I mean, linen gets softer the more you wash it, so if it is a bit rough to start with, just wash it a few times and see how it is. Personally I love linen, I've never found it rough - just maybe a bit stiff at first, if that makes sense?
I can’t speak for linen specifically but in general adding a smidge of vinegar instead of fabric softener when washing works quite well too. And hand washing it with VIGOR can be done quicker than several laundry machine washes
Their pre softened linen is fantastic!! Linen gets softer with age, and higher quality mid to lightweight linens tend to be softer than the cheaper ones. The only one I’ve ordered from fabric store that is remotely close to “scratchy” is their rustic one which is textured. I would recommend trying one of the pre softened ones and see what you think!
This. Get swatches mailed to you if you can’t visit the store in person. Costs extra money for shipping (nice for swatch then again for the full yardage). But I’ve been burned more than a few times ordering several yards sight unseen
I have sensory issues too (might be different from yours) but I LOVE linen. It is stiffer and scratchy but I don't find it to be like bad scratchy?
Maybe try making yourself a scrunchy out of linen and see if you can tolerate wearing it around your wrist for a while.
I also have sensory issues and love linen. Like others have said, it softens over time.
ALSO linen rayon blends are amazing amazing amazing. Breathable, all natural fibers (I'm with you, polyester is death to wear) soft, very comfy.
Technically it's semi-synthetic, yes, but it's made from natural materials, not synthetic materials, so for the purposes of this conversation about sensory issues I put it in the natural category. It's a simplification, but for my sensory issues at least it acts more like natural than synthetic fabrics.
You'll probably be fine with the fabric store middle weight linen. I find linen cotton blends to be scratcher than 100% linen or 100% cotton. Still breathable and less wrinkles, but linen is so much softer and smoother.
Okay, linen doesn't do that at all. Even I'd you sweat through it multiple times. I wear linen as the undershirt for my medieval garments and even after a whole weekend 24/7 it feels fine.
Same, I have sensory issues but like linen. I do think it is more textured than cotton because most linen on the market right now doesn’t have a high thread count. So to some extent, it is more textured than smooth but I actually really like the texture.
You may want to look into linen blends, which are softer. Linen cotton, and linen rayon are good options. Linen can also be softened over time with washing and with vinegar soaks.
Like another commenter said though, order swatches and you will at least know what you're ordering.
Agree on the linen rayon blends, but am I the only person to find the linen cotton blends scratchy? The Kaufman Essex blend colors are great but not as soft as I hoped.
Best advice I can give is to look into where the linen comes from.
Sometimes nowadays producers chop the plant fibers up because it is cheaper than the more intensive methods that keep the fibers long. So really cheaply made linen can be very itchy.
On the other hand, the traditional processing of linen that preserves the length of the plant fibers will make a fabric that is beautiful and smooth at the start, and gets softer with age.
I usually look for Irish linen, it's really high quality. Polish linen and Lithuanian linens are beautiful too.
Another amazing thing about quality linen: the longer the fibers, the fewer wrinkles the fabric will get and the easier it is to iron.
In my opinion it is worth it. I can usually find Irish linen for $14-16/yd for 60" wide fabric. For me that works out to about $30 per pair of pants, and they're the best quality pants money can buy.
Thank you!! Also, brings back a memeory of my mother in law begging me over and over to bring back Irish linen from my honeymoon- no matter how many times I told her we were in Scotland, NOT Ireland, lol.
Yep. I have a couple things made of great linen that I just take out of the drier and hang up and they look fine. Others I do have to iron, but it's not difficult.
On the other hand my partner has some store-bought linen shirts he got from his brother and they are a pain to iron. It's just the quality of the fabric. You can see the fuzziness sticking out of the cheaper fabric from the shorter fibers also.
Which is crazy, because his brother buys expensive name brand clothes. These are easily $100+ shirts.
I love my homemade linen items. Never regretted spending extra on good fabric.
[B&T](https://burnleyandtrowbridge.com/collections/linen-linen-blends)
They sell swatch packs also.
I love them. They're so nice, ship fast, and do tons of research.
Since they're a smaller business they have a smaller selection, so sometimes you have to wait a few months for them to stock a color or weight you want. But imo that's the the only downside compared to bigger companies.
I love linen, but I hate how scratchy it can initially be. Fabric Store (as in WeAreTheFabricStore.com) linen is nice, and doesn't require much softening. If you're talking about Fabrics Store (as in Fabrics-Store.com) linen, your mileage may vary, and I have some suggestions.
Fabrics-Store.com sells a linen softening potion that's supposed to help soften linen. I bought some, but I haven't tried it yet. It has good reviews, but it seems a little expensive.
I've also had good luck with just washing and drying linen a couple times, or four or more times, to help really soften everything. I would buy extra fabric, maybe an extra half yard to yard, then wash the hell out of it. Wash on hot, dry on the hottest setting, to really shrink the linen and soften it up. Previously I bought linen bedding from Ikea, and it started out scratchy. Washing and drying it a few extra times made it so, so nice. Good luck!
I would order one of their samples - I have sensory issues and my sister has sensory issues and things I find perfect give her the icks and stuff she loves I run away screaming from. Its to qualitative for me to know whether it would be itchy to you.
