The essence of linen: soloio's definitive guide to choosing and caring

Linen is one of the oldest natural fibers, valued since Mediterranean civilizations for its freshness, strength and ability to age with character. This soloio guide brings together the essential knowledge to understand why linen is a timeless choice, how to identify a quality piece and all of its advantages.

Why linen is an essential material

Harvested from the Linum usitatissimum plant, linen fiber is defined by its firm structure and natural texture. Its main advantage is superior ventilation, allowing air to circulate freely and absorbing moisture to maintain a lasting feeling of freshness. Thanks to its strength and thermal regulation, it is the ideal option for warm climates and active routines. At soloio, we work exclusively with Italian linen, known for its high purity, uniform weave and smooth finish, ensuring optimal performance in dyeing and tailoring.

How to recognize a high quality linen shirt

A superior piece is defined by three key pillars:
Fabric: It should feel firm yet flexible. Compact weaves provide better drape and greater resistance to wear.
Construction: Clean seams and reinforced shoulders, cuffs and buttons reflect precision.
Treatment: Pre washed fabrics ensure softness from the first use, prevent shrinkage and reduce deep creases.

Identifying authentic linen

Distinguishing genuine linen from blends is simple once you know what to look for:
Texture: Real linen has a naturally irregular surface, not perfectly smooth.
Luster: Authentic fibers have a matte finish. Excessive shine suggests synthetic blends.
Temperature: Linen always feels cool to the touch, even in warm weather.
Elasticity: The fiber does not stretch easily. When folded, it will show a light crease but recovers its shape with movement.

Only natural linen preserves its breathability and becomes softer over time, qualities that synthetic blends cannot replicate

Linen at soloio: cut color and responsibility

We believe quality should be accessible, which is why we offer a wide range of sizes from XXS to 6XL with proportions designed for total comfort. Each shirt is dyed using techniques specialized for linen, achieving deep and even tones without altering the texture. Our color palette is refreshed regularly, adding new shades every two to three months to keep the collection evolving. At soloio, the process is both technical and environmentally responsible. Our Italian linen ensures high purity, and we repurpose leftover materials to create women’s accessories, extending the fabric’s life cycle and minimizing waste.

Simple care for maximum durability

Proper care is essential to extend the life of your shirt:

Wash with cold or warm water and gentle detergent.
Avoid the dryer and let it air dry.
Iron with steam or medium heat while the fabric is still slightly damp.
Store shirts hanging or folded in ventilated spaces.

👉 Explore the full linen collection here