ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
So you’ve pinned those classic linen pants and breezy linen shirts on Pinterest. But what is linen made of, exactly, and where does linen come from? At Quince, our famously soft linen comes from European flax, a plant fiber that’s actually less resource intensive and more sustainable than cotton. Flax linen has lots of benefits—it’s breathable, lightweight, hypoallergenic, helps regulate heat to keep you comfy, and only gets softer with every wash. It also has a natural crinkle that gives it the laidback-luxe vibe it’s loved for.
This is a “yes, but…” answer. Yes, linen does shrink. But we intentionally pre-wash our linen to minimize shrinkage—you shouldn’t experience anything major once you have your linen at home. Bonus: The extra pre-wash helps boost softness straight away.
Worried about how to care for linen? Don’t be—it’s super easy! Read the next question below for our washing and drying recommendations.
The golden rule about how to wash linen is to avoid washing in hot water (which can cause shrinking) and opt for a cold or warm wash instead. Linen likes a gentle cycle with similar colors, and you’ll want to take it out of the washer asap if you want to downplay the natural crinkled look.
Maybe washing feels like no big deal, but you’re still anxious about how to dry linen shirts or other linen pieces. If you guessed that hot dryer temps might be best to avoid, you’re right. We recommend a tumble dry on a low setting or hanging your linen to dry. Add our 100% New Zealand wool dryer balls to your dry cycle to help, and if you want a smoother look, you can use a warm (not hot) iron or steamer.
Wrinkles are to be expected and are actually a sign of quality, 100% unadulterated linen. Part of the allure of linen is that gorgeous rumpled aesthetic—those natural wrinkles give it the lowkey-luxe vibe that makes it recognizable.
When it comes to linen, we’re definitely team ‘embrace the wrinkles.’ But if you still prefer a smoother look, here’s how to keep linen from wrinkling and how to get wrinkles out of linen once they’re already there. First, make sure you remove anything linen asap once the machine wash cycle is done—sitting in the machine too long will make more wrinkles stick. If that happens, you can use a warm (not hot) iron while the linen is still a bit damp, and keep it moving so you don’t burn the fabric. If ironing is a task you avoid at all costs, here’s how to get wrinkles out of linen without ironing: a gentle steam can release the biggest ones. Or you can try the hack we swear by—toss a couple of ice cubes in your dryer with your linen to create a quick, no-fuss steam session.
5. What do I wear with linen?
Yay! You bought your first piece of linen. Now what do you wear with your new linen? Here are some basics:
How to style linen pants: Wear linen head to toe on vacay with a matching cropped tank or team with a tucked-in cotton tee and a blazer for the office.
How to style linen shirts: Endless potential here, but we love leaving one unbuttoned over a textured tank and crisp shorts. Or take it to work by tucking into a high-waist trouser.
How to style linen jackets: These are a natural with linen pants but look just as good with jeans and heels.
How to style linen dresses: We love contrasting the laidback feel of linen with the polished shimmer of our essential gold jewelry. Slip on a comfy shoe and add a cotton cardigan if the weather’s cool.
Staying in? Don't forget to get some linen loungewear so you can relax at home in style.
6. How do I store or pack linen?
Our linen clothing is so versatile, we’re hoping you’ll use it for more seasons than one—but if you’re wondering how to pack linen away, we’re here to help. If you have the space, keep it hanging with a padded hanger. If not, you’ll want to store in a moisture- and bug-resistant container in a spot that’s dry and cool.
And while we’re on the topic, here’s one last tip about how to fold linen, whether you’re storing it or packing for vacation: roll it instead. This will help limit wrinkles during storage and should save you space, too.
FAQs
Our standard response is to always stick with the more snug rather than moving up to the too loose - because regardless of snug or loose - the linen will GROW. If you jump up a size you will end up being unhappy when the loose gets even looser.
