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FABRIC GUIDE:
All About Linen Clothing

Our linen collection needs no introduction! We’re linen lovers here at Blue Bungalow and have become the go-to shopping destination for beautiful linen clothes in Australia.

Linen has been around for thousands of years due to its variety of uses and durability and it’s not about to go out of style if we have a say in this matter!

 


What is linen?

Linen is derived from the cellulose found in the stalks of flax plants; the long inner fibres are combed into thin strands, spun into a yarn which is dried and woven or knit to be made into a fabric that can be used in clothing.

Why is linen so popular?

Linen is widely popular in hot, tropical climates such as ours as it is lightweight and breathable. On those days where it’s so hot that you can’t even fathom getting dressed, linen is definitely your best option.

It is a very versatile fabric: you can build a whole wardrobe of linen pieces to suit different occasions, from lounging around the house to attending a summer wedding. No wonder it’s in such high demand!

Is linen better than cotton?

We wouldn’t say that linen is better than cotton, but they are two very different yet natural fibres.

Cotton has less texture and is initially softer to the touch. Flax fibre is stronger than cotton, which makes linen more durable but not as elastic.

Linen also tends to wrinkle more easily than cotton as it doesn’t have much elasticity, so if you hate getting the ironing board out, keep that in mind.

On the other hand, if you live in a warm climate or have hot flashes and need to keep cool, you’ll prefer linen over cotton.

Is linen breathable?

It absolutely is as it allows airflow and it dries in seconds as it doesn’t retain moisture; so if you tend to break a sweat you won’t even need to worry about bringing a change of clothes, a few minutes in air conditioning or a fresh breeze and you will be dry.

Is linen only for summer?

Here at Blue Bungalow we believe in breaking the rules; white can be worn year-round and so can linen! Especially in our climate. Simply throw on a jacket, wear your linen top with jeans or long pants or layer with a bamboo or cotton shirt underneath and you’ll have a versatile outfit - you can peel back layers as needed, which makes linen the perfect transeasonal piece.

Linen Clothing Care Guide

Linen is misunderstood and gets a bad rap as being difficult to care for - as linen’s biggest fans, we beg to differ. The better you care for your linens, the more they will love you back!

While you should always refer to your garment’s individual care label, here are some helpful guidelines to keep in your back pocket.

What is the best way to wash linen?
Linen should always be washed in cool or lukewarm water on a delicate cycle and using a gentle detergent or, better, by hand without twisting the fabric. Not only will this make your linens last longer, your garments will become softer with time - it’s a win-win situation if you ask us!

Remember to always check your garment’s care label as any add-ons such as lace or lining could mean a trip to the dry-cleaners. And always wash your linens with other delicate garments, as zips or buttons could cause snags in the fabric.

Once clean, the beauty of linen is that it dries fast! Lay flat or hang to air-dry.

Does linen shrink when washed?
Linen does tend to shrink when not cared for properly, so make sure that you read those labels! Avoid washing in hot water and do not put your linen garments in the dryer.

Can you iron linen?
We know all too well that we can iron linen; we don’t know about you but in summer it sometimes feels like all we do is get the ironing board out! Unless you choose to embrace the wrinkles, dampen the fabric using a water-filled spray bottle and iron on medium to high heat.

If your linen dress is in a darker fabric, you may want to iron it inside out and over a cloth so as not to cause fading.

How to store linen clothes?
During the summer, we find that linen clothes are better stored hanging in your closet - both for easy access and to avoid having to re-iron your garments. If you’re storing your clothes away for next season, fold as neatly as possible and put them away in a cool, dry place.


Linen Clothing Care Guide

Linen is misunderstood and gets a bad rap as being difficult to care for - as linen’s biggest fans, we beg to differ. The better you care for your linens, the more they will love you back!

While you should always refer to your garment’s individual care label, here are some helpful guidelines to keep in your back pocket.

What is the best way to wash linen?
Linen should always be washed in cool or lukewarm water on a delicate cycle and using a gentle detergent or, better, by hand without twisting the fabric. Not only will this make your linens last longer, your garments will become softer with time - it’s a win-win situation if you ask us!

Remember to always check your garment’s care label as any add-ons such as lace or lining could mean a trip to the dry-cleaners. And always wash your linens with other delicate garments, as zips or buttons could cause snags in the fabric.

Once clean, the beauty of linen is that it dries fast! Lay flat or hang to air-dry.

Does linen shrink when washed?
Linen does tend to shrink when not cared for properly, so make sure that you read those labels! Avoid washing in hot water and do not put your linen garments in the dryer.

Can you iron linen?
We know all too well that we can iron linen; we don’t know about you but in summer it sometimes feels like all we do is get the ironing board out! Unless you choose to embrace the wrinkles, dampen the fabric using a water-filled spray bottle and iron on medium to high heat.

If your linen dress is in a darker fabric, you may want to iron it inside out and over a cloth so as not to cause fading.

How to store linen clothes?
During the summer, we find that linen clothes are better stored hanging in your closet - both for easy access and to avoid having to re-iron your garments. If you’re storing your clothes away for next season, fold as neatly as possible and put them away in a cool, dry place.

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