Why Stonewashed Linen Feels So Special
If you've ever slept on natural, pure stonewashed linen, you'll know there's truly nothing like it. Buttery soft, naturally breathable, and cool to the touch, stonewashed linen offers a distinct texture that oozes timeless elegance.
In its raw form, however, linen can feel thick and slightly coarse. This is due to the extra-strong fibres of the flax plant it’s made from. Traditionally, raw linen was so durable it could be passed down through generations, only reaching that coveted softness after years (even decades) of use and washing.
While this vintage-style linen is still available, it’s generally considered too stiff and uncomfortable for modern bedding.
Stonewashing helps to speed up this natural softening process. By gently distressing the fibres before the linen reaches your home, it results in a beautifully worn-in feel, subtle vintage fade, and incredible softness right from day one. There's no need to wait years for it to become "just right", its already there!
That said, stonewashed linen has a shorter lifespan than the heirloom-quality flax linen your great-grandmother might have used. A fitted or bottom sheet, which endures the most wear, typically lasts around 18 months ( up to 3 years if you take extra care ). This is true of all 165gsm stonewashed linen bedding currently produced in Australasia.
How to Improve your Linen's Longevity
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Rotate between two or three sets of sheets. This is especially important for fitted sheets, which bear the brunt of nightly friction and body weight. Regular rotation gives each set time to rest between uses, significantly reducing wear and helping extend the life of your bedding.
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Avoid repeated same-day wash and wear cycles, especially for fitted/bottom sheets that cover high-contact areas.
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Choose gentle, liquid detergents made for delicate fabrics.
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Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine, ensuring sheets can move freely during the wash. Don't overload your washing machine! Yes we are sometimes guilty of this too.
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Line dry in the shade to protect fibres and colour, and preserve the linen's natural texture.
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Linen is naturally prone to wrinkling. Avoid ironing and embrace the wrinkles! If you must, iron on a cool/warm setting while the fabric is still slightly damp.
How do we Stonewash our Linen
Unlike other bedding brands, we do not use toxic chemicals to soften our fabrics. Instead, we use natural pumice stones, allowing you to enjoy linen in its most natural form, ready for many nights of peaceful sleep.
