This Is How To Care For Your Pure Linen

Knowledge Base | 15 May 2023

We could go on – and we do – about the wonders of pure linen bedding.

But caring for this much-adored and historical fabric is essential for its longevity, and it loving you just as much in return.

Linen – let's break it down.

Linen is a fabric woven from the fibres of a flax plant.

Flax is a less-known yet intriguing crop used in various ways, such as producing oil, fabric, food and more.

The species grown specifically for linen production is known as linum usitatissium, Latin for "the most useful kind of flax", and you guessed it – we're right on board.

Flax that produces linen has a short-growing cycle of only 100 days (in botanical terms, this is pretty short). In this time, the plant grows into long stems, blooming into a flower for one day only.

Following this, the flax plant is uprooted and stacked into hedges to dry while its seeds are removed.

Finally, the plant is exposed to moisture, combing, spinning, weaving and dying – an exhaustive process with a phenomenal result.

It's the friend with benefits.

For those of us more familiar with sleeping in cotton sateen or cotton percale, both of which have a silkier feel, pure linen bedding can take time getting used to.

But while newly purchased linen may feel coarser than the silkier stuff, the more it's used and laundered, the softer it becomes.

Rome wasn't built in a day, so when it comes to your pure linen, it helps to just give it a few washes – you will be rewarded.

What's more?

Well, this is why Nimes, our much-adored pure linen range, simply rules:

It's amazingly soft against your skin.
Absorbs moisture galore – hot sleepers, take note.
Keeps you cool and dry better than any other fabric – again, hot sleepers.
It's highly non-allergenic, as the plant itself uses less pesticides and fertilisers than other crops.
Recyclable and biodegradable.
Dream table setting alert.
No ironing is required here – the creases and natural drape add to its appeal #ditchthathousework

Housework done right – caring for your linen.

To keep your linen threads in superb condition (and sticking around for the long-haul), we recommend the following:

Wash in a gentle, cold or lukewarm cycle with mild detergent to protect its fibres.
Tumble-drying when it's new – it speeds up the softening process.
Quilt covers – turn 'em inside-out in the wash.
Remove from your dryer while slightly damp and hang to reduce wrinkles and stiffness.
Stains? Breathe deeply, then remember, any and all generic stain removers may be used.
Beauty lovers – beware of benzol peroxide, this cosmetic ingredient stains for life. Wash it off before bedtime, or cover your pillowcase with a towel for one night if washing isn't possible.