Your Guide to Living With Linen

What to expect from Pure Linen, from the first wash to the softer, lived-in feel it develops over time.

Linen is a little different from other bedding.

It has natural texture when it's new. It changes as you wash and sleep in it. The fibres relax, the fabric becomes softer, and over time it develops the lived-in feel that many people come to love about linen.

If Pure Linen is new to you, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

So we've brought together some of the questions we're asked most often, from softness and shedding to washing, colour and care.

Why doesn't new linen feel as soft as I expected?

Pure Linen naturally has a little more texture when it's new.

One of linen's defining qualities is that it continues to soften as it is washed and used. Over time, the natural flax fibres relax and the fabric develops a softer, more lived-in feel while retaining the texture and breathability linen is known for.

You don't need to use fabric softener to speed up the process. Regular washing according to the care instructions is all that's needed.

It's one of the things that makes linen different. The fabric you unpack on the first day isn't quite the fabric you'll be sleeping in months later.

Is it normal for new linen to shed or leave fluff?

It can be quite common to notice some lint or fluff when you first start using linen.

Linen is made from natural flax fibres, and some loose surface fibres can be released during the first few washes and use. This should gradually settle as the linen is washed and lived in.

We recommend washing Pure Linen separately for the first few washes. This helps remove loose fibres without transferring them onto other fabrics.

There is a difference between initial lint and persistent pilling, however. If you're still seeing significant shedding after several washes, or small balls of fibre remain attached to the surface, get in touch with us and we'll be happy to take a closer look.

How should I wash Pure Linen?

You don't need a complicated care routine.

Wash Pure Linen separately on a gentle cycle using cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals and fabric softener.

We also recommend washing your new bedding before using it for the first time. With Pure Linen, those first few washes help release loose surface fibres and begin the natural softening process.

Can Pure Linen go in the dryer?

Yes.

Pure Linen can be tumble dried on a low-temperature setting. Keep the temperature low and avoid over-drying, which is gentler on the natural fibres.

Air drying is also a good option where practical.

Why does my linen look different from the colour online?

Colour can change considerably depending on its surroundings.

Natural daylight, artificial lighting, the colours already in your bedroom and even your screen settings can affect how linen appears. That's why the same colour can look slightly different in a bright, sunlit bedroom than it does in softer evening light.

Where we have lifestyle videos available, they're another useful way to see a colour in more natural, real-life settings and under different light.

Because linen is a natural fibre and colours are produced in dye batches, subtle variations between batches can also occur. This can be more noticeable if you're adding a new piece to linen you purchased at a different time.

Why isn't Ivory White a bright white?

Ivory White is intentionally softer and warmer than an optical or stark white.

We don't over-bleach our Pure Linen to create an artificial bright white. This helps preserve the natural character of the flax fibres.

Depending on the light and surrounding colours in your bedroom, Ivory White can therefore appear slightly warmer or creamier.

Will the colour of my linen change over time?

Like most natural textiles, linen may develop subtle changes in colour over time.

Washing in cooler water and avoiding prolonged direct sunlight will help keep the colour looking its best.

If you notice significant or unusual discolouration over a short period despite following the care instructions, we'd rather take a closer look.

Does linen shrink or stretch?

As a natural fibre, linen can relax slightly with use and settle again after washing. Small changes in feel or fit can be part of the natural behaviour of the fabric.

Following the care instructions and avoiding high temperatures will help maintain the shape and fit of your bedding.

If you experience a significant change in size despite following the care instructions, please contact us.

What does 155 GSM mean?

Our Pure Linen is 155 GSM and made from 100% European flax linen.

GSM stands for grams per square metre and refers to the weight of the fabric.

While cotton is often discussed in terms of thread count, linen is better understood through a combination of the quality of the flax fibre, its weave and the weight of the fabric.

Our 155 GSM linen is designed to balance breathability, comfort and everyday durability.

A single number doesn't tell you everything about linen, but it helps explain the weight and character of the fabric you're bringing home.

What if something doesn't seem right?

Living with a natural fabric means accepting some variation.

Some initial linting, natural texture when new, gradual softening, subtle colour change and minor dye-batch variation can all occur with linen.

But that doesn't mean every issue should be dismissed as a characteristic of the fabric.

Persistent or excessive shedding, significant pilling, unusual rapid discolouration, tears, loose stitching or problems with elastic deserve a closer look.

If something about your Pure Linen doesn't seem right, contact our Customer Care team with your order number and a few clear photos of the affected area.

We'll take a look at your individual experience and work out the best way to help.

Linen Gets Better Acquainted With You

Part of the appeal of linen is that it doesn't remain exactly as it was on the day you opened the package.

It softens with washing and use. The fibres relax. The fabric becomes more lived in.

Over time, it starts to feel less like something new you've put on the bed and more like something that belongs there.

And perhaps that's the point.