Is Linen Sustainable?

Absolutely — and that’s why we love it.
Linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics available today. Sourced from the flax plant, it requires very little water, enriches the soil, and every part of the plant is put to use. At the end of its life, linen naturally decomposes, making it a beautiful, earth-friendly choice.

All of our clothing is ethically made on Vancouver Island with sustainability in mind — a perfect match for our values at Cynthia’s Boutique.

Caring for Your Linen Garments

We proudly carry linen pieces crafted with care on Vancouver Island. To help your garments last and age gracefully, follow these tips:

Hand Washing Linen

Fill a clean basin with cool water and a touch of eco-friendly detergent. Gently swirl your garment to lift out dirt, then rinse with clean water until soap-free. Press out excess water (no wringing!), and hang in the shade to dry.

Machine Washing Linen

Use a gentle cycle, cold water, and mild detergent. Wash with like colours. Skip the dryer — instead, hang to dry in the shade. For a polished look, iron or steam while slightly damp.

Storing Linen Clothing

Before storing, always wash and fully dry your linen to avoid stains or mildew. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. To refresh, simply hang to release wrinkles and steam if needed.

Minimizing Wrinkles in Linen

Linen’s character includes some natural creasing, but you can keep things smooth by:

  • Hanging garments right after washing

  • Using a high-quality hanger

  • Minimizing folds in storage

  • Avoiding overcrowding in your closet

The linen we stock softens over time, naturally forming to your body with lived-in elegance.

Ironing & De-Wrinkling Linen

Iron linen while it’s still slightly damp, using high heat and steam. For tough wrinkles, mist lightly with water before ironing. Always iron inside out or place a cloth between your iron and the fabric for protection.

Does Linen Stretch?

Linen doesn’t stretch, but it does soften and relax with wear. Our suppliers pre-wash the linen before making each garment, reducing the risk of shrinkage. For best care, wash in cool water and avoid heat drying.

Accidentally Shrunk Your Linen?

Soak the item in warm water for 10–15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat or hang to air dry. While still damp, iron from the center outward, softly stretching the fabric back into shape. Use a pressing cloth or iron on the reverse side to protect the fibres.