Wash linen cold on a gentle cycle, skip the dryer, and iron slightly damp — that's 90% of linen care. Treated right, linen is one of the few fabrics that gets better with age.
Washing
- Use cold or lukewarm water (≤30°C) on a gentle cycle.
- Mild detergent, no bleach, no fabric softener (it coats the fibre and reduces breathability).
- Wash similar colours together; turn shirts inside out to protect the surface.
Drying
- Air-dry on a hanger, away from direct harsh sun.
- Skip the tumble dryer where you can — high heat is what shortens linen's life and shrinks it.
- Smooth the collar and cuffs by hand while damp.
Ironing (if you want it sharp)
- Iron while slightly damp, on a medium-hot steam setting.
- For washed/casual styles, embrace the soft crease and skip ironing altogether.
Storage
- Hang structured shirts; fold washed ones loosely.
- Keep them somewhere dry and airy — linen likes to breathe.
Why this matters
Linen fibre is actually stronger wet than dry, and softens a little with every wash. Care for it simply and a Pavão shirt repays you with years of wear — which is the whole reason it's worth buying well once.
FAQ
Can you machine wash linen shirts? Yes — cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, no softener. How do I stop linen from wrinkling so much? Hang to dry, iron while damp, or choose washed linen where a soft crease is part of the look.
Low-maintenance by design. Shop washed linen →