Why We Pre-Wash Our Linen

September 5, 2026

Linen changes when it meets water, heat, and time. That is why fabric preparation is an important part of our process at Emilino.
Before cutting, our linen is washed, dried, and treated with steam. These steps allow us to see how the fabric naturally behaves before it becomes a garment.

Does Linen Shrink?

Yes, linen can shrink, especially during its first washes. We pre-wash our linen so that much of this initial shrinkage happens before the fabric is cut. This helps the finished garment maintain its intended size and proportions through regular wear and care.
Washing also helps remove dust, excess dye, and residues that may remain from manufacturing, finishing, storage, and transportation.

Natural beige linen fabric with steam

After Washing Comes Steam

Once the linen is washed and dried, we treat it with an industrial steam generator.
Heat and moisture relax the fabric and help remove wrinkles and distortions created during washing and drying. This gives us a smooth, properly prepared surface so we can align the grain and cut each piece accurately.
Only then is the linen ready for cutting.

Linen Gets Better With Time

Fresh linen can feel crisp and structured. After washing, it begins to soften and reveal its characteristic texture. With continued wear and care, it becomes even softer and more comfortable.
That is one of the qualities we love about linen: it doesn't have to stay perfectly new to look beautiful.

And Yes, It Wrinkles

Linen wrinkles. That's part of its character, and we don't try to hide it.
Its relaxed texture is one of the reasons we choose this fabric.
We call them premium wrinkles.

How to Care for Your Linen

Linen doesn't need complicated care:

Wash gently at 30-40°C / 86-104°F.
Wash with similar colors.
Use non-chlorine bleach only when needed.
Tumble dry on low heat.
Steam or iron at medium temperature if you prefer a smoother finish.
Or skip the iron and enjoy linen's natural texture.

Made for Real Life

By the time we begin cutting, our linen has already been washed, dried, and steam-treated. It's extra work before sewing, but it means we are working with fabric that has already experienced the basic processes it will encounter in everyday use. For us, good clothing begins with properly prepared fabric.