ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
So you’ve pinned those classic linen pants and breezy linen shirts on Pinterest. But what is linen made of, exactly, and where does linen come from? At Quince, our famously soft linen comes from European flax, a plant fiber that’s actually less resource intensive and more sustainable than cotton. Flax linen has lots of benefits—it’s breathable, lightweight, hypoallergenic, helps regulate heat to keep you comfy, and only gets softer with every wash. It also has a natural crinkle that gives it the laidback-luxe vibe it’s loved for.
This is a “yes, but…” answer. Yes, linen does shrink. But we intentionally pre-wash our linen to minimize shrinkage—you shouldn’t experience anything major once you have your linen at home. Bonus: The extra pre-wash helps boost softness straight away.
Worried about how to care for linen? Don’t be—it’s super easy! Read the next question below for our washing and drying recommendations.
The golden rule about how to wash linen is to avoid washing in hot water (which can cause shrinking) and opt for a cold or warm wash instead. Linen likes a gentle cycle with similar colors, and you’ll want to take it out of the washer asap if you want to downplay the natural crinkled look.
Maybe washing feels like no big deal, but you’re still anxious about how to dry linen shirts or other linen pieces. If you guessed that hot dryer temps might be best to avoid, you’re right. We recommend a tumble dry on a low setting or hanging your linen to dry. Add our 100% New Zealand wool dryer balls to your dry cycle to help, and if you want a smoother look, you can use a warm (not hot) iron or steamer.
Wrinkles are to be expected and are actually a sign of quality, 100% unadulterated linen. Part of the allure of linen is that gorgeous rumpled aesthetic—those natural wrinkles give it the lowkey-luxe vibe that makes it recognizable.
When it comes to linen, we’re definitely team ‘embrace the wrinkles.’ But if you still prefer a smoother look, here’s how to keep linen from wrinkling and how to get wrinkles out of linen once they’re already there. First, make sure you remove anything linen asap once the machine wash cycle is done—sitting in the machine too long will make more wrinkles stick. If that happens, you can use a warm (not hot) iron while the linen is still a bit damp, and keep it moving so you don’t burn the fabric. If ironing is a task you avoid at all costs, here’s how to get wrinkles out of linen without ironing: a gentle steam can release the biggest ones. Or you can try the hack we swear by—toss a couple of ice cubes in your dryer with your linen to create a quick, no-fuss steam session.
5. What do I wear with linen?
Yay! You bought your first piece of linen. Now what do you wear with your new linen? Here are some basics:
How to style linen pants: Wear linen head to toe on vacay with a matching cropped tank or team with a tucked-in cotton tee and a blazer for the office.
How to style linen shirts: Endless potential here, but we love leaving one unbuttoned over a textured tank and crisp shorts. Or take it to work by tucking into a high-waist trouser.
How to style linen jackets: These are a natural with linen pants but look just as good with jeans and heels.
How to style linen dresses: We love contrasting the laidback feel of linen with the polished shimmer of our essential gold jewelry. Slip on a comfy shoe and add a cotton cardigan if the weather’s cool.
Staying in? Don't forget to get some linen loungewear so you can relax at home in style.
6. How do I store or pack linen?
Our linen clothing is so versatile, we’re hoping you’ll use it for more seasons than one—but if you’re wondering how to pack linen away, we’re here to help. If you have the space, keep it hanging with a padded hanger. If not, you’ll want to store in a moisture- and bug-resistant container in a spot that’s dry and cool.
And while we’re on the topic, here’s one last tip about how to fold linen, whether you’re storing it or packing for vacation: roll it instead. This will help limit wrinkles during storage and should save you space, too.
FAQs
If you have a classic black or navy blazer, you're in versatile territory. In this case, a neutral colour palette can be your go-to.
Is linen good for blazers? ›
If you're stationed in the office and bound by a formal dress code, linen blazers are a godsend, as you can adhere to a conventional uniform with simple updates and swap-outs. The use of considered and breathable fibres will keep you cool during the day and you can extend the wear of a linen blazer post-work hours.
How should a blazer look on a woman? ›
Chest/Waist: The blazer should slightly nip in at your waist and fit comfortably over your chest. Sleeves: The sleeves should reach your wrist and have a little room for movement. Length: The bottom of the blazer should hit just above your hips; or, a long blazer can be slightly extended, creating a flattering shape.
How to wear a linen blazer? ›
I love how it dresses up over a summer dress or down over jeans. It even looks great over some crisp Bermuda shorts. It comes in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. The single button closure makes this an easy blazer to wear, open or closed, and to be honest, I seldom close mine.
What is the most versatile blazer color? ›
You'll find grey to be the most versatile colour when choosing a blazer, as it adds a modern touch to almost every outfit. Layer over a tailored-fit shirt and alongside a smart pair of trousers for a flawless formal look.
Is it OK to wear different color blazer and pants? ›
To recap, it's perfectly fine to wear suit separates. Some men even prefer wearing different suit trousers than their jacket. When these two garments feature a different color or style, it creates a more complex appearance.
What is the best color for a linen blazer? ›
MORE THAN JUST WHITE AND TAN
Everyone knows linen looks good in beige and eggshell, but you shouldn't be afraid to don it in grey, blue, black and — if you feel like channeling your inner Redford — light pink. Just make sure to avoid super bright colors; linen speaks loudly enough on its own.
Can you wear a linen blazer with jeans? ›
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the blazer. In fact, it's one of my favorite pieces to finish off a look. It's great with jeans, over a dress, and even just paired with leggings.
What is the best lining for linen blazer? ›
Bemberg Cupro Linings
It is ideal for lining jackets and skirts made from wool or linen, where a polyester lining would negate the breathable qualities of natural fibres. It has a luxury silky finish, is anti-static and anti-cling and wicks away any sweat or moisture from the wearer's skin.
Should a woman's blazer be buttoned? ›
Some women prefer to wear a suit jacket fully buttoned. In this case, there should be no pulling or gaping across the buttons or any of the seams. Other women, like me, prefer to wear the suit jacket fully unbuttoned.
A linen suit may feel more casual and relaxed when you put it on, but you can still achieve a more formal, business-ready look while wearing one. In professional occasions, the way you accessorize and finish your suit will go a long way toward determining the mood it communicates.
What to wear with a natural linen blazer? ›
The lightweight, natural fabric breathes and allows heat to escape from the body. Our blazers are made up a 100% linen outer which will help keep you cool. Teaming the linen blazer with chinos or even chino shorts works well.
Should you iron a linen blazer? ›
Many worry that ironing isn't an option for linen — but it is. Just be sure to go for the medium heat setting. A pressing cloth can also help protect your suit from scorch marks and get you the best results. If you're unsure about ironing your linen suit, then steaming is always an option.
What color blazer goes with anything? ›
Navy is typically a failsafe option, because the colour is incredibly versatile and will complement a range of denim shades. Grey is also a great choice, thanks to the fact that there are so many different hues to choose from. If you want to go for a more classic look, tweed can also look great with denim.
What color jacket goes with everything? ›
My clients often ask me, “What color jacket goes with everything?” The answer to this question depends entirely on the color theme of one's wardrobe, but generally, the most versatile color jacket is green. The shade of green that works best for you depends on your skin tone and the main tones of your wardrobe.
What color blazer should I wear? ›
Think Versatility
Neutral colours such as navy, grey and black are timeless and pair well with a variety of colours and patterns. If you already have a navy blazer, you can consider a lighter colour like beige or tan for a more casual look.
Is a black or navy blazer more versatile? ›
While most blazers can be styled for any occasion, grey and navy are the most versatile colors, with brown and tan better suited for more casual settings.
