Does linen make you break out into a cold sweat…the thought of wrinkles and ironing? I used to get pissed off, scared of linen, with all it’s wrinkling and creasing and endless need for ironing, it drove me bloody bonkers and I couldn’t understand the attraction.
Not long after I met the man of my dreams ( my Mister) we went on a date and I wanted to be all grown up and impress so I parted with a lot of money for a sand coloured shift dress with matching bolero jacket (it was the 90’s forgive me), in linen.
It was pretty spesh and I do remember wearing a lacy teddy (bodysuit) underneath and heels on my feet. My Linen ensemble was starched ‘n stiff and glorious. We wined and dined and then I stood up…creases! Bloody whiskers of creases across…well, let’s just say they weren’t well placed (you get the picture). Deep creases that I couldn’t smooth under the bathroom hand dryer. Yup…I didn’t feel so classy after that.
Here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years, linen likes to be treated mean.
Uhuh, it doesn’t like to be bludgeoned with an iron. Linen gets better with age (don’t we all!), it gets softer with each wash and the fibres relax. Here’s another thing, Linen is ‘meant’ to crush, yeah I know right…revelation!
Don’t iron it, instead hang it after you wash it to allow the creases to ‘drop’ out. If you need to then hang it in the bathroom for a little steam while you shower or run a steamer over it. That’s it.
Let it get crinkled, just go with it and enjoy. I’ve had this JAG dress for like EVER! Every time I wear it the dress gets softer and I fall a little more in love with it. Instead of linen conjuring up images of posh and hard work, these days it says ‘relax sista’…go with the flow…which is what I did when I headed out on a coffee date recently with my mister. I was wearing linen, flat sandals and comfy undies…some things change hey 🙂
Til next time,
Jen x
Whisker creases across your, ummmmmm, kitten?!
Haha! You got it Sonia!
look at you! looking lovely in your linen dress jen!
I love linen! … I have always worn it! … I love how it breathes!
in Europe they love it with a passion! … it’s a character fabric!
everyone looks like they’ve slept in it and I love that nature of the fabric!
my trick is to have a spray bottle of water and blast the garment when it’s on me!
then it takes up my shape and I’m good to go!
I mainly wear shirts, but this is a good quick trick for skirts, pants, jackets and dresses as well!
enjoy linen freedom! love m:)X
Oh, great tip with the spray bottle Merilyn. Thanks for that x
You look lovey Jenni!
I travel with linen and I take a small (20ml) spray bottle with me to which I add a few drops of fabric softner (preferably white or colourless). The fabric softner relaxes the water tension and gets rid of creases easily. If I feel that my clothing is a bit too creased, a few quick sprays and a wipe of the hands get me all “ironed” out again!
And in REALLY hot environments I found that spraying my clothes, together with a light breeze, actually cooled me even more!
Talking about travelling in hot weather: a small spray bottle with lavender hydrosol (or even just plain water if you have nothing else) is great to spray on one’s face when it is extremely hot.
Jenni, can you tell us how to stay warm in winter, wearing only linen? If you (or anybody else) have tips for that, it would be highly appreciated!
These are done great tips, thanks for sharing. I don’t wrarinen in winter because it’s so cold where I live so can’t help you there.
Hahah…. I am sucker for white linen shirts, they just call out to me 🙂
Haha, boots call me Sharyn x
I bought a few lined tops from H&M last season and I love them. It did take me a hot minute to get over the creases BUT in the Doha heat when it’s pushing 50 degrees, the linen is so cooling and comfy to wear. I recently bought a Sportscraft linen dress and it is one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe. Love your sundress and shoes!! xxx
Oh wow Sarah, 50 degrees…sheesh I thought 43 in Adelaide was warm! I love sportscraft too
Jenni I just wanted to let you know you look FABULOUS!! Such a lovely picture. Gx
Oh so lovely! Thanks Gaye x
Have always loved linen, but detest the creases and I still can’t get past that, so never buy it..lol..hopeless I know..xx
It’s not for everyone Ann and that’s ok 🙂
Hi. I’m looking for some linen pieces especially linen or even cotton pants. Don’t have a huge need for it in Tassie but I’m traveling to India in December and want some cool clothing that still covers me. Any suggestion where to look. Not many places seen to offer plus sized linen pieces. Love your posts. Have found so many good ideas. Thanks.