If you are shopping for linen clothes, whether it’s for mens linen shirts, or
pants, or even a fine linen mens suit you should consider looking for Irish linen. Irish linen has a number or
properties that help to make it a superior choice as a fabric for mens linen clothing. You will end up with linen
clothes that are softer, finer, wrinkle less easily and will wear better over the long term.
What makes Irish linen fabric so special?
Pure linen is manufactured in many countries throughout the world but Irish linen fabric is generally considered
to be far superior for a couple of reasons. First is the fineness of the yarns and woven cloth that is still
achievable by Irish spinners and weavers. Many people attribute this to the skills of the craftsmen who create this
finely woven and intricately designed cloth. Many of these crafts people come from families who have a long
tradition of working in the Irish linen trade and pass down skills and techniques from generation to generation.
Other people also say it’s the result of the soft water in Irish streams, which is harnessed for bleaching, dyeing
and finishing.
Another of the advantages of linen in general is that it is hygroscopic – which simply means that it is
sensitive to moisture. Because linen is frequently warn in warmer climates this is an important feature because
it means that linen can absorb moisture without being wet on the surface. So if you’re wearing a linen shirt
or pair of linen pants next to your skin your clothing can actually help to absorb moisture.
You probably won’t be running around in the jungle in your new Irish linen suit but just in
case you happen to catch your linen shirt or pants on an object that might cause a tear as you’re rushing around
the office Irish linen will resist tearing. Linen fabrics have a very strong resistance to tearing because they are
made from flax, one of the strongest natural fibers.
Mens linen shirts, pants or suits, you can't go wrong with Irish linen.
Mens linen shirts and mens linen pants generally require the same type of
care. Unfortunately the same characteristic of linen that makes it a great choice of material and allows your
clothes to help wick away moisture is that it is a stiff fabric. The result is once the fiber is "bent" or creased
it tends to stay that way, unlike a material like silk. And the more moisture it absorbs from your body only makes
the problem worse.
The first rule of thumb is to read the care labels. Different manufacturers may use blends or coatings
that require a specific cleaning approach. Mens linen suits always require dry cleaning.
Usually, mens linen shirts and pants can be machine-washed in warm water. Make sure you use a gentle cycle or
better yet hand wash. Over time washing will tend to soften the linen material and make it less susceptible to
wrinkling.
If you want to hand wash your linen clothes it’s best to use a small tub with warm water and soap suds. Do not
use bleach because it will damage the fibers. Rub the linen in the mix and then take it out. If you have stained
the linen material what you do will depend on what type of stain you have. Generally you want to rub the stained
areas immediately with cold water (which prevents the stain from setting in), and if you can allow the clothing to
soak in laundry detergent. Another approach is to rub the stain with white vinegar, or sprinkling some talcum
powder on the stain while letting the garment lay flat overnight.
Once you're done hand- or machine-washing, air-dry the linen garment. You can then iron it, or wear it as is. It
is not a good idea to use a clothes dryer to dry your linen clothes. The best approach is to allow the garment to
air dry. You can do this by placing it on a hanger (use a padded hanger preferably) or you can lay it flat on a
towel and allow it to dry.