Linen is one of, if not the oldest natural fibers in the world. For nearly 8,000 years before the Christian era, the ancient Egyptians used linen of such high quality that today’s most modern looms have been unable to replicate some of it. It is a fabric that has withstood the test of time and the fickleness of yesterday’s and today’s fashions and trends. There is no argument of its timelessness.
Want to stay cool this summer?
Much like the blooming of the early daffodils in our gardens, linen clothing is a sign of the passing of the colder season and the birth of warmer temperatures. We put away our heavy knits, flannels and wools, and replace our wardrobes with our summer weights in cottons, eyelets and yes, our beloved linen. I use the word beloved as I, like many, do love the look of linen; however, beloved does have a flip side in the case of linen, and I call it notorious. Linen is notorious for wrinkling, but in an odd way, this is part of its charm and essence.
How many times have you dressed your best and only five minutes later you look like you slept in your Sunday best? Is there any way to avoid all this wrinkling is the number one question I am asked when the topic is linen. And the answer is, to be perfectly candid, no – not really.
Not really because it is two-fold and depends on the actual piece. More formal pieces such as trousers, suits and dresses will usually have an inner construction in the form of lining, facings and perhaps some padding for shoulder definition. These items require the cleaning method to be dry cleaning. Material used for the inner construction is most often silk or rayon, and thus needs this more gentle care. The bonus of the dry cleaning treatment is the restoration of your linen’s finish and crisp shape.
A helpful hint or two, and some basic tips for storage will help you to maintain your linen pieces.
• Stains do require immediate attention for removal. Chlorine bleaches are never recommended so get this piece to a professional dry cleaner as soon as you can.
• Never store dirty linen, because it will attract mildew.
• Hang – don’t fold – and you will be off to a crisper start in the wear of your linen.
• Once clean, short and long term storage should be in cloth bags- never plastic. Also, avoid cardboard boxes and yes, cedar chests. Linen and cedar do not get along.
Embrace the history, the feel of the fiber and yes, the wrinkles. They’re nature’s function is keeping us all equal as we happily enjoy the comfort, look and appeal of linen!
At Dry Cleaning Station, that is what we do.
