Can it be done?

You love the feel, the texture, the look of linen. It makes you feel free, alive, comfortable, stylish. Yet you dread the creases and lines that you know will appear after only a short amount of use. So instead of wearing your fabric out and about, you opt for something else that is not quite as nice, but won’t show the wrinkles like your favorite linen outfit.

However, you would love to incorporate more linen into your everyday wear. If only there was a way to tame the wrinkles that are so attracted to linen. But is there?

Maybe.

A great start to fighting linen wrinkles is to take care of your linen the right way before wearing it. Want the least amount of wrinkles possible? Then you better hang your linen garb on a properly padded hangar (don’t use the thin metal ones, as they can cause creases across the shoulders) in a cool and dry space.

Before you put it on the hangar, carefully consider how you choose to dry your linen items. While you may be tempted to toss it in the unforgiving heat of your dryer alongside your socks and work and torn t-shirts, it would be better to let your linen items air dry instead, as this also helps your linen fend off wrinkles and helps your linen stay in good shape.

To pull even more wrinkles out of your linen, use an iron when the linen is slightly damp. Just be sure to iron your item from the inside, with some sort of cotton buffer between the iron and your linen piece, to help your linen retain its unique visual appeal. And help your linen stay nice and smooth by spritzing your to-be-ironed item with a little bit of starch. While not often thought of for use on linen, starch may be the missing piece to your reduced-wrinkles linen puzzle.

Maybe Not.

Unfortunately, even your greatest efforts may not allow your linen to remain completely wrinkle-free through the course of the day. Especially if you find yourself sitting in a pair of linen pants or wearing a linen skirt. Instead of letting this bum you out, take a deep breath and relax. Remember that while your linen may pick up some wrinkles during the day, these wrinkles will not overshadow the comfort and implicit beauty of linen.

Or use your knowledge of linen’s wrinkled nature to your benefit. You know that you can bend and fold linen and cause some rather impressive creases. Why not grab your linen outfit and give it the wrinkles you desire? Want a firm crease that makes it clear that you paid attention to your pants? Fold your linen pants on the crease you desire, put the pants on a flat surface, and walk away. When you’re ready for your linen pants, you’ll have natural pleats that are as distinct as you are.

When it comes to work clothes, visions of rugged, uncomfortable, hot shirts and pants come to mind. But wouldn’t the workplace be a better place with a little linen? Yes it would. Because not only would the office become a more fashionable place, it would also be a lot more comfortable.

Wondering where linen could sneak in and have a noticeable impact? Here are three professions that could incorporate linen and reap great benefits.

Healthcare

In most cases, hospitals are climate controlled and offer comfortable environments for caregivers. Despite offering shelter from heat during the summer months, healthcare professionals get hot from running up and down the halls, rushing patients in and out of the intensive care unit, and helping patients through the rehabilitation process. By wearing linen, a fabric that is naturally breathable, you could stay cool regardless of how much running you have to do in the medical center. Thanks to linen’s ability to soak up moisture, your skin will also stay cool and refreshed throughout your 12-hour shift.

As an added perk, wearing linen while working would allow you to enjoy unparalleled flexibility. Reaching up to change an IV is an easy task in linen, as is passing instruments in the operating room. Not to mention the ease of bending down to pick up items on low shelves or to help lift a patient’s foot. Add the fact that linen has proven healing properties, and wearing your favorite light cloth while providing patient care makes perfect sense.

Creative

There are few occupations that make it easier to wear linen than those careers in the creative realm. If your line of business is in a creative field, you probably have complete control over what you wear. Take advantage of this freedom by regularly donning your favorite linen shirt, suit, or skirt. You’ll look great and be comfortable and relaxed, which will help keep your mind focused on the task at hand.

However, there is one minor downside to wearing linen during your creative endeavors. If you are a graphic designer, writer, or other creative type that spends a lot of time sitting down, you may be dealing with some serious linen wrinkles. To help prevent your pants or skirt from turning into a wrinkled mess, take regular breaks to walk around in your suave linen outfit. On top of helping wrinkles fade away, you’ll be able to recharge your brain and get some fresh air. Then again, since you’re in a creative environment, those wrinkles may be just another way you show your individuality.

Real Estate

Do you show houses all day every day, no matter what the weather is? On those blazing hot days, keep yourself cool with linen apparel. Your clients will appreciate your sense of style and you’ll avoid overheating during the summer. Of course, linen is also a great choice on cold days, as it retains a surprising amount of heat to keep you warm and cozy.

In addition to helping you stay cool or warm, wearing linen will help you stay dry. Just as this is important for your medical-working counterparts, keeping sweat off your body lets you feel as good as the linen shirt you’re wearing. Since nobody wants to buy a house from someone drenched in sweat, wearing linen isn’t just a fashion statement. It’s a smart business move.

Many More

Most likely, your profession wasn’t included above. Take heart. You, too, can reap the benefits of wearing linen while on the job. In fact, nearly every occupation could use a little linen. So tomorrow morning when you’re getting ready to head to work, top off your outfit with a head-turning linen garment. You’ll be glad you did.