How to Care for Your Linen Blend Pieces: Tips for Long-Lasting Summer Staples

Quick answer

To keep your linen blend pieces looking their best, always check the care label, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and hang to dry. Iron while slightly damp or use steam to remove wrinkles. Store them folded or hung in a cool, dry place.

Linen blends are a summer essential—they're breathable, lightweight, and effortlessly chic. But without proper care, they can lose their shape, become scratchy, or fade prematurely. Whether you've invested in a flowy dress or a pair of comfortable pants, knowing how to care for your linen blend pieces will extend their life and keep them looking fresh season after season.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for washing, drying, ironing, and storing your linen blend garments. We'll also share specific tips for some of our favorite pieces, like the Andrea Linen Blend Dress and the Minimalist Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants.

Understanding Linen Blends

Linen blends combine the natural breathability of linen with the durability and wrinkle-resistance of other fibers like cotton, rayon, or polyester. This makes them easier to care for than pure linen, but they still require a gentle touch. Always check the care label for specific instructions, as different blends may have unique requirements.

Our Andrea Linen Blend Dress, for example, is made from a stretch linen blend that's designed to keep you cool and comfortable. The fabric's stretch allows for a flattering fit that moves with you, but it also means you should avoid high heat when washing or drying to prevent damage.

• Check the care label for fiber composition and specific instructions.
• When in doubt, opt for cold water and air drying.

Washing Your Linen Blend Pieces

The best way to wash linen blend clothing is in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent that's free of bleach and optical brighteners, which can weaken the fibers over time. If you're hand washing, gently squeeze the garment without wringing or twisting, as this can cause wrinkles and misshaping.

For items like the Sunny Divine Jersey Jumpsuit, which is made from a stretch viscose jersey, you'll want to be extra careful. The fabric is soft and fluid, but it's also prone to snagging, so wash it with similar lightweight items or in a mesh laundry bag.

• Turn garments inside out before washing to reduce friction.
• Use a mesh bag for delicate items like jersey pieces.

Drying and Ironing

After washing, avoid the dryer. High heat can shrink linen blends and cause them to lose their shape. Instead, lay the garment flat on a clean towel or hang it to dry in a shaded area. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the item while it's still slightly damp.

When it comes to ironing, linen blends often look best with a bit of wrinkle, but if you prefer a crisper look, iron while the fabric is still damp or use a steam iron. Set the iron to a medium or low heat and press on the reverse side to avoid shine. For garments like the Minimalist Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants, which are made from a ponte knit, you may not need to iron at all—just hang them up to let wrinkles fall out.

• Hang or lay flat to dry; avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Use steam to remove wrinkles without ironing if possible.

Storing Your Linen Blend Pieces

Proper storage is key to maintaining the shape and quality of your linen blend garments. Fold heavier items like pants and sweaters to avoid stretching, and hang lighter pieces like dresses and blouses on padded hangers. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

For pieces like the Better-Than-Wool Cardigan, which is a cozy alternative to wool, folding is essential to prevent the shoulders from stretching. This cardigan is pill-resistant and easy to care for, but storing it properly will keep it looking new for years.

• Use padded hangers for delicate items.
• Keep linen blends out of plastic bags to allow breathability.

Step-by-Step Linen Blend Care Routine

1. Check the care label: Always read the manufacturer's instructions first. Look for fiber content and any specific warnings about heat or bleach. This prevents accidental damage from the start.
2. Wash in cold water on gentle cycle: Use a mild detergent and turn garments inside out. Place delicate items in a mesh bag. Cold water preserves color and prevents shrinkage.
3. Dry flat or hang to dry: Avoid the dryer. Lay items flat on a towel or hang them on a non-wire hanger in a shaded area. Air drying maintains shape and prevents wrinkles.
4. Iron while damp or use steam: If you need to iron, set the iron to medium/low and press on the reverse side. Or use a steamer to remove wrinkles. Steam is gentler and quicker for most linen blends.
5. Store properly: Fold heavier items and hang lighter ones on padded hangers. Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Proper storage extends the life of your garments.

Product-Specific Care Notes

• Andrea Linen Blend Dress: Loose and oh so easy to wear, the Amparo Stretch linen blend Dress was designed to keep you cool and casually chic for summer. We created a dress with plenty of volume that sits away from the body, but with thoughtfully crafted details that direct our soft, stretchy linen blend fabric to the places where that volume serves you best—in the balloon of the cropped sleeve and the sweep of the hem. The stretch in the fabric means it's forgiving, but you should still wash in cold water and avoid high heat to maintain the fabric's elasticity and shape.
• Minimalist Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants: Made from the highest quality mid-weight ponte that's both soft and pilling resistant, these pants are the ultimate in dress up / dress down style. Featuring a high waist with a flat band that won't twist or turn, discreet pocket. Ponte knit is low-maintenance; simply machine wash cold and hang to dry to keep them looking sharp without ironing.

With these tips, your linen blend pieces will stay beautiful and comfortable for many summers to come. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way. If you're looking for new linen blend additions, check out the Andrea Linen Blend Dress for a breezy and stylish option that's easy to care for.