How to travel with linen
Don’t get pressed: linen travels well if you follow these tips.
LINEN TRAVELS WELL WITH THESE TIPS
Wondering how to travel with linen without it looking unkempt on arrival? Here’s everything you need to know about this ideal travel fabric and how to take care of it when you’re travelling.
Whether you’re packing linen trousers, a linen shirt or a linen suit, here’s how to hit your destination with your favourite pieces.
Why does linen work so well for travel?
Linen is comfortable, airy and easy to style on the go. It also works best when it looks a little more lived-in, meaning you don’t necessarily need to think too much about getting perfect pleats and crisp lines in your linen clothing.
Made from fibres of the flax plant, linen is seriously breathable, making it a great choice for hot and humid climates. It allows air to circulate freely so you feel cooler, and has moisture-wicking properties to help keep sweat away from your skin. That’s why you’ll usually see it recommended to wear as holiday clothes.
Linen is also one of the strongest natural fibres, making it resistant to wear and tear. That’s another reason why it’s a good travel choice – you never know what you’re going to encounter on your travels or how you’ll be washing your clothes, and linen stands up to the test. Plus, it just gets softer and more comfortable with each wash, which means your favourite linen pieces will usually last for way more than one trip.
It’s also a fabric that can be dressed up or down, which can mean that you’re able to take less items of clothing with you when you travel. We’re here for a lighter case and having to think less about how to put your outfits together. Our lowdown on linen guide covers everything you need to know about this ideal travel fabric.
How to travel with linen
Linen is generally pretty low maintenance, but there are some ways to make sure that your linens look good when you reach your destination. The first is how you pack your linen pieces. Rolling instead of folding is best, minimising creases and taking up less space in your luggage. Trust us, we know how to travel in style.
If you’re taking a linen suit with you, a suit carrier is the way to go. This helps to keep your suit dirt free and helps to avoid too much creasing. We did say linen looks better lived in (and it does), but there’s a difference between a laid back vibe and looking like you forgot to iron anything.
Worried about wrinkles and not sure if your hotel will have an iron on hand? A portable clothing steamer can help to get wrinkles out quickly, as can hanging your linen in the bathroom while you shower. The steam from the shower can help to relax the fibres and reduce wrinkles. You can also lightly spray them with water and smooth out any creases with your hands.
Our guide on how to care for a linen suit has everything you need to know about keeping your linen looking good but in general, it’s best to hand wash your linens when you’re away. Avoid wringing out the fabric, and lay them flat to dry instead. For more formal items, think about using the hotel’s dry cleaning service or taking a stain remover pen with you.
Linen travel essentials
Start by planning your outfits so that you don’t overpack and so you can mix and match. Choose linen pieces that can easily be paired together with other items in your luggage. Neutral colours and classic cuts make it easier to wear pieces together, but don’t be afraid to add in something bolder that you can use as a central item when you’re away.
If we had to choose just one linen piece to travel with, we’d make it a linen shirt. They’re easy to layer and work with everything from shorts and flip flops to smart trousers and loafers. You can wear them open with a looser fit, button it up to add a little formality or tuck them in. Plus, you can get long or short sleeves, plenty of different collar styles and practically every colour.
Our second essential would be linen trousers (or linen shorts if it’s going to be really hot). If you go for a looser fit or a more casual style, these will be the most comfortable pair of trousers in your case. Wear them to travel in, to head for dinner or for days out when you’re away, especially if it’s hot. They go with everything and look great when paired with something fitted or some layered pieces.
If you’re going to some more formal events when you’re away but you don’t want to overdo it, a linen suit is the ideal choice. You can mix and match the pieces and wear them individually, or you can relax the suit by pairing with a t-shirt or linen shirt, losing the tie and wearing some loafers or trainers.