Does Linen stretch?
Linen is undoubtedly an excellent fabric in terms of durability. But what about its stretch? Can Linen Stretch? This post will answer this in great detail today.
Does Linen stretch?
Linen, especially pure Linen, doesn't stretch significantly. However, if it is not handled or maintained well, it can shrink. That means if you buy substandard Linen, over time, it won't be the same size. One solution is to buy pure, high-quality Linen, like from our Linen Bedding Collection.
To truly understand why Linen behaves this way, it's important to understand how it is made.
Making of Linen Fabric
For those of you who are unaware, Linen is made from Flax fibers. As per this research report, Flax fibers primarily consist of cellulose, which has a crystalline structure and is stiff. Usually, while manufacturing Linen, the Flax fibers are tightly woven because otherwise it’s difficult to achieve that crisp texture. This eliminates any possibility of stretching them further.
According to a scientific report, Flax fibers are long. However, they are also rigid, which is another reason why Linen doesn't stretch significantly.
These 2 properties of Linen are the reasons behind its lack of stretch.
Factors that impact Linen's stretch
Depending on the factors highlighted below, Linen can lack stretch or have more stretch than normal.
1. Composition
Above, we spoke about the properties of Flax fibers which make Linen lack stretch. However, that is only possible when you're dealing with pure Linen. The properties of the fabric vary if the composition of the fabric varies.
Simply put, it can have some stretch if you're dealing with blended Linen. While that might seem like a good idea, the rest of the properties of Linen will also vary. The durability also reduces which means the stretch isn’t worth it. That's why it is still best to stick to pure Linen like the one we sell in our Linen Collection.
2. Weave Technique
Pure Linen doesn't have stretch, but the type of weave certainly matters. Let's say the Linen piece you're buying has a tight weave. That means the fibers will have no space to move around. Consequently, such Linen piece will lack stretch. On the other hand, if the weave is loose, there is some space for the fibers to move around, which means they can change shape up to certain extent. That's why, the weave technique will determine whether Linen has that minimal stretch or not.
3. Usage Cycles
Flax fibers by nature are rigid. Over time, this rigidity reduces. Two factors contribute to this reduction in rigidity.
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Agitation
Each time you use a Linen piece, it experiences some friction. This friction breaks down the fiber walls, reducing the rigidity.
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Washing Cycle
After using the Linen piece you're likely to wash it. Washing also contributes to the breakdown of the fiber walls which makes them less rigid.
Due to this, the fabric loosens slightly. However, this loosening doesn't translate into actual stretch, but rather, this is only perceived as stretch due to the relaxation of the fabric. Point being the more the usage cycles, the higher is the loosening.
4. Cut
The type of cut used to make that Linen piece also has a limited impact on whether it has no stretch or little stretch.
Let's take the example of a straight cut. In that case, the fibers are straight. There is no alignment. Therefore, weaving such a Linen piece makes it rigid, eliminating any possibility of stretch.
On the other hand in case of diagonal cut, there is some scope of fiber movement which can create a perception of stretch.
Most pure Linen pieces use the straight cut to impart extremely high durability to the Linen piece. This means that if you buy pure Linen, you most likely won't notice any stretch.
Does Linen Shrink Instead of Stretching?
Yes, Linen does shrink if you don't maintain or care for it well. That's why it's important to know how to wash Linen the right way. Otherwise, it might shrink, which will make it difficult to use.
Myths Surrounding Linen Stretch
It's now time to dispel some myths revolving around the stretchability of Linen.
1. Linen stretches only with use
As highlighted above, with usage cycles, the Flax fibers relax a bit which results in perceived stretch. So, the statement that Linen stretches only with use is a myth because it just relaxes which is very different from stretching.
2. Ironing Linen at high temperature will stretch it
To truly understand why this is a myth, you need to delve into the properties of the Flax fibers.
Flax fibers are rigid and have a crystalline structure. When exposed to heat, you can manipulate them up to a certain extent, but that is temporary.
