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Linen is a breathable, natural fiber that’s known for its airy comfort. But while it’s a durable material, it doesn’t behave like synthetics. Linen can, and often does, shrink if it’s not handled correctly. Here’s what to know before you wash or dry linen.
1) Linen can shrink more than you might think…
Linen is made from flax, a natural fiber that is more sensitive to temperature and moisture than synthetic fabrics. Because of this, linen can shrink, especially during its first wash.
If the garment or textile wasn’t pre-washed during manufacturing, it may shrink significantly the first time you launder it — sometimes up to 10 percent. Even after that first wash, heat and agitation can still cause smaller amounts of shrinkage over time.
Garments made from lightweight or loosely woven linen are especially prone to shape change. That applies to shirts and dresses but also to linen sheets, tablecloths, and curtains.
Pro Tip: Using a detergent made specifically for linen (like this detergent) can help protect linen during early washes when it’s most vulnerable to shrinkage. These formulas are usually gentler on the fibers and help reduce wear.
2) The first wash matters most
If a linen item is going to shrink, it usually happens during the first full wash cycle. That’s when the fibers are exposed to water and movement for the first time.
If the water is hot or the spin cycle is rough, shrinkage becomes more likely. This is especially true for non-prewashed linen clothing or home items.
You’ll often see linen labeled as “pre-washed,” which means it has already gone through a shrinking process during production. These items still need to be washed carefully, but they’re much less likely to change size in the wash.
Using a gentle linen detergent and washing with cool or lukewarm water helps reduce the chance of unexpected shrinkage, especially during those early washes.
3) High dryer heat is a big risk
Linen doesn’t respond well to high temperatures in the dryer. Heat can cause the natural fibers to contract, which leads to noticeable shrinkage.
Even pre-washed linen can lose some of its shape if exposed to high heat regularly. You may not see major size changes after one cycle, but repeated drying on high can tighten the fabric over time and change how the item fits or hangs.
This applies not only to linen clothing, but also to linen sheets and home items. A single hot dryer cycle can shrink a fitted sheet just enough to make it hard to get around the mattress corners, or cause a linen curtain to hang unevenly.
Pro Tip: Air drying is one of the safest ways to prevent shrinkage and preserve the shape of linen. A simple drying rack (like this one) lets linen dry naturally without heat damage, and it helps reduce deep wrinkles that are harder to remove later.
4) Hot water can also cause shrinking
Washing linen in hot water can damage the fibers and lead to shrinking, especially if the item is thin, unlined, or hasn’t been pre-washed. While a single wash in warm water might not do much, repeated exposure to high temperatures can cause the fabric to tighten slightly or lose its drape.
Linen does best with cool or lukewarm water, paired with a gentle cycle. This protects both the fibers and the seams, and it helps the garment or textile keep its original shape and feel. This also applies to linen sheets, which can become stiff and shrink slightly when washed in hot water too often.
5) Linen blends don’t all behave the same
When linen is blended with other fibers, the fabric can shrink or change in different ways. Linen-cotton blends tend to shrink more easily than pure linen, especially if the cotton content is high.
Rayon or viscose blends can also be sensitive to water and heat, and they may lose shape or size after washing. Even if the linen content is dominant, the blended fibers play a big role in how the fabric reacts.
If you’ve had a “linen” shirt, always check to see if it is actually a linen fabric blend. The product care label will help you understand how to best care for that type of fabric.
6) Best way to care for linen to avoid shrinking
The safest way to care for linen is to wash it in cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. This helps preserve the fibers and prevents unnecessary shrinkage. It’s also a good idea to wash linen items inside out to reduce wear on seams and limit friction against other fabrics.
When drying, avoid high heat. Either use a low heat setting or air dry whenever possible. Linen tends to wrinkle, but those wrinkles soften with wear or steam. Prepping the garment after it dries can help restore its natural texture and shape.
Pro Tip: A handheld steamer (like this one) is a simple way to smooth out linen after drying. It refreshes the fabric without applying harsh heat and helps it maintain its crisp, relaxed look.
7) Trying to shrink linen on purpose doesn’t always work
If you’re trying to shrink a linen garment on purpose, you can try washing it in hot water and drying it on high heat. But results can be unpredictable. Some areas may shrink more than others, and the fabric can become stiff or wrinkled in a way that’s hard to fix.
Natural fibers like linen aren’t made to change shape evenly under pressure. For thicker or pre-washed items, you might not see much change at all. If you decide to try this method, go slowly and know there’s some risk that the garment won’t shrink the way you expect.
8) Dry cleaning linen may be an option
Dry cleaning is *sometimes* recommended for linen, especially for tailored pieces like suits, trousers, or dresses. It’s also a common choice for linen garments with lining, structure, or delicate finishes that could be affected by water or agitation.
The dry cleaning process doesn’t use water. Instead, garments are cleaned using chemical solvents that gently remove dirt and oils without fully saturating the fabric. Dry cleaning also helps the garment keep its original shape and crispness, which is why some people prefer it for dressier items or when a professional finish is needed.
However, one downside is that dry cleaning chemicals can occasionally leave a residue or slightly stiffen the fabric over time. It’s also more expensive than home laundering, and not always necessary for casual or pre-washed linen garments.
If you’re unsure, check the care label. Some linen items are marked “dry clean only,” while others may be safely washed at home with care.
9) Linen vs other fabrics
Compared to synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, linen is much more prone to shrinking. It doesn’t have the same heat resistance and reacts more strongly to temperature changes. Cotton also shrinks easily, though often in different patterns depending on the weave. Wool and rayon are also shrink-prone, especially in warm water or rough wash cycles.
Linen holds up well when treated gently but requires more attention than most synthetic options. It softens with each wash, which is one reason people love it for shirts and bedding. But unlike synthetics, it needs a little extra care to stay the right size and shape.
Pro Tip: Linen responds well to steam and air, but it doesn’t benefit from fabric softeners or aggressive drying. To keep both garments and sheets in top shape, stick to cool water, low heat, and light pressing or steaming when needed. This is a detergent specifically designed for linen.