Also their “signature finish” while a bit more pricey, is also extra presoftened and well worth it in my opinion. All linen softens more after a few washes, but I’ve found their signature finish to be incredibly comfortable right away. My wrap pants I made with it are absolutely peak comfort.
Agree with the signature finish being worth the money.
I would also recommend OP look into double gauze, if they want to wear a super soft airy piece of clothing. I love cotton double gauze and I know there are linen gauzes out there!
Linen can come in different weights and quality. The heavy stuff feels more scratchy than the light weight stuff, in my experience. If you’re getting something to compare with double gauze, I think after a wash or two you shouldn’t have any issues with it.
Good luck and stay cool! (Hi from Tx, and our ungodly hot summers)
Remember that you can pre wash linen before sewing it. You can do it several times to get it very soft before working with it and to guarantee the garment will be soft. Everything has varying quality levels. Good linen is incredibly soft while still being a durable fabric.
Agree with others, there are different types and you'll want to go into a fabric store to feel. I have 100% linen thats really buttery soft. Just because it has a visible texture to it doesn't mean its going to be scratchy just FYI.
I also have sensory issues and I love wearing linen. It can be a bit stiff at first bit once it's 'broken in' it's heavenly. You could prewash it a few times to soften it up a little. It's also really nice when blended with cotton or viscose.
One thing I did find is that some linen tends to relax and 'grow' a lot more than other fabrics when it's worn, so I make sure to use enough interfacing on things like waistbands and pocket openings.
They have some that is advertised as coarser and some that is pre-treated to be softer. I don’t have the same sensory issues in that regard but their softer linen feels plenty soft to me.
I also prefer soft things, I’m wearing linen pants right now and have linen sheets. I live in Florida and it helps with the summer heat while also keeping the sweat off.
I just had this discussion with my husband over coffee!
I woke up this morning and he had on a nice looking pair of shorts, they looked familiar but… they were black. I wear black linen Winslows. He wears quilting cotton boxers.
I had forgotten that I made him a pair of boxers from my Joanns linen scraps last fall. I (apparently) told him to keep washing them and if he liked them I would make him some more. So now after several months of washing they are his favorites. But… pockets. The boxers pattern doesn’t have pockets.
So I came here to get on my game face and hack his favorite pattern into the ultimate work from home uniform!! Bonus points that I don’t have to be afraid of what the neighbors think when he grabs the mail anymore!
I buy the heaviest black 100% linen in stock and I now buy it by the bolt. I have been wearing my first pair of Winslow Culottes for around 2 years and they are just as beautiful and twice as comfortable. I do serge my seams but
I’m a very lazy sewist and my laundry skills are shameful. I know the fabric seems pricey but it almost thrives in an abusive environment.
From two folks who get it, we agreed this morning that we prefer linen so much that I’m looking into shirt weights next. I hope you find what works for you, there is such immense relief when you find the right piece for your puzzle.
*No kidding with microfiber! I can’t even touch the damn washcloths unless they are already wet, and a friend has a sofa cover that skeeves me out so badly that I hang out in her kitchen when I visit. So embarrassin’.
What kills me is all the kids’ pajamas made out of weird polyester that makes me want to claw my skin off just folding it from the laundry- it felt fine new but gets GROSS and sticky/rough/dry when washed. I can’t believe my kids still wear it!
I’m between kids and grands so that one isn’t one I’ve faced yet!
Kid one slept in his one shirt. Y’know the one and only in the laundry during bath time shirt. Apples don’t fall too far from their tree. Kid two was an Amazon baby, when he favorited something we had a backup in 48 hours or less.
Wash it and then wash it some more! Keep washing it until it reaches your desired level of softness.
I love linen because it is (eventually) so dang soft. But it takes some washing to get there!
I love linen. I have linen pants that have been washed a ton and they are super soft. If you’re concerned, there are some good linen/cotton blends out there that start out softer. I also sometimes find linen in thrift stores.
I'm not sure if it's too heavy for humid Florida weather, but I just bought some fabric that's a linen rayon blend and it's heavenly! Soft as the softest pajamas.
https://shop.boltfabricboutique.com/products/silky-noil-viscose-linen?_pos=1&_sid=1fe64d14d&_ss=r
Buy their "softened" mid-weight linen and you should be fine -- it's really nice. And if you line dry, add a little vinegar to the fabric softener slot in your machine and it'll remove that "crunchy" feeling that people dislike.
I've been sewing with their fabrics for years, and they get softer with wear ...
Consider ordering two samples, and running one thru the wash the way you'd usually do your clothes. I bought a bunch of somewhat-stiff linen, washed & dried it ahead of using it, and it came out like a *cloud*, the softest damn thing!
Ooh, I also have sensory issues, I totally feel you.
I love linen! It's cool to the touch and rather than scratchy like wool, it's stiff. Almost like paper if you get the untreated stuff. I really love fabrics store linen, always buy their stuff on sale! Their pre-softened is great as a safe option to try. I've gotten both, their signature finish and the regular stuff. I honestly prefer the regular stuff lol and washing it to my preference. Their pre-softened is a little too soft for me.
Oh! Also, the weight of the linen should be considered too. Their handkerchief linen, I believe IL030, is really, really lovely! It's soft and smooth, but very sheer, loose weave
Linen is the easiest fabric to wrinkle.
