a cool and comfortable experience for the wearer.

Beyond its cooling properties, linen is impressively robust, suitable for both washing and dry-cleaning. It possesses a natural sheen and stiffness that softens with each wear. 

Flax, the source of linen, flourishes in temperate climates and proves to be a resilient plant, requiring minimal fertilizers and pesticides, in contrast to its often-compared counterpart, hemp. European cultivations of flax typically receive sufficient irrigation from regular rainfall, unlike cotton, which can demand substantial water resources depending on the region of cultivation.

How to best care for linen garments?

As I'm sure you probably already know, linen tends to wrinkle. Ironing is time-consuming, and many people end up not ironing at all. We, therefore, recommend using a steamer to get the wrinkles away. 

Using a steamer is faster and will make your clothes wrinkle-free! If you haven't invested in one yet or find yourself on the road, hang the garment up in the bathroom while you're showering - voila! Natural steamer. 

To clean your linen garment we recommend a cold hand wash or eco-dry clean. Avoid the use of bleach and fabric softener at all costs. 

Linen stands out as one of the quickest-drying fabrics available. To prevent shrinkage, it's crucial to steer clear of tumble-drying linen garments. Opting for air drying is consistently the most effective approach. Lay the garment flat or hang it on a clothes rack. Avoid using hangers, as they can result in unwanted creases in the fabric.