Linen looks lovely and makes for some great clothing, but it is high maintenance when compared to some other materials.  However, it is easy to care for and with a little time your linens will continue to look good and last a long time.  It’s worth taking the time and effort to maintain the appearance of effortless cool that you get with your linen suit.

Creasing

Linen is a natural material woven from the fibers of the flax plant.  The fibers are quite long and, in their own way, quite firm so when they get bent they stay bent.  The threads also soak up moisture and in doing so will help wick sweat away from your body.  That’s one reason linen keeps you cool but the more moisture in linen the more it creases.  Of course, the wrinkling of the cloth is part of the discreet charm of linen.

Washing and Dry Cleaning

Although linen can be washed in a washing machine, and most linen pants and shirts will be done this way, dry cleaning is more appropriate for linen suits.  Check the label as some cheap unstructured suits will survive a washing machine or a careful hand wash.  If you are handwashing linen use lukewarm water and a little specialist soap suitable for delicates or linens – it will say on the packaging.  Handle the material gently or use the gentlest cycle on the washing machine.

Most men’s linen suits, and certainly the more expensive and more tailored suits, will require dry cleaning.  If you are thinking of taking any type of suit to the dry cleaners try and find a good one.  Not all dry cleaners are equal and it is worth trying to find one that is able to care for delicate and quality materials.  Ask your friends, your tailor, or make discreet enquiries in some high-end clothing stores.

Drying and Ironing

Whatever else you do, do not put linen in the tumble dryer.   Hang it out to dry in the air and let it dry naturally.  Iron linen while it is still damp.  A hot iron will help remove the creases and stop you from scorching the material.  Make sure you stop ironing as soon as the creases have been flattened out and before the material is fully dry, otherwise you will just iron more creases in and damage the material.  If the linen is getting too dry spray it with a little cold water.  Alternatively, to take out the worst creases, trying placing the suit flat between two damp cloths and pressing it firmly.  It will take some careful handling but will remove some creases.  When you’ve finished ironing, hang the line up properly to finish drying.

Storing Linen

Obviously, with its tendency to crease, linen should always be hung up properly.  If you do have to fold your linen suit, for travelling for example, make sure to unpack it and hang it up the moment you arrive.  At the end of a long hot summer, before you put your linen suits away for the winter, have them cleaned and hang them carefully ready for next year.

Always Read The Label!

The above is purely for informational purposes and is based on my own experience.  I do not guarantee any of the advice contained above.  You are wholly and solely responsible for looking after your own clothes.  If you are in doubt about how to clean a suit, seek professional advice.  Indeed, it is worth building up a relationship with a good dry cleaner and a tailor as they will be able to provide you with item specific information.  Remember, when cleaning any clothes, think first and always read the label.  With a little care your linen suit should last you a long time but it is up to you.