Linen is the oldest cloth we work with and the most forgiving. It is strong when wet, dries fast and softens with every wash. Most of what people do to look after it is more than it needs.
Wash less, and cooler
Air a linen dress or blazer on a hanger by an open window after wearing it. When it does need washing, use a gentle cycle at 30 degrees with a mild detergent, and leave out fabric softener: it coats the fibres and stops them breathing.
Dry it with your hands
Shake each piece out firmly, pull the seams straight and hang it to dry. Smoothing the collar and cuffs with your palms does most of what an iron would do. The rest is texture, and that is the point.
When it needs mending
Linen wears at the elbows and collar first. Send any Malva piece back to the atelier and we will repair it free, with spare cloth from the same run.
