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Owning a linen suit ensures you have a go-to option for both style and comfort during the warmer seasons. However, the longevity and appearance of your linen garments hinge on proper care and cleaning techniques. This guide walks you through the essential steps for how to wash a linen suit, along with additional tips on how to wash linen clothes.
Owning a linen suit ensures you have a go-to option for both style and comfort during the warmer seasons. However, the longevity and appearance of your linen garments hinge on proper care and cleaning techniques. This guide walks you through the essential steps for how to wash a linen suit, along with additional tips on how to wash linen clothes.
Understanding linen
Linen is derived from the fibres of the flax plant and has been a favourite for summer apparel because of its breathability and lightweight nature. However, before you wash your linen garments, it's crucial to recognise that while linen is naturally robust, it is also prone to shrinking and wrinkling without proper care.
The fabric's ability to absorb moisture quickly makes it comfortable against the skin in hot weather, but it can also deform if handled incorrectly during washing and drying.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Preparation for washing linen
Always start by reading the care label on your linen suit. These labels provide specific instructions tailored to the garment’s needs. Treat any spots or stains with a gentle stain remover suitable for linen before proceeding with the washing process.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
How to wash a linen suit
When it comes to washing your linen suit, handwashing is the safest method to prevent damage:
1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent.
2. Submerge the suit, wash it softly with your hands. Avoid scrubbing harshly.
3. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until all soap residue is gone.
4. If machine washing is unavoidable, use a gentle cycle and protect your suit with a mesh bag. For the best results, use mild detergent and lukewarm water.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Drying, ironing and storing linen
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water — do not wring out linen, as it can distort the fabric’s shape. Dry your linen suits by laying them flat on a clean towel or hanging them on a padded hanger. Avoid using a dryer unless on a low heat setting to minimise the risk of shrinkage.
Iron linen garments while they are still slightly damp. Use a medium-hot iron setting and iron on the reverse side to prevent creating a sheen on the fabric’s surface. If the linen has dried completely, use a steam iron to dampen it slightly during ironing.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Tips to avoid common mistakes
Proper care of linen garments extends beyond washing and ironing. To ensure your linen suits and clothing maintain their quality over time, consider these additional precautions:
- Check for colour fastness — Before washing any coloured linen for the first time, test for colour fastness to avoid dye bleeding. Wet a hidden area of the fabric, apply a cotton swab and press between two white cloths. If the dye transfers, consider dry cleaning to preserve the colour.
- Prevent pilling — Linen can pill when rubbed against rough surfaces. Turn linen suits inside out before washing to minimise contact with other items, and select a gentle wash cycle.
- Optimise detergent use — Excess detergent can accumulate in linen fibres, leaving them stiff and dull. Measure detergent carefully according to the load size and soil level. Choose detergents free from added brighteners or perfumes, which can affect the fabric’s natural texture.
- Seasonal rotation — Rotate linen suits out of your wardrobe at the end of the season. Clean them thoroughly before storage to avoid setting any unnoticed stains. Store them in breathable garment bags to protect against dust and environmental odours.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
How do you wash linen shirts and how do you wash linen pants
Similar to suits, linen shirts and pants can be hand-washed using the same steps. If using a washing machine, separate linen items from heavier garments to avoid stress on the fibres. This precaution helps maintain the structure and integrity of the linen.
Shop linen clothing and more at Van Heusen today
Browse Van Heusen’s collection of linen suits, linen blazers and more stylish yet laid back linen apparel tailored for any occasion. Find your perfect fit and keep your look sharp and comfortable — shop at Van Heusen today.
Exclusive collection available online and selected MYER stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Understanding linen
Linen is derived from the fibres of the flax plant and has been a favourite for summer apparel because of its breathability and lightweight nature. However, before you wash your linen garments, it's crucial to recognise that while linen is naturally robust, it is also prone to shrinking and wrinkling without proper care.
The fabric's ability to absorb moisture quickly makes it comfortable against the skin in hot weather, but it can also deform if handled incorrectly during washing and drying.
Preparation for washing linen
Always start by reading the care label on your linen suit. These labels provide specific instructions tailored to the garment’s needs. Treat any spots or stains with a gentle stain remover suitable for linen before proceeding with the washing process.
How to wash a linen suit
When it comes to washing your linen suit, handwashing is the safest method to prevent damage:
1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent.
2. Submerge the suit, wash it softly with your hands. Avoid scrubbing harshly.
3. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until all soap residue is gone.
4. If machine washing is unavoidable, use a gentle cycle and protect your suit with a mesh bag. For the best results, use mild detergent and lukewarm water.
Drying, ironing and storing linen
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water — do not wring out linen, as it can distort the fabric’s shape. Dry your linen suits by laying them flat on a clean towel or hanging them on a padded hanger. Avoid using a dryer unless on a low heat setting to minimise the risk of shrinkage.
Iron linen garments while they are still slightly damp. Use a medium-hot iron setting and iron on the reverse side to prevent creating a sheen on the fabric’s surface. If the linen has dried completely, use a steam iron to dampen it slightly during ironing.
Tips to avoid common mistakes
Proper care of linen garments extends beyond washing and ironing. To ensure your linen suits and clothing maintain their quality over time, consider these additional precautions:
- Check for colour fastness — Before washing any coloured linen for the first time, test for colour fastness to avoid dye bleeding. Wet a hidden area of the fabric, apply a cotton swab and press between two white cloths. If the dye transfers, consider dry cleaning to preserve the colour.
- Prevent pilling — Linen can pill when rubbed against rough surfaces. Turn linen suits inside out before washing to minimise contact with other items, and select a gentle wash cycle.
- Optimise detergent use — Excess detergent can accumulate in linen fibres, leaving them stiff and dull. Measure detergent carefully according to the load size and soil level. Choose detergents free from added brighteners or perfumes, which can affect the fabric’s natural texture.
- Seasonal rotation — Rotate linen suits out of your wardrobe at the end of the season. Clean them thoroughly before storage to avoid setting any unnoticed stains. Store them in breathable garment bags to protect against dust and environmental odours.
How do you wash linen shirts and how do you wash linen pants
Similar to suits, linen shirts and pants can be hand-washed using the same steps. If using a washing machine, separate linen items from heavier garments to avoid stress on the fibres. This precaution helps maintain the structure and integrity of the linen.
Shop linen clothing and more at Van Heusen today
Browse Van Heusen’s collection of linen suits, linen blazers and more stylish yet laid back linen apparel tailored for any occasion. Find your perfect fit and keep your look sharp and comfortable — shop at Van Heusen today.