Does Linen Shrink? Everything You Need to Know Before Washing

You’ve bought something beautiful in linen — soft, breathable, elegant. But now you’re wondering… will it shrink after the first wash?

The short answer: Yes, linen can shrink — but only if not handled properly.

The good news? With the right care (and the right brand), you can prevent shrinkage and enjoy your linen for years.

In this guide, we’ll answer the question “does linen shrink,” explain why it happens, how to prevent it, and how Kuttons ensures your garments fit beautifully from the start.

🌿 Why Linen Shrinks: The Natural Truth

Linen is made from flax fibers, a natural material that responds to heat and moisture.

When linen is exposed to:

• High temperatures (in wash or dryer)
  

• Prolonged soaking
  

• Rough handling during the first wash
  

…it can shrink by 3–5% depending on how it was made and finished.

But here's the key:

Most of the shrinking happens during the first wash. After that, linen stabilizes — especially if it's pre-washed. 

👗 How Kuttons Minimizes Shrinking

At Kuttons, we take shrinkage seriously — so you don’t have to worry about it.

All our garments are made from:

• 100% European Flax® certified linen
  

• Pre-washed, pre-shrunk and softened before stitching
  

• Midweight woven linen, which holds shape better than thin or stretchy fabrics
  

This means when you receive a Kuttons dress or shirt, it’s already washed, pre-shrunk, softened, and ready to wear — with absolutely minimal shrink risk.

Does Linen Shrink When Washed? 

Yes, linen can shrink in the wash if washed incorrectly.

Here’s what causes it:

• Hot water (above 40°C/104°F)
  

• Tumble drying on high heat
  

• Skipping the pre-wash before first use
  

• Using harsh detergents or overloading the machine
  

To avoid this, follow a few gentle rules 👇

✅ How to Wash Linen Without Shrinking

• Use Cold or Lukewarm Water (Max 30–40°C)
  Hot water is the main culprit for shrinkage. Stick to gentle cycles with mild detergent.
  

• Wash Separately or with Like Colors
  Especially for light or unbleached linen — to preserve color and reduce friction.
  

• Avoid the Dryer
  Linen loves to air dry. Hang on a padded hanger or flat surface in the shade.
  

• Iron While Damp (Optional)
  If you like a smooth finish, gently iron linen while it’s still slightly damp — but never scorch it.

🌀 Does Linen Shrink in the Dryer?

Yes, the dryer is the most common cause of linen shrinkage — especially if used on high heat.

If you absolutely must use a dryer:

• Use the lowest heat setting
  

• Dry for a short time, then finish air drying
  

• Remove while still slightly damp to prevent stiffness
  

That said, for best results, we always recommend air drying linen garments — it’s better for the fiber, the planet, and the fit.

🧵 Does All Linen Shrink the Same Way?

Not quite.

Here’s what affects linen shrinkage:

At Kuttons, we pre-wash the fabric and your dress twice to soften and pre-shrunk it so that you get the best fit and do not have to worry about shrinkages. 

No polyester, no plastic blends, no compromise.

🧺 Bonus Tip: Linen Gets Better, Not Smaller

The beautiful thing about linen?

It improves with age.

With every gentle wash, your linen piece becomes:

• Softer
  

• More lived-in
  

• More uniquely yours
  

As long as you follow simple care tips, shrinkage won’t be a worry — and your garments will last season after season.

FAQ – Does Linen Shrink❓

Q: Does linen shrink every time I wash it?
No — most shrinkage happens in the first wash, especially if the fabric is not pre-washed. After that, it stays stable.

Q: How much does linen shrink?
Unwashed linen can shrink up to 5%. Pre-washed linen (like ours) usually shrinks less than 2%, if at all.

Q: How can I tell if linen is pre-washed?
Check the label or ask the brand. At Kuttons, all linen is pre-washed, so you don’t have to worry about shrinkage.

Q: Can I reverse linen shrinkage?
Not completely. But soaking in cold water and gently stretching the fabric while damp may help ease it slightly.

🌸 Final Thoughts: Shrink Worry-Free with Kuttons

So… does linen shrink?
Yes — but it doesn’t have to.

With pre-washed, certified flax linen and mindful washing habits, shrinkage can be reduced to almost nothing. At Kuttons, we build that confidence into every dress, top, and set — so you can focus on feeling beautiful, not worrying about the laundry.

Linen is meant to move, breathe, and evolve — and with the right care, it will grow better, not smaller.

Read & Download our Fabric Care Guide.