Does Linen Shrink? What Actually Happens in the Wash
Yes, linen can shrink. Most of it happens the first time the fabric meets hot water or a hot tumble dryer, and very little happens after that if you wash it sensibly. Pre-washed linen has already been through that first shrink before it was cut.
Why linen shrinks
During weaving, flax yarns are held under tension. Heat and water relax them, the yarns contract, and the fabric gets slightly smaller and denser. This is a one time settling, not something that keeps happening wash after wash. Heat is the main driver: a hot wash or a hot dryer releases far more of that tension than a cold wash and line drying.
How much?
It depends on how the fabric was finished. Unwashed linen can shrink by a few percent in length and width on its first hot wash, which on a dress or trousers can be the difference between the right hem and a short one. Linen that has been pre-washed or pre-shrunk at the mill moves much less, because the big settling has already happened.
Be wary of any promise of zero shrinkage in pure linen. Pre-washing reduces it; it does not make the fibre immune to boiling water and a hot dryer.
What pre-washed means
The fabric was washed and dried before it reached the cutting table. That does two things: it takes most of the shrinkage out, and it softens the linen, so it feels less stiff on day one. Our men's shirting is 100% OEKO-TEX certified European linen, pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. For any other piece, the product page tells you what the fabric is.
How to wash linen so it keeps its size
- Wash cold or lukewarm, 30°C or below, on a gentle cycle.
- Do not overload the machine. Linen needs room to move.
- Skip the tumble dryer. Hang it damp and let it dry naturally. This is the single biggest thing you can do.
- If you must use a dryer, use low heat and take it out while still slightly damp.
- Iron or steam while slightly damp, on the reverse.
Our garment care page has the full routine, and the wrinkling question is covered in does linen wrinkle?
Can you unshrink linen?
Partly. Soak the garment in lukewarm water with a little hair conditioner for 20 to 30 minutes, press the water out without wringing, then gently stretch it back toward shape and dry it flat. You can often recover some length. You cannot fully undo a boil wash.
Should shrinkage change the size you buy?
For pre-washed linen, buy your normal size. For unwashed linen, if a close fit or an exact hem matters, allow a little extra length. Made to measure removes the guesswork: if a piece we cut to your measurements is off by more than 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) on any measurement, tell us within 30 days of delivery and we remake it once, free. See the size guide or the custom order page.
Frequently asked questions
Does linen shrink every time you wash it?
No. Almost all shrinkage happens in the first hot wash or hot dry. After that, cold washing and line drying keep linen very stable.
Does pre-washed linen shrink?
Very little. Pre-washing takes most of the shrinkage out before the garment is cut, although a hot wash and hot dryer can still tighten it slightly.
Can I put linen in the tumble dryer?
It is the most common cause of linen shrinking. Hang it damp instead; if you must use a dryer, use low heat and remove it while slightly damp.
What temperature should I wash linen at?
Cold or lukewarm, 30°C or below, on a gentle cycle, with the drum not overloaded.
Can shrunken linen be stretched back?
Partly. Soak it in lukewarm water with a little hair conditioner, press out the water, gently stretch it and dry it flat. A boil wash cannot be fully reversed.