Will Linen Shrink?

Linen has many properties that make it popular, like being breathable (report), sustainable (report), versatile, and so on. But, before you make that buying decision it's important to find out, will Linen Shrink?

Our post today will answer that exactly and go into the nitty gritty of this issue.

Will Linen shrink?

Yes, Linen can shrink, but only by 3 to 4% at max. That's barely any shrinkage at all.

However, there are also ways to minimize or completely avoid that. Before highlighting the ways, we will help you understand why Linen can shrink.

Why does Linen shrink?

Since Linen is made from natural fibers, it can shrink. Some reasons for shrinkage include:

1. Absorption of water:

Linen can absorb water equal to 20% of its dry weight. When it absorbs water, the flax fibers expand. However, when dried, the fibers lose water and shrink more than the original size. That is one of the most common causes of Linen shrinkage.

2. Heat Sensitivity:

Linen is temperature-sensitive. That's why if you don't follow proper washing and drying procedures, Linen can shrink. Usually, if it's subjected to significant heat, the shrinkage is more than the amount mentioned above.

3. Agitation:

The aggressive spin cycle of the machine can strain the fibers, which causes agitation. The resulting effect can cause the fibers to shrink.

4. No pre-washing:

Linen fabric is more likely to shrink when washed for the first time. However, with special treatment while washing it for the first time, shrinkage can also be reduced. That's why it's better to buy pre-washed Linen, which has shrunk to a small extent.

Factors Affecting Linen Shrinkage

Now that you know the reasons, it's time to understand the factors that impact Linen shrinkage.

1. Type of Linen

The weave type has a definite impact on the shrinkage of Linen. Let's take the example of loose weaves. Such weaves have more space between the fiber. Consequently, the fibers shift and contract in size when washed, leading to shrinkage.

Tighter weaves, as the name suggests, are denser, which is why there is little space for the fibers to move, resulting in less shrinkage.

Simply put, buying Linen with tighter weaves is one of the best ways to reduce or avoid shrinkage.

2. Quality of Linen

Premium-quality Linen, like the one we sell, has longer fibers, which tend to shrink less. These longer fibers are also more durable and tightly woven, making them less likely to shrink. If you don't want to worry about Linen shrinkage, buy pure Linen from us.

Substandard Linen, on the other hand, consists of shorter fibers that are more susceptible to shrinkage, wear, and tear.

3. Fiber Treatment

Fiber treatment involves stabilizing the fabric. While untreated Linen fabric will, of course, shrink more, the type of fiber treatment also determines the level of shrinkage. I will cover a few types below:

Prewashing: It's the most common type of fabric treatment. In this process, the seller or manufacturer washes Linen in controlled conditions before selling it so that the shrinkage is minimized and doesn't happen in the future.

Mercerization: This process involves treating the Linen with a caustic solution to enhance durability, strengthen fibers, and help it absorb more dye (if applicable). Doing so makes the fabric smoother and less prone to shrinkage.

Sanforization: It stretches, shrinks, and stabilizes Linen fiber using steam and pressure.

Resin & Chemical Finishing: This method is not widely used for Linen. It involves coating the Linen Fibers with more stable resins or chemicals, which reduces moisture absorption and, by extension, shrinkage. Since this method alters some natural properties of Linen like water absorption, it is used less frequently.

Of course, all these methods minimize fiber shrinkage by a different amount. That's why the type of fiber treatment is an important factor.

4. Water Temperature During Washing

Hot water is Linen's enemy when it comes to shrinkage. Hot water expands the fibers during washing, which then contract during drying. However, during the drying process, the fibers don't just shrink to their original size; they shrink even more, so you should always use cold water while washing Linen.

But how cold?

The water temperature should be below 100°F. Keep the dryer temperature below 85°F, and you won't have to worry about Linen shrinkage.

5. Drying Method

Air drying is best suited for Linen. It doesn't cause any mechanical strain on the Linen fabric and doesn't expose it to high heat. Simply spread it flat in a well-ventilated area, and you won't have to worry about shrinkage.

If that isn't a feasible option, try tumble drying on low heat. If your Linen is pre-shrunk or pre-washed, it can withstand this method with little to no shrinkage. Check out our Pre-Washed Linen Bedding collection.

However, if you haven't bought pre-washed Linen, this method will result in some shrinkage, but not 4%.

