OK to machine wash linen pants?

ENT · Jun 23, 2007

I just bought a pair of 100% linen Etro pants. They're an inch or so big in the waist and unfinished at the hems. I'll need to get them altered but want to eliminate any shrinkage prior to that. The instructions say dry clean only but I was wondering if it would be OK to machine wash them on a gentle cycle prior to alterations. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

A Guy from Shanghai · Jun 23, 2007

I do machine wash them. I don't see any problems at all. Nor do I observe any shirinkage. By the way, the linen pants that I own are RLPL, RLBL, and Dunhill.

Leslierc · Jun 23, 2007

I have a pair of Zegna linen/cotton blended khakis that I put in the washing machine, but I have never (nor ever would) put my 100% linen pants in the wash.

Granted, some linens handle washing very well. But some do not. I had a very unfortunate experience with an Armani linen shirt that my wife washed (even though the tag gave instructions to "dry clean only." In this connection, it strikes me that you also must consider whether washing might disrupt the color of your linen trousers.

Bottom line, your call.

ENT · Jun 23, 2007

Thanks for the advice. I'm still on the fence. I guess it'll be one of those split-second decisions the next time I need to do laundry.

olemungu · Jun 23, 2007

Some lines are machine washable and the tag should indicate if its so. However, I will never machine wash linen due to unpredictable and uneven shrinkage. I don't think its worth the risk.

kitonbrioni · Jun 24, 2007

I wash 100% linen shirts and find that it makes them look and feel better with every washing.
I have a number of Zegna linen pants that where "pre-washed" when bought.

j · Jun 24, 2007

Probably not wise to wash them. I've washed some 100% cotton pants and those were enough of a pain to get dry and iron out well. I can't imagine with linen. Unless they are very casual, I'd say no.

LSeca · Jun 24, 2007

Originally Posted by kitonbrioni

I wash 100% linen shirts and find that it makes them look and feel better with every washing.

+1

pejsek · Jun 24, 2007

Linen washes very well, I think. immsmc, it's one of the few natural fibers that is stronger wet than dry. I recently washed a 100% linen Isaia suit and was very pleased with the results. This was an old thrift find that had developed the familiar sad dry cleaning patina. I put it in the delicate cycle of our Maytag Neptune and then hung it to dry outside--jacket on a hanger to keep the shape. It seems much perkier and easy-going now freed from the ghastly build-up of dry cleaning fluid. And I've been wearing it quite a bit.
It seems to me instructions to dry clean only are often meant to steer people away from simply throwing their clothes in the washing machine and then the dryer. Unless there's some sort of elaborate construction (and in this respect I was lucky with the Isaia because it has very minimal padding and canvas) or a concern about color I wouldn't worry too much about the occasional careful wash. Just don't even consider using the dryer!

Drinkwaters · Jun 25, 2007

I wash all my linen garments except for the pants that have a constructed waist band like dress pants. This is the determining factor! If the waist band is a sport waist band (constructed out the same material as the pant with a soft lining) these should launder well. My recommendation is to straighten out the fabric when you remove the from the washer and put them on a clip dress hanger to dry hanging from the waist band. You shouldn't have any problems if you follow this proceedure. Remember, if these pants have never been washed, which some are today to give them an experienced look, you will realize a slight fading to the material. Bur Pejsek stated, linen feels so much better when washed and continues to get better wash after wash.

Gary

ENT · Jun 25, 2007

Thanks for the rcontinued responses. Gary, these pants do have the "dress pants" waistband. Have you had a bad experience or are you "theoretically" worried that the waistband wouldn't look right afterwards?

lawyerdad · Jun 25, 2007

Originally Posted by ENT

I just bought a pair of 100% linen Etro pants. They're an inch or so big in the waist and unfinished at the hems. I'll need to get them altered but want to eliminate any shrinkage prior to that. The instructions say dry clean only but I was wondering if it would be OK to machine wash them on a gentle cycle prior to alterations. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
If you're inclined to wash them, maybe try hand-washing instead of using the machine's agitator?

GQgeek · Jun 25, 2007

Aieeee. Absolutely not. It won't hurt the fabric, but it's liable to cause some shrinkage.

I once washed a pair of zegna cotton pants thinking, "hey no biggie, they're cotton, right?" Fluctuations in water temp beyone my control cause them to shrink just enough that they became un-wearable because I had no cuff work work with and they had already been shortened.

ENT · Jun 25, 2007

To be honest, I wouldn't mind some shrinkage as they're an inch big in the waist and need to be shortened at least 6-7 inches (they're brand new with unfinished hems). I really like how washed linen feels and would like to wash them. If only the label didn't say "Dry Clean Only."

Luc-Emmanuel · Jun 25, 2007

I've washed white Zanella linen dress pants to get rid of some nasty stains, at 40Â°C, 1000RPM rinse. I've ironed the legs (creased them) as soon as they got out of the washing machine and hung them dry. They were dry a few hours later and I resumed the ironing (seat, pockets...etc): they have been perfectly wearable without any damage or shrinkage.
OTOH, cotton pants can be a lot bitchier to iron.

!luc

OK to machine wash linen pants?

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