Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is light, breathable and cool to wear, which makes it a natural choice for warm days in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. It also softens with every wash. With the right care, a linen shirt, dress or blazer lasts for years.
This guide covers washing, drying, ironing and storing linen and linen blends, with tips on choosing linen pieces from Fit Yangu that fit well from the start.
Why linen suits warm weather
Linen fibres are long, strong and smooth. The fabric has a loose structure that lets air pass through, and it dries quickly after you perspire. That is why linen feels cool against the skin on a hot afternoon.
Linen blends, such as linen with cotton or viscose, keep much of that breathability while creasing a little less. Many of Fit Yangu's smart-casual pieces use a linen-cotton blend for this reason.
Start with the right fit
Care keeps linen looking good, but fit decides how it looks in the first place. Linen has little stretch, so a piece that is too tight pulls and creases across the body, while one that is too loose loses its shape.
At Fit Yangu, every linen-blend piece lists its garment measurements for each size. Our size finder compares those with your measurements and shows the size that gives a comfortable amount of room at the chest, waist and hips.
Embrace the texture
Linen creases. That relaxed texture is part of its character. A lightly creased linen shirt looks natural and comfortable. For sharper occasions, a quick press or steam brings it back to a clean line.
Washing linen
- Check the care label first. Some tailored linen pieces, such as lined blazers, need dry cleaning. Fit Yangu lists the care instructions on every product page, so you know before you buy.
- Wash cool or warm. A gentle cycle at 30 to 40°C suits most linen garments. Hot water can shrink linen.
- Use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, which weakens linen fibres. For whites, choose a detergent made for whites.
- Give it room. Avoid overfilling the machine, so the fabric moves freely and creases less.
- Wash dark colours inside out to protect them from fading.
- Hand washing works well too. Swirl gently in cool soapy water, rinse well, and press the water out without wringing.
Drying linen
- Line dry. Shake the garment out, smooth the seams with your hands, and hang it on a hanger or line.
- Avoid strong direct sun for dark colours. Dry them in shade or inside out.
- Use a tumble dryer sparingly. If you must, use a low setting and remove the garment while it is still slightly damp.
Ironing and steaming
- Iron while slightly damp. Linen presses most easily when it still holds a little moisture.
- Use a hot iron with steam for pure linen, and a medium setting for blends. Check the care label.
- Iron dark linen inside out to avoid shine.
- Steam for a quick refresh. A handheld steamer releases light creases from shirts and dresses in minutes.
Storing linen
- Hang shirts, dresses and blazers on wide hangers to keep the shoulders in shape.
- Fold casual linen loosely and avoid sharp creases in the same place every time.
- Store it clean and dry. Linen dislikes damp. Give it space in the wardrobe so air can move, especially during the rainy seasons.
Removing common stains
Treat stains quickly. Blot gently with a clean cloth, then rinse the area from the back with cool water before washing. For oily marks, a little washing-up liquid worked in gently before the wash helps.
Linen made to measure
If you want a suit, dress or shirt cut exactly to your body, the Fit Yangu bespoke atelier makes it to your measurements in the fabric you choose, with one or two fittings along the way.
Shop linen at Fit Yangu
Fit Yangu's linen-blend pieces arrive fresh, in your size, with the fabric composition and care instructions listed on every product page. Get your measurements once, and every linen piece in the shop shows the size that fits you.