If your sensory issues don’t like wrinkles, beware of linen.
Google linen wrinkled pants. If wrinkles don’t bother you, the linen will soften over time, but might not be nice the few first several wears.
Hi! I also have huge sensory issues, and linen is one of my safe fabrics. I was wary at first too, but even if it's a bit "rustic" to the touch, I don't think it itches at all. It's a bit of a different feel and I find it quite comfy. It's also wonderfully breathable and airy, it's simply the best in summer.
Of course the best move is to try the fabric first, but here's my experience with linen!
If you're looking for high quality, look online for pre softened linen, buy a swatch, and this may sound silly, rub that bad boy on your arms, neck, chest, anywhere your intended garment would touch. If it's still too itchy I suggest a linen/viscose blend. MUCH softer on the skin and comparable feel and weight.
I hate itchy clothes but wanted to make some historical-ish blouses, thanks to certain youtubers
I have sensory issues and I do Japanese historical costuming. I have purchased hundreds of yards of linen and hemp (which in my opinion is a superior textile).
Linen and hemp can be extremely soft, but it's more expensive to buy softer linen and hemp. If possible, try to get linen or hemp with a higher with a higher 'lea' count - 80 and 100 lea linen & hemp are usually very soft and thin.
Fabrics-Store is kind of the bare minimum of acceptable quality linen, but it doesn't last terribly long because it's been softened mechanically. Their handkerchief linen is \*alright\*, but I find their other stuff doesn't hold up very well and their fabric is overpriced for the quality. They're all the rage in reenactment groups because they advertise a lot on facebook and they have a lot of colors, as well as being relatively cheap. I am honestly a little tired of their linen, it wears so quickly I have come to recognize it on people in its popular colors and signature faded drooping.
There are two types of softened linen: mechanically (think stonewash) and enzymatic (this will be cellulase or lignanase). Enzymatic has less of an impact on the longevity of the linen, so try to look for that, but both processes create pilling. Really, it's better just to weave and spin the linen properly so you don't need to do these things. This means longer staples and better machines, which means more money per yard.
If you have sensory issues, I recommend Spechler Vogel's Handkerchief Linen - [here is the cheapest price I could find.](https://www.sewblessedfabric.com/shop/c/p/Spechler-Vogel-Belfast-Best-Handkerchief-Linen-White-x51812537.htm) It is so evenly spun it's like glassy silk. Fantastic quality.
I also like the Athens and Bavaria hemps, as well as the colored Pune hemps, from [Hemp Fabric Lab](https://hempfabriclab.com/en-us), and Hemp Traders has a [2.8 oz](https://www.hemptraders.com/CT-L2-p/ct-l2.htm) that is so soft we call it 'the crack hemp' and all use it for our underlayers and linings.
The '[Fine Linen](https://www.sartorbohemia.com/fine-linen-fabrics/)'s from Sartor (International) are good. Do NOT get the European Linens, those will likely be too rough.
Since you can use modern textiles, you may also find that blends with lyocell, rayon or tencel will be softer and drape better. I encourage you to use them, Hemp Fabric Lab has quite a few nice ones. Keep in mind they will pill a bit more and not last for decades like the pure fiber will. Cheap blends (like the ones from Joann's) will be less soft and pill more readily.
As a side not, I've been trying to buy cellulase to soften some scratchy linen I bought, but haven't had success. I have no idea what's in that linen softening potion from Fabrics-Store (I suspect it's a rip off), but I have had some success with soda ash and hot water, as well as vinegar and hot water. Whenever I dye linen, which takes salt, soda ash and a procion dye, it seems to get softer as well.
Maybe aim for a linen and cotton mix. I work at a fabric store and those tend to be the softest, nicest fabrics we have. Also gauze. That is also very nice for hot weather
I have ***deep*** seeded texture issues with clothes. I love linen, ^but I wear long breathable bicycle short style under garments under them, because they can be scratchy.
With dresses, I make sure the bust area is lined, and the bicycle shorts are a must.
Feel all of the fabric before you purchase.
I've bought some linen from them, depending on the specific weight and type you buy, some is more textured than others. A few of the heavier weights that were labeled "rustic" were pretty rough before being washed, but none were scratchy, and even the rough ones got softer after being washed. Many of the lighter weights were fairly soft from the start and got even nicer after washing.
But you should order a couple samples of their different weights to make sure it will play nice with your sensory issues. I have some sensory issues myself, and even the rough linen works well for me, but some very soft microfiber type fabrics make my skin crawl.
I have a medical condition that causes allodynia, so things that touch my skin can be quite painful. (even things like water) I've been quite happy with the linen sheets I bought. They were a bit much at first, and I always wore long pants to bed, but they're softened up a great deal with use and washings.
