Will Linen Shrink? Everything You Need to Know

Does Linen Shrink?

Linen is a beautiful, breathable fabric made from natural fibers—perfect for stylish and timeless garments. At Sonfre, many customers ask us the same question when they first add linen to their wardrobe: does linen shrink?

Does Linen Shrink?

Yes, linen naturally shrinks, especially when exposed to incorrect washing methods. However, most linen garments today—especially from quality brands like Sonfre—are pre-softened to minimize shrinkage.

Still, improper care like hot water washing or tumble drying can lead to unwanted size changes. To preserve your linen's shape and fit, it's essential to wash it properly.

For a more detailed breakdown on washing techniques, see our full care guide:
👉 How to Wash Linen: Care Guide

How to Prevent Linen from Shrinking

Follow these proven care tips to keep your linen garments looking and fitting perfectly:

• Wash in lukewarm or cool water – Hot water causes fiber contraction, which leads to shrinkage.

• Use a gentle or delicate cycle – This minimizes friction and helps retain the linen’s texture.

• Avoid tumble dryers – High heat is harsh on linen. Air drying preserves its fibers and structure.

• Handwash when possible – Swirl your garment gently in cool water with a mild detergent for the safest clean.

• Choose mild detergents – Avoid bleach and harsh chemical cleaners that can weaken or discolor fibers.

• Air dry properly – Lay flat on a clean towel or hang in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Iron while damp – This reduces creases more easily and helps maintain the fabric's shape. Use low to medium heat.

• Store in a cool, dry place – Linen breathes best in low-humidity environments. Avoid storing in plastic or near heat sources.

These simple adjustments will significantly extend the lifespan of your linen clothing and help it maintain its original fit and beauty.

What to Do If Your Linen Shrinks

Even with the best care, natural fibers like linen can shrink slightly—especially after the first wash. If your favorite garment shrank more than expected, don’t worry. In many cases, you can gently stretch it back to near-original size using one of the following methods.

Two Easy Methods to Stretch Linen Back

Method 1: Soak & Iron

1. Fill a tub or bucket with lukewarm water.

2. Soak the garment for 10–15 minutes.

3. Gently squeeze out the water—do not wring or twist it.

4. Let the garment air dry for about 15–20 minutes until it’s damp, not fully dry.

5. Lay it flat on an ironing board. Using a warm (not hot) iron, gently press the fabric in outward strokes starting from the center.

6. For darker garments, place a thin cloth or cotton sheet between the iron and the fabric to prevent shine or heat marks.

This method often restores up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) of the garment’s original size.

Method 2: Spray & Iron

1. Fill a clean spray bottle with lukewarm water.

2. Lightly mist the garment laid flat on a smooth surface like a table or ironing board.

3. Once it’s damp (not soaked), gently iron on low heat using outward strokes from the center.

This is a faster alternative if soaking isn’t an option, and it works best on slightly shrunken items.

Why Does Linen Shrink?

Linen is made from flax plant fibers, which naturally contract when exposed to extreme temperatures. Without pre-shrinking or softening, linen garments will often shrink the first time they’re washed or dried incorrectly.

• On average, linen shrinks about 4%.

• Higher shrinkage (up to 10–15%) can occur due to poor washing habits or low fabric quality.

• Both heat and cold can stress the fibers and alter the garment’s size.

Linen’s natural reaction to temperature is one of the reasons it’s considered a luxury textile requiring a bit of extra care.

Read more about its premium nature here:
👉 Why Linen Is Expensive

Does Linen Shrink in Water or the Dryer?

In Hot Water: Yes. High temperatures cause the fibers to tighten and shrink.

In Cold Water: Yes. Sudden exposure to cold can also shock the fibers and alter their elasticity.

In the Dryer: Absolutely. Tumble drying is one of the most common causes of significant linen shrinkage—sometimes up to 15%. Heat and tumbling action damage the structure of the fabric, especially at temperatures above 30°C (85°F).

If you must use a dryer, always choose the lowest setting, and remove the garment while it’s still slightly damp to finish air drying.

Linen vs. Cotton: Which Shrinks More?

Both linen and 100% cotton shrink in similar ways. They are natural plant-based fibers and are sensitive to temperature extremes and moisture.

However, cotton is often blended with polyester or other synthetic fibers, which makes it less prone to shrinking compared to pure linen. That said, if you're comparing pure cotton vs. pure linen, the shrinkage risk is nearly identical—around 4–10% depending on how it's treated.

For a full comparison of both fabrics, check out:
👉 Linen vs. Cotton: Which Fabric Suits You Best?

Can You Intentionally Shrink Linen?

Yes. If your linen garment is too large, you can intentionally shrink it by:

• Washing it in hot or very cold water

• Drying it on high heat (above 30°C or 85°F)

Keep in mind that while this can reduce the garment’s size, it can also fade colors, weaken fibers, and shorten the garment’s lifespan.

If a linen piece is significantly oversized, it’s usually better to exchange for a smaller size than to rely on shrinkage as a sizing method.

Conclusion

Linen is a timeless, elegant fabric—but like all natural materials, it requires proper care. With this guide, you now know:

• Why and how linen shrinks

• How to prevent shrinkage

• How to restore shrunken linen

• When and how to intentionally shrink linen

Take care of your linen, and it will continue to serve you in style and comfort for many years. 🌿

Looking for more advice? Explore our complete care guide here:
👉 Linen Care Guide