Linen is a type of fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is known for being extremely sturdy, absorbent, and breathable, which makes it especially well-suited for warm weather clothing or bedding. Linen has a unique texture with more "slubs" (or small knots) than cotton, giving it a rustic, casual appeal.

Linen is also valued for its longevity. With correct care, linen products can last for decades, even improving in comfort over time. The process to make linen is more complex than cotton and that, in addition to its durability, makes linen generally more expensive.

Taking care of linen fabrics generally involves the following steps:

1. **Washing**: Most linen garments can be washed in the washing machine, but they should be separated by color as linen can bleed and fade. Cold or lukewarm water is ideal, and consider using a mild, gentle detergent. High temperatures or harsh detergents can damage the fibers.

2. **Drying**: Linen has a tendency to shrink, so air drying is the safest bet to prevent this. If you must use a dryer, make sure it's on a low heat or gentle setting. You can also remove linen items while they are still slightly damp to prevent them from becoming overly dry and brittle.

3. **Ironing**: Linen can wrinkle easily, so if you prefer a crisp, neat look, you'll need to iron your linen garments while they are still damp. Use a medium-hot iron on the steam setting. Iron on the reverse side of the fabric to prevent any potential shiny marks.

4. **Storing**: If you're storing linen, make sure it's clean and completely dry first. Use a cool, dry, well-ventilated area and avoid plastic containers, which can trap moisture and cause mildew.

As with all fabrics, it's a good idea to check the care label on your linen garments for specific washing, drying, and ironing instructions. Some linen items may be dry clean only, especially if they are a linen blend with other types of fibers.