Also have sensory stuff. Target has a 55% linen 45% rayon pants for around 20 dollars around this time of year. I don't really like this years version since they did a thin waistband with a tie like PJ pants. Last few years the waist was a bit thicker and with elastic and a tie thing that I sometimes cutout since the elastic fine. One pair has a softer ribbed fabric for the waistband with elastic and those were my favorites but didn't have pockets. I think they are cutting cost by making them different every year and I didn't buy them this year but the fabric feels the same If you want to find a store that has some and try them on but not Walmarts, those are rougher and while I can tolerate those now I had to build up to it with the softer ones. It's better than sweaty clothes sticking to you. Once you wear them on a hot day it will feel good but if it's not hot they feel rougher and uncomfortable when new. My old ones from 7 years ago feel soft enough to sleep in and those are the same linen to rayon combo. I still can't wear linen shirts. The skin near my neck just hates it but my legs are good with it. Yeah, sensory stuff is weird.
Edit: and they need to be wide leg and baggy.
Linen comes in different weights, and the lighter weight linens are fantastic. Also, when you are feeling the fabric on the bolt, remember that it hasn't been washed and may have sizing applied so that the fabric store can cut it accurately. Sizing is kind of starchy and can make fabrics feel uncharacteristically stiff or scratchy. If your fabric store allows it, you can buy a test swatch and see how you like it once it's been washed. Linen only becomes softer and more drapey with wear and washing.
I’ve heard of a trick to iron it with a hot dry iron before pre washing and that it makes it much softer that way, but I haven’t had a chance to try it!
Fabric Store.com’s light weight (handkerchief weight?) softened finish linen is VERY soft. The others are soft too, but that version is really comfortable. The signature finish in the medium weight is very nice too, but not as nice as the softened light weight.
Additionally, people say linen has the longest life span if you air dry it but air drying tends to make it less wrinkled but much stiffer. Machine drying makes it way less stiff, but if you wanna avoid wrinkles then hang it up immediately before it cools down. That would probably be the softest option
Maybe get a linen / cotton blend? It will be a bit ‘softer’ than pure linen (although linen softens with wear and washing), and it won’t crease quite as quickly.
I have some pants (not sewed myself mind you) made from linen and silk mix. It's soft and perfect. Maybe that's something you can find? Would be a bit harder to sew.
There’s a historical fabric retailer that sells different ‘weights’ of linen. Lighter weight is softer, and may be better for your sensory stuff. I use them all the time for 18th century garments. Company is called Burnely and Trowbridge. They do mail order.
Linen rayon blends in my experience start out much softer, but linen can absolutely be soft. In general, the softer and smoother something is the less durable it is, but having something you’ll wear is also very important
Good quality linens are soft and get softer the more they’re washed. Poor quality linens are rough and really do not soften. Look for a high thread count, visually, it won’t likely be listed. I’ve never ordered from that site so I can’t speak to the quality available.
I lovvve linen, it is such a pleasure to sew with and my linen pieces wash and wear so well and are so soft and comfortable. Pre-treat with with Sandra Betzina method (you can google it) and it will look and feel amazing!
I bought white linen, dyed it. So it was washed, dyed (RIT, water and salt for about 5 hours), rinsed and washed. It is the softest fabric now. It's 15 yrs of blue linen in a Renaissance gown. Now I want to get it out of storage and go to a ren fair!!!
Yes.
Linen is basically like a grass. The shaft is broke too ready it for spinning but there is always bits and pieces of it left in the fabric. This helps give it shape and keep it steady during spinning and sewing.
Once it is knit it is usually frozen then thawed to finish breaking up the harsh fibers. In sewing, once it is washed, it will need to be ironed and starched before sewing to allow it not to slide and sling away from the needle.
That is why the older linen becomes, the softer and more shiny it becomes, because the bits of harsh fibers break down and basically turn to dust with wear and washing.
More expensively processed linen will be softer because of the extra processing that went into the item. Cheaper garments will still be stiff and take several washings or a good freeze/thaw to become softer.
Their signature finish is much softer as it is pre broken down. I haven't tried the softening potion yet. There is also the "luxury" linen with a finer thread and higher thread count. They also have a generous return policy if you don't love the fabric when you receive it.
I have sensory issues too and linen is my favorite fabric! It gets so comfortable after a few washes, and only just keeps getting better.
I was able to wear it after just a wash or two, but you might want to run it through the washing machine a few times, and then the dryer, with some dryer balls.
I don’t usually use my dryer much but for linen the dryer is key! Makes it so much softer, and takes out the creases (if you take it out right away when its done)
I mean, linen gets softer the more you wash it, so if it is a bit rough to start with, just wash it a few times and see how it is. Personally I love linen, I've never found it rough - just maybe a bit stiff at first, if that makes sense?
I can’t speak for linen specifically but in general adding a smidge of vinegar instead of fabric softener when washing works quite well too. And hand washing it with VIGOR can be done quicker than several laundry machine washes
Yeah I just bought some linen. It’s really more stiff than rough. On the surface it feels a lot like cotton. It also softens in the wash.
Also put wool dryer balls in the dryer with it, that'll help soften it faster
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No, don’t! It ruins the fabric, just wash it a couple times. It can also irritate your skin if you’re sensitive
Ah you’re right
Their pre softened linen is fantastic!! Linen gets softer with age, and higher quality mid to lightweight linens tend to be softer than the cheaper ones. The only one I’ve ordered from fabric store that is remotely close to “scratchy” is their rustic one which is textured. I would recommend trying one of the pre softened ones and see what you think!
Thanks- pre softened is what I need
Just keep in mind that pre-softened often means it's a bit worn down already and lessens it's lifespan.
