Linen does shrink, but not in the way most people expect. The amount of shrinkage depends on whether the sheets were pre-washed before shipping, which fabric you have, and how you wash and dry them. Here is what actually happens.
How much does linen shrink?
Pure linen that has not been pre-washed before shipping can shrink 3 to 5 percent on the first wash. For a queen fitted sheet, that is about 5 to 8 cm in each direction — enough to make a noticeable difference in fit.
Pre-washed or stonewashed linen has already gone through most of this shrinkage before it reaches you. Our French Linen sheets are stonewashed before shipping, so first-wash shrinkage is minimal — typically less than 2 percent.
Which linen shrinks more?
Our Bamboo Linen (55% bamboo rayon, 45% linen) shrinks by around 10 percent on the first wash. This is expected and by design. The sheets are cut larger to account for this shrinkage, so after the first wash they will fit a standard Australian bed correctly. This is the one fabric in our range that needs a wash before first use.
Our French Linen (stonewashed) has minimal shrinkage after the first wash, making it a low-maintenance choice for everyday bedding.
What causes linen to shrink?
Linen fiber swells when it absorbs moisture. In a warm or hot wash, the fibers relax and contract as they heat up and cool down. This is most pronounced in the first few washes when the fiber structure is new and has not yet settled.
High heat in the dryer causes more shrinkage than washing alone. The combination of heat and mechanical tumbling is harder on linen than a gentle machine wash.
How to prevent linen from shrinking
Follow these simple steps to keep your linen sheets fitting correctly wash after wash:
- Wash on cold or warm — 30 to 40°C maximum. This is sufficient to clean linen without causing significant fiber contraction.
- Use a gentle cycle. Linen releases dirt easily and does not need an aggressive wash cycle.
- Avoid high dryer heat. If using a dryer, use low heat and remove while still slightly damp.
- Line dry when possible. The Australian climate makes this easy for most of the year. Take sheets off the line while still slightly damp to avoid stiffness.
What if my linen sheets have already shrunk?
Once linen has shrunk significantly, it is difficult to fully reverse. Stretching the fabric while damp can help recover some length — particularly with flat sheets and pillowcases. For fitted sheets that are too tight after washing, stretch them over the mattress while damp and allow them to dry in place.
If shrinkage exceeds 10 percent on pre-washed sheets, that suggests either very high heat was used or the sheets were not pre-washed before purchase as claimed.
Does linen continue to shrink after the first wash?
After the first few washes, linen stabilises and shrinkage becomes negligible. Most of the structural adjustment happens in washes one through five. After that, washing on the correct cycle at the right temperature will not cause meaningful further shrinkage.
This is one of the reasons linen is considered such a durable fabric. Once it has settled, it holds its shape well for years — making it a worthwhile investment for your bedroom.
Shop our linen bedding
All SCANDALINEN sheets are made from premium French linen or bamboo linen, handmade at our workshop in Hanoi, Vietnam. Browse our full range of linen bed sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases — designed to get softer with every wash.
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