Fashion Tips: How And When To Wear Linen
Linen is a very popular, versatile fabric that never goes out of style. This natural fabric is known for its comfort. It allows the body to breathe, and so linen is especially popular in warm climates.
With the proper care, linen can be a timelessly stylish wardrobe staple.
About Linen
Linen is a natural fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant.
Linen has been used since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians wrapped their mummies in linen bandages. The controversial Shroud of Turin, believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, is made of linen.
Linen is still very popular throughout the world today for household use, such as tablecloths, napkins, and curtains, as well as for clothing.
Linen is a favorite fabric of some top designers. Also popular are blended fabrics made from linen combined with other materials, such as cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic fibers.
China is a leading exporter of linen fabrics; however, linen is made and sold throughout the world.
Wearing Linen
Linen is a versatile fabric. From the business suit to the little black evening dress to casual resort wear, linen is at home in virtually any setting. You can dress it up or dress it down with some simple accessories. And linen never, ever goes out of style.
Pair up your linen pants with a cashmere sweater in the fall, a silk blouse in the spring, or a cotton tee in summer. A scarf or pendant can complete the look, which can go from office to evening effortlessly.
Some people avoid linen clothing because of its tendency to wrinkle very easily when worn. For this reason, linen clothing should be packed with care when traveling.
These days, some linen clothing manufacturers use a special finish on the linen that reduces wrinkling. Some linen blends are also less prone to wrinkling.
Caring for Your Linen Clothing
While some people prefer to have their linen clothing professionally dry cleaned, some linen clothing can be washed at home by hand or by machine. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clothing care.
An advantage to having your linen clothing professionally dry cleaned is that the cleaner will professionally press your clothing as well. If you wash your linen clothing at home, use a hot iron to press the wrinkles out of the fabric. Iron the linen on the wrong side of the fabric or through a cotton handkerchief to protect the fabric’s finish.
Alternatively, you can take your hand- or machine-washed linen clothing to your dry cleaner to be pressed. “Press only” service costs significantly less than full clean-and-press service.
Do not use a steamer to remove wrinkles from your linen clothing.
Traveling with Linen
Because of its tendency to wrinkle, you should pack your linen clothing with care when traveling.
Stuff the sleeves of your linen jackets and the legs of your linen pants with tissue paper, and cover each piece of clothing with a plastic dry cleaner bag. Pack your linen clothing at the last minute, folding it as little as possible.
When you arrive at your destination, unpack and hang your linen clothing as soon as possible. Use a travel iron to press out any wrinkles. Do not use a travel steamer to remove wrinkles.
Now go out there in your best linen clothes and show off your great sense of style.
By: Mary Shaw