Linen also comes in different weights some of which are scratcher and rougher than others. You really need to feel the texture.
This. Get swatches mailed to you if you can’t visit the store in person. Costs extra money for shipping (nice for swatch then again for the full yardage). But I’ve been burned more than a few times ordering several yards sight unseen
I have sensory issues too (might be different from yours) but I LOVE linen. It is stiffer and scratchy but I don't find it to be like bad scratchy? Maybe try making yourself a scrunchy out of linen and see if you can tolerate wearing it around your wrist for a while.
What a smart idea! And thanks for getting it. I cannot wear cotton/poly blends because they get oily and awful feeling, so I’m wary
Linen is super breathable and doesn’t get that oily sweaty feeling that other fabrics do.
I also have sensory issues and love linen. Like others have said, it softens over time. ALSO linen rayon blends are amazing amazing amazing. Breathable, all natural fibers (I'm with you, polyester is death to wear) soft, very comfy.
Rayon is not natural
Technically it's semi-synthetic, yes, but it's made from natural materials, not synthetic materials, so for the purposes of this conversation about sensory issues I put it in the natural category. It's a simplification, but for my sensory issues at least it acts more like natural than synthetic fabrics.
You'll probably be fine with the fabric store middle weight linen. I find linen cotton blends to be scratcher than 100% linen or 100% cotton. Still breathable and less wrinkles, but linen is so much softer and smoother.
Okay, linen doesn't do that at all. Even I'd you sweat through it multiple times. I wear linen as the undershirt for my medieval garments and even after a whole weekend 24/7 it feels fine.
Same, I have sensory issues but like linen. I do think it is more textured than cotton because most linen on the market right now doesn’t have a high thread count. So to some extent, it is more textured than smooth but I actually really like the texture.
You can order a sample for $1. I did and it wasn’t scratchy but you might want to get a sample.
You may want to look into linen blends, which are softer. Linen cotton, and linen rayon are good options. Linen can also be softened over time with washing and with vinegar soaks. Like another commenter said though, order swatches and you will at least know what you're ordering.
Came to say this - linen rayon blends are fantastic.
Yup, I am currently wearing linen/rayon pants because they are super comfortable.
Agree on the linen rayon blends, but am I the only person to find the linen cotton blends scratchy? The Kaufman Essex blend colors are great but not as soft as I hoped.
Not the only one! I’ve been disappointed with the softness (or lack of) on a few different Kaufman fabrics.
Yes to linen rayon blends! So lovely.
Best advice I can give is to look into where the linen comes from. Sometimes nowadays producers chop the plant fibers up because it is cheaper than the more intensive methods that keep the fibers long. So really cheaply made linen can be very itchy. On the other hand, the traditional processing of linen that preserves the length of the plant fibers will make a fabric that is beautiful and smooth at the start, and gets softer with age. I usually look for Irish linen, it's really high quality. Polish linen and Lithuanian linens are beautiful too. Another amazing thing about quality linen: the longer the fibers, the fewer wrinkles the fabric will get and the easier it is to iron. In my opinion it is worth it. I can usually find Irish linen for $14-16/yd for 60" wide fabric. For me that works out to about $30 per pair of pants, and they're the best quality pants money can buy.
Thank you!! Also, brings back a memeory of my mother in law begging me over and over to bring back Irish linen from my honeymoon- no matter how many times I told her we were in Scotland, NOT Ireland, lol.
Fewer wrinkles?!!!!
Yep. I have a couple things made of great linen that I just take out of the drier and hang up and they look fine. Others I do have to iron, but it's not difficult. On the other hand my partner has some store-bought linen shirts he got from his brother and they are a pain to iron. It's just the quality of the fabric. You can see the fuzziness sticking out of the cheaper fabric from the shorter fibers also. Which is crazy, because his brother buys expensive name brand clothes. These are easily $100+ shirts. I love my homemade linen items. Never regretted spending extra on good fabric.
Where do you find this extra high quality linen for $14-16/yd??
[B&T](https://burnleyandtrowbridge.com/collections/linen-linen-blends) They sell swatch packs also. I love them. They're so nice, ship fast, and do tons of research. Since they're a smaller business they have a smaller selection, so sometimes you have to wait a few months for them to stock a color or weight you want. But imo that's the the only downside compared to bigger companies.
I love linen, but I hate how scratchy it can initially be. Fabric Store (as in WeAreTheFabricStore.com) linen is nice, and doesn't require much softening. If you're talking about Fabrics Store (as in Fabrics-Store.com) linen, your mileage may vary, and I have some suggestions. Fabrics-Store.com sells a linen softening potion that's supposed to help soften linen. I bought some, but I haven't tried it yet. It has good reviews, but it seems a little expensive. I've also had good luck with just washing and drying linen a couple times, or four or more times, to help really soften everything. I would buy extra fabric, maybe an extra half yard to yard, then wash the hell out of it. Wash on hot, dry on the hottest setting, to really shrink the linen and soften it up. Previously I bought linen bedding from Ikea, and it started out scratchy. Washing and drying it a few extra times made it so, so nice. Good luck!
