We design every piece to be worn for years, not seasons — but how you wash it matters just as much as how it's made. Here's how we care for our own linen and cotton pieces at home, plus why we believe slow fashion only works if the clothes are actually built to last.
How to wash linen, properly
- Wash cold, on a gentle cycle. Linen is a strong natural fibre, but heat and aggressive agitation are what age it before its time.
- Skip the tumble dryer where you can. Line dry in the shade if possible — linen dries quickly, and direct harsh sun can fade darker colours over time.
- Iron while still slightly damp. This is especially true for pieces with pintucks, pleats or lace trim — a warm iron on damp linen sets the detail far more easily than a hot iron on bone dry fabric.
- Wash separately for the first few washes if the piece is a strong or dark colour, just to be safe.
- Always check the care label sewn into your garment — it's specific to that fabric and print, and takes precedence over general guidance like this.
The reward for a little extra care is that linen actually improves with age — it softens with every wash, and the slightly relaxed, lived-in look is part of why we love it in the first place.
Why "made to last" is the whole point
Slow fashion only means something if the clothes hold up. We choose natural fibres — linen, cotton, Liberty's Tana Lawn — first, because they breathe, they age well, and they don't shed microplastics the way synthetics do. We'd rather you buy one beautifully made piece and wear it for five years than five pieces that fall apart in one.
That's also why so much of what we make has pockets, proper button fastenings and finished seams — the kind of construction details that used to take a dressmaker an afternoon to get right. It costs more to make clothes this way. We think it's worth it.
The takeaway
A little bit of care — cold water, gentle cycle, a damp iron — is a small price for a piece that only gets better with time. Treat it well, and it will genuinely outlast the season it was bought for.
Curious about the fabric behind your favourite piece? Browse the full Linen Collection →
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