Another fact that gives rise to this myth is that by subjecting the Flax fibers to the heat of the iron, you can straighten the folds which creates a perception that the Linen has stretched. The truth is that the fibers don't elongate but merely the folds iron out.
Linen can become more pliable when ironed, but that is extremely different from being stretchable.
3. Humidity Stretches Linen
By now, you're aware that the rigidity of the Flax fibers prevents Linen from stretching. Moisture and humidity can change that, but only temporarily. Since Flax fibers are highly absorbent, they absorb moisture quickly. Once they absorb moisture, the fibers do loosen up, which reduces the stiffness, but only for a limited time because Linen is equally quick to dry.
When damp, the fibers loosen up and become soft, which is not the same as stretching. That's why true elasticity is still not achieved.
So, if you want to stretch Linen by soaking it, that won't work either.
Tips to Work with Linen's Lack of Stretch
Linen's lack of stretch is well compensated by its high tensile strength, low carbon footprint, breathability, and unique texture.
Besides, there are tips to make the best use of Linen despite the lack of stretch.
1. Select the Fit Carefully
When buying Linen bed sheets or garments, always be specific with the dimensions. That's because since Linen doesn't stretch, there is no margin of error. When it comes to bedding this is pretty easy to do because of the standard measurements for queen size, king size, and so on.
2. Buy Pre-Washed Linen
The easiest way to deal with the lack of stretch is to buy pre-washed or pre-shrunk Linen. Such Linen doesn’t undergo any change in dimensions. That’s because, the majority of the shrinkage that Linen experiences is during the first wash.
So, you will not have to worry about shrinkage or relaxation of fibers. In a nutshell, the dimensions of the Linen piece won't change much thereafter, making it easy to use.
In case you're wondering where you would find such pre-washed Linen pieces, check out our Pre-Washed Linen Bedding Collection.
How to maintain Linen so that it retains shape?
While Linen doesn’t stretch, it’s important to maintain it so that Linen retains its shape. Do that by following the 3 tips below.
1. Don't ignore washing prep
Instead of subjecting it to frequent washing and drying cycles, pre-treat the stains separately to ensure you wash Linen using the gentle cycle. Such washing prep will reduce the shrinkage.
2. Wash it gently
Ideally hand wash Linen to avoid impacting the rigidity of the Flax fibers. Once you take care of that, you won't have to worry about relaxation or shrinkage.
3. Iron it right
The only way a Linen piece will retain its shape is when you iron it at the lowest heat setting and when it is moist. Ideally, you should just use a garment steamer unless it's necessary to iron it.
4. Store it right
Lastly, storing it in a cool and dry place will ensure the Flax fibers don't get damaged or dirty. That means you can minimize the number of washing cycles, which helps the Linen piece retain its shape for longer.
FAQs
How much will Linen stretch?
Linen doesn't stretch; it merely relaxes over time. However, if you don't maintain it well, shrinkage is a possibility.
Should you size up or down in Linen?
Ideally, the actual dimensions of the bed should be a bit smaller than the actual measurements of the Linen piece. That's because Linen doesn't stretch, but shrinkage is a possibility. Additionally, Linen can relax and attain a particular shape, but that's usually a one-off thing.
Should Linen be thick or thin?
Thicker Linen is always better when it comes to bedding or tableware. That's because thicker Linen pieces have high tensile strength and maintain their structural integrity.
On the flip side, thicker Linen doesn’t cause a lot of friction either. According to this report, Linen has one of the lowest friction coefficients, which means you get durable fabric without experiencing extensive friction.
Buy Pure Quality Linen
So, Linen doesn't stretch. At the most it's fiber can relax. However, if you follow our guide above, it's easy to understand how to use Linen pieces in the best way possible despite the lack of stretch. In fact, as highlighted above, the lack of stretch in Linen works in its favor.
Don't want to worry about Linen pieces shrinking or relaxing significantly? Choose from our Pre-Washed Linen Collection to buy easy-to-use Linen pieces.
