Eileen Fisher's Organic Linen: Care & History

When you think of Eileen Fisher it's likely you instantly think of linen. It's one of her original fabrics and is a major staple of her collections to this day. So, what gives Eileen's linen that icon status? Read on for the full story...

eileen fisher linen designer

What is linen and why is it so popular? 

Created from the flax plant, linen is the most ancient of fabrics. In fact, it dates back to ancient Egypt! With that kind of history, it comes as no surprise designers still reach for it season after season. It's breathable and durable, and when temperatures rise nothing feels better against your skin. 

Organic Linen VS Regular Linen

At the core of the Eileen Fisher brand is the concept of sustainability. Many of the fabrics used in her designs are organic, her linen being no exception. Organic linen is made without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, so it’s safer for workers, wildlife, and surrounding communities. 

How else does Eileen Fisher make a difference?

In 2015, Eileen Fisher joined iconic brands like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s to become part of B Corp’s global network of businesses working toward systemic change.

A Certified B Corp is a business that meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

flax to linen process

Care & Wash Guide for Linen

It's true, linen has a reputation for shrinking and wrinkling. Unfortunately, you can't just throw it in the wash and get on with your day. Luckily, proper care is really quite simple. Here are our top tips:

Banish wrinkles with a steamer. Extend the time between washes by eliminating wrinkles with a handheld steamer. They're a lifesaver! 

Hand wash, line dry. Choose a delicate detergent and hand wash it in cold water. Ideally, you'll want to line dry your linen but if the weather won't allow it, lying flat to dry is an excellent option. 

Spot treat. The less you wash any piece of clothing the longer you'll extend its life. Try tackling those little marks by hand.

When in doubt, dry clean. For those tough stains or at the start of a new season an occasional dry clean is a great option. Be sure to opt for an eco-friendly cleaner if at all possible.

how to hand wash linen