Pro tip:

Remove the Linen from the dryer when it is still damp to eliminate that little shrinkage. Remove that moisture by ironing it.

6. Frequency of washing

The good news is that if you buy pre-washed or treated pure Linen like the one we sell, subsequent washes won't shrink it much unless you use hot water. Still, to avoid or minimize shrinkage, it's best to wash Linen sheets and sets only once every 1 to 2 weeks. Of course, you don't have an option if they get soiled earlier. If you wash Linen more frequently, the shrinkage is higher.

So, these are the factors that impact the Linen shrinkage.

What's the right way to wash Linen?

Throughout this post, we have repeatedly discussed the importance of washing Linen correctly. But what is the exact procedure you need to follow?

We will cover that below.

Step 1: Separate Linen from other fabrics and sort them as per their color. Don't wash Linen fabrics of all colors together.

Step 2: If you're washing Linen garments or pillowcases, turn them inside out.

Step 3: Load Linen such that the washer is only half full. The rest of the Linen garments can be washed in the next round.

Step 4: Choose a gentle machine cycle with cold water or, at most, lukewarm water. Use only mild detergent that doesn't contain bleaching agents.

Step 5: Rinse with cold water.

Step 6: Air dry the linen sheets instead of using a dryer. Use line drying or simply lay them flat in a well-ventilated area.

Can you reverse Linen Shrinkage?

Complete reversal of Linen shrinkage isn't possible but partial reversal is.

Follow the procedure below to reverse the shrinkage.

Step 1: Use lukewarm water to rinse Linen.

Step 2: Instead of squeezing the Linen dry, simply line-dry it in a well-ventilated area. Move to the next step before the fabric is completely dry.

Step 3: Iron it with the lowest heat when the fabric is damp. Start from the center and move towards the edges, applying slight pressure when ironing. The motion should be such that you are stretching the Linen.

Tips to minimize Linen Shrinkage

While we covered a way to reverse Linen shrinkage to a certain extent, you can follow a few tips to minimize it.

1. Go with pre-washed Linen

We at Linen Notes sell pre-washed Linen. It's a wise choice to buy such Linen because we wash it under controlled conditions. Additionally, we manufacture linen sets so that the bedsheets and bath towels are as per standard sizes, even after shrinkage.

Additionally, Linen hardly shrinks with subsequent washes, so you do not need to worry about anything after buying pre-washed Linen.

2. Always iron while damp

Ironing the flax fibers when damp relaxes them and eliminates tightening. That means you need not worry about shrinkage.

3. Prioritize hand washing

Any agitation can cause Linen to shrink. Alternatively, hand washing will prevent shrinkage as the amount of strain on the fiber is very low. Sure enough, that requires more effort, but it's worth it.

4. Use rolling to remove water

Let's assume line drying isn't an option for you. Instead of using tumble dry, rolling the Linen to remove excess water is a better option. That way, you won't have to worry about shrinkage and can eliminate most dampness.

5. Rotate and use

By now, you might be aware that the more you wash Linen, the more likely the fibers are to experience agitation, which increases the probability of shrinking. So, one of the simplest ways to reduce shrinkage is to rotate the Linen items you use. That way, each Linen piece experiences fewer washing cycles, preserving it in its original state.

Simply buy Linen sheets, towels, etc in greater quantity so that each item is used less.

We can help you with that as well. Check our vast Linen Bedding Collection.

FAQs on Linen Shrinkage

Does Linen shrink with every wash?

Linen usually shrinks after the first wash. It doesn't usually shrink in subsequent washes, but there is a small probability of that happening.

At what temperature does Linen shrink?

Linen shrinkage occurs when the water temperature is above 100°F. Tumble drying it above 85°F also causes shrinkage.

Can you wash 100% linen?

Yes, it's possible to wash 100% Linen using cold water, a gentle washing cycle, and mild detergent. Avoid softeners or chemical-based cleaners. Alternatively, you can hand wash it as well. Line drying is the best option for drying.

Buy Pure Linen Today!

Linen shrinks, but that's limited to 4%, which can also be avoided in multiple ways. Just follow our guide above, and you won't have to worry about the question: Will Linen shrink? 

Considering that pure Linen can last for decades, it offers excellent value for money.

Want to buy pre-washed Linen to avoid shrinkage? Check out our pre-washed Linen Bedding Collection to buy such Linen today!