Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions and we've done our very best to answer them! Welcome to our 'FAQ' page.
What is linen made of?
Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant. The best flax is grown in France and Belgium, Northern France in particular where the climate is just right and this is where we source our linen. Learn where and how our linen is made in Our Linen page.
Does linen bedding shed?
Like any other natural fabrics, linen can shed fibres. However, shedding isn't a huge problem with linen bedding. Normally a little shedding happens during the first few washes, but thankfully it's usually minimal. Follow our care guide and only use mild detergents to reduce fibre deterioration.
Is linen bedding good for summer / does it keep you cool?
Linen bedding is a great choice for summer because it's lightweight and breathable, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable. Linen has hollow fibres allowing air to circulate and it is also naturally absorbent allowing moisture to be wicked away from your skin. It's a great choice for warm summer nights!
Can linen bedding be tumble dried?
Line drying in the shade is the best option for linen longevity, however we realise this isn't always possible! So yes, linen bedding can be tumble dried, but it's important to note that it should be tumble dried on a low heat setting. High heat can shrink or damage the fibres. It's also a good idea to remove your linen bedding from the dryer while it is still slightly damp and then hang or lay it flat to finish air-drying (make sure its in the shade though). This will help to prevent wrinkles and ensure that the linen maintains its shape. Additionally, do not overstuff the dryer, let your sheets move around freely. For more information on this check out our Care Guide
Does linen bedding wrinkle?
Linen is known for its distinctive wrinkles, but we think this adds to its natural charm. It's the kind of bedding that looks good thrown on the bed; no styling necessary. But if wrinkles are just not your bag and you like a more polished look, that's ok too. You can steam or iron your sheets on a very low heat and ideally when still slightly damp.
How long does linen bedding last?
Linen fabric is naturally strong and durable, it's actually 3 times stronger than cotton! High-quality linen bedding (like ours) can last for several years.
Proper care and storage is important and will help to prolong its lifespan. Avoid exposing linen to direct sunlight, which can cause fading, and store it in a dry and cool place to prevent any mold growth. See our Care Guide for more info.
Linen bedding can last for a long time if it is well taken care of. It's a durable, long-lasting and comfortable option, making it a great, naturally sustainable investment.
Does linen bedding get softer with time/age?
Yes, linen bedding most certainly does get softer with age. Linen can feel a little stiff to the touch when new, but with use and washing, the linen fibres will loosen and your fabric will soften becoming even better over time. All our linen is pre-washed and stonewashed before it reaches you, so should feel soft and luxurious from the first use!
To speed up the softening process there are few things you can do, see our guide to softening your linen sheets
Does linen bedding shrink?
As with most bedding Linen is no exception and can shrink if it's washed or dried at too high of a temperature or if it's overloaded in the washing machine. Check out our Care Guide on how to prevent this.
Linen fabric is naturally strong and durable, but high heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fibres. It's recommended to wash your bedding in cool/warm water and to tumble dry on a low heat setting. Avoid overloading the washing machine and wash in lots of water (if this is an option on your machine!)
By following these care instructions, you can prevent shrinkage and prolong the life of your linen bedding. Yay!
Does linen fade?
Like any natural fibre linen is susceptible to fading, but there are some simple things you can do to reduce this. Where possible it's best to keep it out of direct sunlight, so line drying in the shade and storing in a linen cupboard. Use a gentle liquid detergent and reduce exposure to heat, think limited tumble drying/ironing/steaming.
Just to note darker colours will fade more than lighter tones.
Why is linen more expensive than other fabrics?
Even though linen today is widely available, it is still considered a lavish, luxury item. The main reason is the high production costs; growing, harvesting and weaving are both laborious and time consuming processes. It's an investment, but when you sink into a freshly made linen bed you feel like you're floating on a cloud and it's an investment you won't regret. See our guide of why choose linen.
Is linen bedding eco-friendly?
Linen is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Flax is a renewable resource and requires far less water and pesticides to grow compared to cotton. The whole flax plant can be utilised, leaving almost no waste. It is also biodegradable.
Contact Us
Do you have another question? Get in touch with us via our Contact Us page and we'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have
Love,
The Linen Project Team