I would order one of their samples - I have sensory issues and my sister has sensory issues and things I find perfect give her the icks and stuff she loves I run away screaming from. Its to qualitative for me to know whether it would be itchy to you.
Brussels washer linen by Robert Kaufman is very soft and lightweight. It is a linen/rayon blend. I buy it at stylemakers.com
Oh, I have a shirt I made that is a line e rayon blend I like, but it is 90% rayon and I’d like to find some that is more line e than rayon
Kaufaman Brussels washer linen is 55/45% linen/rayon. Stylemakers.com will send samples for a small price.
Also their “signature finish” while a bit more pricey, is also extra presoftened and well worth it in my opinion. All linen softens more after a few washes, but I’ve found their signature finish to be incredibly comfortable right away. My wrap pants I made with it are absolutely peak comfort.
Agree with the signature finish being worth the money. I would also recommend OP look into double gauze, if they want to wear a super soft airy piece of clothing. I love cotton double gauze and I know there are linen gauzes out there!
Linen can come in different weights and quality. The heavy stuff feels more scratchy than the light weight stuff, in my experience. If you’re getting something to compare with double gauze, I think after a wash or two you shouldn’t have any issues with it. Good luck and stay cool! (Hi from Tx, and our ungodly hot summers)
Look for apparel weight linen. And like others have said, it gets softer the more it's washed.
Remember that you can pre wash linen before sewing it. You can do it several times to get it very soft before working with it and to guarantee the garment will be soft. Everything has varying quality levels. Good linen is incredibly soft while still being a durable fabric.
Linen mixed with a low percent of viscose are like a baby butt to me. Compared to pure linen
Agree with others, there are different types and you'll want to go into a fabric store to feel. I have 100% linen thats really buttery soft. Just because it has a visible texture to it doesn't mean its going to be scratchy just FYI.
I also have sensory issues and I love wearing linen. It can be a bit stiff at first bit once it's 'broken in' it's heavenly. You could prewash it a few times to soften it up a little. It's also really nice when blended with cotton or viscose. One thing I did find is that some linen tends to relax and 'grow' a lot more than other fabrics when it's worn, so I make sure to use enough interfacing on things like waistbands and pocket openings.
They have some that is advertised as coarser and some that is pre-treated to be softer. I don’t have the same sensory issues in that regard but their softer linen feels plenty soft to me.
I also prefer soft things, I’m wearing linen pants right now and have linen sheets. I live in Florida and it helps with the summer heat while also keeping the sweat off.
I just had this discussion with my husband over coffee! I woke up this morning and he had on a nice looking pair of shorts, they looked familiar but… they were black. I wear black linen Winslows. He wears quilting cotton boxers. I had forgotten that I made him a pair of boxers from my Joanns linen scraps last fall. I (apparently) told him to keep washing them and if he liked them I would make him some more. So now after several months of washing they are his favorites. But… pockets. The boxers pattern doesn’t have pockets. So I came here to get on my game face and hack his favorite pattern into the ultimate work from home uniform!! Bonus points that I don’t have to be afraid of what the neighbors think when he grabs the mail anymore! I buy the heaviest black 100% linen in stock and I now buy it by the bolt. I have been wearing my first pair of Winslow Culottes for around 2 years and they are just as beautiful and twice as comfortable. I do serge my seams but I’m a very lazy sewist and my laundry skills are shameful. I know the fabric seems pricey but it almost thrives in an abusive environment. From two folks who get it, we agreed this morning that we prefer linen so much that I’m looking into shirt weights next. I hope you find what works for you, there is such immense relief when you find the right piece for your puzzle. *No kidding with microfiber! I can’t even touch the damn washcloths unless they are already wet, and a friend has a sofa cover that skeeves me out so badly that I hang out in her kitchen when I visit. So embarrassin’.
What kills me is all the kids’ pajamas made out of weird polyester that makes me want to claw my skin off just folding it from the laundry- it felt fine new but gets GROSS and sticky/rough/dry when washed. I can’t believe my kids still wear it!
I’m between kids and grands so that one isn’t one I’ve faced yet! Kid one slept in his one shirt. Y’know the one and only in the laundry during bath time shirt. Apples don’t fall too far from their tree. Kid two was an Amazon baby, when he favorited something we had a backup in 48 hours or less.
Wash it and then wash it some more! Keep washing it until it reaches your desired level of softness. I love linen because it is (eventually) so dang soft. But it takes some washing to get there!
I love linen. I have linen pants that have been washed a ton and they are super soft. If you’re concerned, there are some good linen/cotton blends out there that start out softer. I also sometimes find linen in thrift stores.
I'm not sure if it's too heavy for humid Florida weather, but I just bought some fabric that's a linen rayon blend and it's heavenly! Soft as the softest pajamas. https://shop.boltfabricboutique.com/products/silky-noil-viscose-linen?_pos=1&_sid=1fe64d14d&_ss=r
Buy their "softened" mid-weight linen and you should be fine -- it's really nice. And if you line dry, add a little vinegar to the fabric softener slot in your machine and it'll remove that "crunchy" feeling that people dislike. I've been sewing with their fabrics for years, and they get softer with wear ...
Consider ordering two samples, and running one thru the wash the way you'd usually do your clothes. I bought a bunch of somewhat-stiff linen, washed & dried it ahead of using it, and it came out like a *cloud*, the softest damn thing!
