How to Care for Linen 101:

Linen is the fabric of sunlit summers, garden picnics and heirloom wardrobes. If you own a linen dress and love the cottagecore aesthetic or aim for that quiet old money style, proper care will keep it soft, structured and forever wearable. This practical guide shows you how to wash, dry, store and mend linen so your favourite pieces age like treasures.

Why linen is worth the fuss

Linen breathes, draws moisture away from the skin and softens beautifully with every wash. It is naturally durable and becomes more comfortable over time. Treat it kindly and a linen dress can last for years, fitting right in with cottagecore charm while delivering the refined longevity associated with old money style.

Quick care checklist

• Wash by hand or on a gentle machine cycle in cool to warm water.

• Use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach.

• Remove promptly and reshape while damp.

• Line dry in shade or tumble dry low for a relaxed look.

• Iron or steam for a crisp finish.

• Store folded in a breathable bag or wrapped in cotton tissue.

Washing your linen dress

Hand wash when possible for delicate linen dresses. Use lukewarm water and a mild, pH neutral detergent. Gently swish, avoid rubbing or wringing and rinse thoroughly.

If using a machine, choose the gentle or delicates setting and a short cycle at 30 to 40°C. Wash linen with similar colours to avoid transfer. Turn garments inside out if they have trims or embroidered details.

Stain removal without damage

• Act fast. Blot spills with a clean cloth.

• For food stains, soak in cool water and a little detergent for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.

• For oil based stains, sprinkle cornflour or talc to absorb oil for 30 minutes, brush off and treat with mild detergent.

• Avoid harsh spot removers that contain bleach. Test any product on an inside seam first.

Drying: preserve shape and colour

Air drying is ideal. Lay a linen dress flat on a towel for heavier garments or gently hang by the shoulders on a supportive hanger for lighter styles. Dry in the shade to prevent sun bleaching, especially with coloured linens used in cottagecore outfits.

If you prefer a slightly rumpled, relaxed look, tumble dry on low for 10 to 15 minutes then remove while still slightly damp and smooth by hand. This gives that effortless, lived-in linen look beloved by cottagecore styling.

Ironing and steaming

Linen creases easily and that is part of its charm. For a polished old money style, iron while the fabric is still damp. Use a medium-hot iron and press on the reverse side or use a damp pressing cloth to avoid shine.

Steaming is gentle and excellent for delicate linen dresses, especially those with lace or trims. Hold the steamer a few centimetres away and let wrinkles fall away.

Storage that protects heirloom quality

Fold linen dresses rather than hang them long term to avoid shoulder distortion. Use acid free tissue between folds for lightweight or special pieces. Store in breathable cotton garment bags not plastic to allow airflow and prevent moisture build up.

Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths without harsh chemicals. Check garments seasonally and refold to avoid permanent creases.

Small repairs keep dresses wearable

Loose threads, popped seams or a small tear are easy to fix and worth doing early. Keep a basic sewing kit handy. For visible repairs that match an old money aesthetic, use invisible stitches or add a tasteful vintage button to make the repair feel intentional.

Sustainable linen care tips

• Wash less frequently. Linen needs fewer washes than synthetic fabrics. Spot clean and air garments between wears.

• Use cool water and eco detergent.

• Repair rather than replace. Well maintained linen dress is a sustainable win.

• Line dry instead of tumble drying whenever possible.

Styling note: making a linen dress feel cottagecore or old money

To lean cottagecore, pair your linen dress with straw hats, woven baskets and layered knits. For an old money take, keep silhouettes classic, invest in tailoring and pair with polished leather loafers or delicate pearl accessories. Both aesthetics celebrate quality, so caring for your linen dress is part of the style plan.

FAQ

How often should I wash my linen dress?
Wash when it is visibly soiled or after several wears. Linen breathes well so you can get away with fewer washes than other fabrics.

Can I bleach white linen?
Avoid chlorine bleach. For white linen use oxygen based bleach carefully and sparingly.

Will linen shrink?
Some shrinkage can occur. Wash in cool to warm water and avoid high heat drying to minimise shrinkage.