100% European Linen Smocked Midi Dress

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. 

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.

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.