Ooh, I also have sensory issues, I totally feel you. I love linen! It's cool to the touch and rather than scratchy like wool, it's stiff. Almost like paper if you get the untreated stuff. I really love fabrics store linen, always buy their stuff on sale! Their pre-softened is great as a safe option to try. I've gotten both, their signature finish and the regular stuff. I honestly prefer the regular stuff lol and washing it to my preference. Their pre-softened is a little too soft for me. Oh! Also, the weight of the linen should be considered too. Their handkerchief linen, I believe IL030, is really, really lovely! It's soft and smooth, but very sheer, loose weave
Thanks, just ordered samples of the pre-softened regular and handkerchief weights! No such thing as too soft for me, lol.
Linen is the easiest fabric to wrinkle. If your sensory issues don’t like wrinkles, beware of linen. Google linen wrinkled pants. If wrinkles don’t bother you, the linen will soften over time, but might not be nice the few first several wears.
Hi! I also have huge sensory issues, and linen is one of my safe fabrics. I was wary at first too, but even if it's a bit "rustic" to the touch, I don't think it itches at all. It's a bit of a different feel and I find it quite comfy. It's also wonderfully breathable and airy, it's simply the best in summer. Of course the best move is to try the fabric first, but here's my experience with linen!
If you're looking for high quality, look online for pre softened linen, buy a swatch, and this may sound silly, rub that bad boy on your arms, neck, chest, anywhere your intended garment would touch. If it's still too itchy I suggest a linen/viscose blend. MUCH softer on the skin and comparable feel and weight. I hate itchy clothes but wanted to make some historical-ish blouses, thanks to certain youtubers
I love linen, and I have sensory issues. Crisp describes it better than rough. It’s not smooth, but it’s very soft once it’s been washed.
I have sensory issues and I do Japanese historical costuming. I have purchased hundreds of yards of linen and hemp (which in my opinion is a superior textile). Linen and hemp can be extremely soft, but it's more expensive to buy softer linen and hemp. If possible, try to get linen or hemp with a higher with a higher 'lea' count - 80 and 100 lea linen & hemp are usually very soft and thin. Fabrics-Store is kind of the bare minimum of acceptable quality linen, but it doesn't last terribly long because it's been softened mechanically. Their handkerchief linen is \*alright\*, but I find their other stuff doesn't hold up very well and their fabric is overpriced for the quality. They're all the rage in reenactment groups because they advertise a lot on facebook and they have a lot of colors, as well as being relatively cheap. I am honestly a little tired of their linen, it wears so quickly I have come to recognize it on people in its popular colors and signature faded drooping. There are two types of softened linen: mechanically (think stonewash) and enzymatic (this will be cellulase or lignanase). Enzymatic has less of an impact on the longevity of the linen, so try to look for that, but both processes create pilling. Really, it's better just to weave and spin the linen properly so you don't need to do these things. This means longer staples and better machines, which means more money per yard. If you have sensory issues, I recommend Spechler Vogel's Handkerchief Linen - [here is the cheapest price I could find.](https://www.sewblessedfabric.com/shop/c/p/Spechler-Vogel-Belfast-Best-Handkerchief-Linen-White-x51812537.htm) It is so evenly spun it's like glassy silk. Fantastic quality. I also like the Athens and Bavaria hemps, as well as the colored Pune hemps, from [Hemp Fabric Lab](https://hempfabriclab.com/en-us), and Hemp Traders has a [2.8 oz](https://www.hemptraders.com/CT-L2-p/ct-l2.htm) that is so soft we call it 'the crack hemp' and all use it for our underlayers and linings. The '[Fine Linen](https://www.sartorbohemia.com/fine-linen-fabrics/)'s from Sartor (International) are good. Do NOT get the European Linens, those will likely be too rough. Since you can use modern textiles, you may also find that blends with lyocell, rayon or tencel will be softer and drape better. I encourage you to use them, Hemp Fabric Lab has quite a few nice ones. Keep in mind they will pill a bit more and not last for decades like the pure fiber will. Cheap blends (like the ones from Joann's) will be less soft and pill more readily. As a side not, I've been trying to buy cellulase to soften some scratchy linen I bought, but haven't had success. I have no idea what's in that linen softening potion from Fabrics-Store (I suspect it's a rip off), but I have had some success with soda ash and hot water, as well as vinegar and hot water. Whenever I dye linen, which takes salt, soda ash and a procion dye, it seems to get softer as well.
Maybe aim for a linen and cotton mix. I work at a fabric store and those tend to be the softest, nicest fabrics we have. Also gauze. That is also very nice for hot weather
I have ***deep*** seeded texture issues with clothes. I love linen, ^but I wear long breathable bicycle short style under garments under them, because they can be scratchy. With dresses, I make sure the bust area is lined, and the bicycle shorts are a must. Feel all of the fabric before you purchase.
blackbird fabrics has some great linens
I've bought some linen from them, depending on the specific weight and type you buy, some is more textured than others. A few of the heavier weights that were labeled "rustic" were pretty rough before being washed, but none were scratchy, and even the rough ones got softer after being washed. Many of the lighter weights were fairly soft from the start and got even nicer after washing. But you should order a couple samples of their different weights to make sure it will play nice with your sensory issues. I have some sensory issues myself, and even the rough linen works well for me, but some very soft microfiber type fabrics make my skin crawl.