What do you wear with full linen pants? ›
Try combining your linen pants with a crisp, form-hugging crop top for a casual yet well-put-together style. If you will embark on cooler weather, add a blazer or cardigan. A navy or black crop that allows for minimal skin exposure is another option if you're looking for a more sophisticated look.
Are linen pants see through? ›
Like any other clothing apparel, linen clothes have a slight drawback: transparent appeal. Dark or bold color linen clothes are indeed okay- the white or neutral color linen clothes are quite more see-through than you'd expect.
Do linen pants travel well? ›
Linen's breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it an ideal choice for summer travel. The fabric allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable in hot and humid climates. Its lightweight nature ensures you can pack multiple linen pieces without adding excessive weight to your luggage.
Will 100% linen pants shrink? ›
Linen can only shrink in the wash at high temperatures.
A maximum of 4% shrinkage can happen after the first wash with linen. But most quality linens have been pre-washed, so you don't have to worry about this happening. Check the garment label. It should say "pre-washed".
Does 100% linen shrink? ›
Yes linen will shrink naturally after its first wash. The average is around 4% shrinkage for pure linen. To prevent changes to the shape and size of clothing and textiles, many companies sell pre washed linen fabric. Thanks to this initial wash, the fabric will only have minimal shrinking when it's next washed.
What kind of tops do you wear with linen pants? ›
Baggy linen trousers are a great option for a comfy and casual look. You can complete the outfit with a matching linen sweater. If you prefer to look bold and eye-catching, don't put away those baggy pants. All you need is a statement blouse with bright colors and unique details.
What is the best color for linen pants? ›
To enhance the classic appeal, opt for linen trousers in neutral tones like beige or navy, and don't forget to maintain their well-pressed appearance for that polished finish.
What kind of top goes with linen pants? ›
- Linen pants go well with crop tops, especially during the summer months.
- A simple tank top or a flowy, off-the-shoulder blouse will create a chic, effortless look that is perfect for a day out with friends.
The traditional thinking is, never wear linen clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
Linen is oftentimes a bit more flowy, and loose and can wrinkle easily. So keeping your proportions in mind can help to balance out the more loose and casual fit of linen pants.
Do linen pants stretch when you wear them? ›
Linen does have some natural stretch, but it is not as elastic as materials like cotton or spandex. Its stretchiness is generally limited compared to other fabrics.
Is it OK to wear wrinkled linen? ›
Wrinkles can be seen as an natural and authentic part of a linen clothing.
Are linen pants too hot for summer? ›
Linen clothes are perfect for hot days since they provide excellent hygroscopicity, which helps drain the water from the skin's surface and allows optimal body temperature.
Why are linen pants so expensive? ›
Premium-grade linen fabric is fashioned from lengthy fibers meticulously spun into robust yarns. The longer the fibers, the stronger and more resilient the resulting fabric becomes. Consequently, producing high-quality linen fabric entails higher costs compared to the production of lower-grade alternatives.
Should I size up when buying linen? ›
Should you size up or down with linen? "Woven linen doesn't really grow with wear, so you can buy your regular size. Knit linen is a looser weave so it's best to size down," says Crane. Ziegler agrees that if you prefer a more fitted look, you might consider sizing down.
Should linen pants be loose or tight? ›
Linen, being a summery fabric, should in general being worn a bit looser than other fabrics.
How linen pants should fit? ›
Linen is oftentimes a bit more flowy, and loose and can wrinkle easily. So keeping your proportions in mind can help to balance out the more loose and casual fit of linen pants. A few options include a fitted bodysuit, a tucked-in top, or a nice tailored blouse for something dressier.
Should linen be oversized? ›
A linen shirt should be loose-fitting, but never boxy and baggy. The fashion appeal of linen shirts is lost when worn incorrectly, such as oversized fit which hangs down the thigh. When in doubt, we recommend opting for men's long sleeve linen shirts, with the sleeves rolled in a casual manner.
