Linen is a natural fibre made from flax. It's strong, breathable and gets softer with age. But it can shrink, crease and lose its shape if washed incorrectly. The good news: caring for linen is straightforward once you know the rules.
Washing Your Linen Dress
Always wash linen inside out — this protects the outer surface and keeps colours from fading. Use cold or lukewarm water, maximum 30°C. Hot water shrinks linen fibres significantly. Choose a gentle cycle and a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid bleach entirely, even on white linen — it weakens the fibres over time.
Hand washing is always the safest option for delicate or embroidered pieces. For LeMuse dresses, we recommend hand washing or a delicate machine cycle at 30°C.
Drying
Never tumble dry on high heat. Air drying flat on a clean surface is ideal — it preserves the shape and prevents stretching. If you need to use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting only. Remove the dress while still slightly damp to make ironing easier.
Ironing and Steaming
Linen wrinkles — that's part of its character. But if you prefer a smoother look, iron on the reverse side while the fabric is still slightly damp. Use a low-to-medium heat setting. A garment steamer also works well and is gentler on the fabric.
Storing Linen
Store linen dresses folded or hung in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags — linen needs airflow. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets help deter moths naturally.
What to Avoid
Hot water above 40°C, tumble drying on high heat, wringing or twisting the fabric, direct sunlight for long periods, and harsh detergents or fabric softeners.
The Reward
Treated well, a linen dress doesn't just last — it improves. The fibres relax and soften, the drape becomes more fluid, and the dress takes on a personal quality that fast fashion can never replicate. Browse the LeMuse linen dress collection and find a piece worth caring for.