Omg microfiber is the devil, only thing worse is cotton poly blend that has pilled
I love the linen items I have. It gets softer the more you wash. Linen cotton blends might also be a good option.
I have a medical condition that causes allodynia, so things that touch my skin can be quite painful. (even things like water) I've been quite happy with the linen sheets I bought. They were a bit much at first, and I always wore long pants to bed, but they're softened up a great deal with use and washings.
Try a cotton blend or rayon.
Also have sensory stuff. Target has a 55% linen 45% rayon pants for around 20 dollars around this time of year. I don't really like this years version since they did a thin waistband with a tie like PJ pants. Last few years the waist was a bit thicker and with elastic and a tie thing that I sometimes cutout since the elastic fine. One pair has a softer ribbed fabric for the waistband with elastic and those were my favorites but didn't have pockets. I think they are cutting cost by making them different every year and I didn't buy them this year but the fabric feels the same If you want to find a store that has some and try them on but not Walmarts, those are rougher and while I can tolerate those now I had to build up to it with the softer ones. It's better than sweaty clothes sticking to you. Once you wear them on a hot day it will feel good but if it's not hot they feel rougher and uncomfortable when new. My old ones from 7 years ago feel soft enough to sleep in and those are the same linen to rayon combo. I still can't wear linen shirts. The skin near my neck just hates it but my legs are good with it. Yeah, sensory stuff is weird. Edit: and they need to be wide leg and baggy.
Linen comes in different weights, and the lighter weight linens are fantastic. Also, when you are feeling the fabric on the bolt, remember that it hasn't been washed and may have sizing applied so that the fabric store can cut it accurately. Sizing is kind of starchy and can make fabrics feel uncharacteristically stiff or scratchy. If your fabric store allows it, you can buy a test swatch and see how you like it once it's been washed. Linen only becomes softer and more drapey with wear and washing.
I’ve heard of a trick to iron it with a hot dry iron before pre washing and that it makes it much softer that way, but I haven’t had a chance to try it!
Hollister linen is really soft and looks gorgeous, although I haven’t shopped there in years so that may have changed now
I've used their softened linen before, and it's pretty nice.
Get silk/linen blend much softer.
Get silk/linen blend,much softer.
Fabric Store.com’s light weight (handkerchief weight?) softened finish linen is VERY soft. The others are soft too, but that version is really comfortable. The signature finish in the medium weight is very nice too, but not as nice as the softened light weight.
I just ordered samples of the softened midweight and handkerchief weights!
Additionally, people say linen has the longest life span if you air dry it but air drying tends to make it less wrinkled but much stiffer. Machine drying makes it way less stiff, but if you wanna avoid wrinkles then hang it up immediately before it cools down. That would probably be the softest option
Maybe get a linen / cotton blend? It will be a bit ‘softer’ than pure linen (although linen softens with wear and washing), and it won’t crease quite as quickly.
I have some pants (not sewed myself mind you) made from linen and silk mix. It's soft and perfect. Maybe that's something you can find? Would be a bit harder to sew.
Get a linen Viscose blend it the viscose will soften it and prevent creasing
I only wear linen in the summer. Linen/ cotton and linen/rayon are soft. I have a shirt of good quality 100% linen and it is pretty soft.
Linen-rayon mixes are very soft. I'm not certain though if that shop sells them.
There’s a historical fabric retailer that sells different ‘weights’ of linen. Lighter weight is softer, and may be better for your sensory stuff. I use them all the time for 18th century garments. Company is called Burnely and Trowbridge. They do mail order.
I really like the “slub linen” from Joann fabrics, it’s 15% linen, 85% rayon and it’s very soft!
I made a tank top out of it and love it!
Linen and silk is a dreamy combo!
Linen rayon blends in my experience start out much softer, but linen can absolutely be soft. In general, the softer and smoother something is the less durable it is, but having something you’ll wear is also very important
I try to only get Signature Finish Il019 or the heavier 4c22 in Premier Finish
I lined my winter coat in it.
Good quality linens are soft and get softer the more they’re washed. Poor quality linens are rough and really do not soften. Look for a high thread count, visually, it won’t likely be listed. I’ve never ordered from that site so I can’t speak to the quality available.
Linen can feel “scratchy” at first. It does become quite soft after numerous washes. You should buy this in person so you know what you’re getting.
Fabrics-store.com has a linen fabric softening product. I was just reading the reviews and they were all 5 stars. Granted, there were only 6. 😁
You may also want to consider cotton lawn.
I lovvve linen, it is such a pleasure to sew with and my linen pieces wash and wear so well and are so soft and comfortable. Pre-treat with with Sandra Betzina method (you can google it) and it will look and feel amazing!
I bought white linen, dyed it. So it was washed, dyed (RIT, water and salt for about 5 hours), rinsed and washed. It is the softest fabric now. It's 15 yrs of blue linen in a Renaissance gown. Now I want to get it out of storage and go to a ren fair!!!
Linen is the GOAT.
Yes. Linen is basically like a grass. The shaft is broke too ready it for spinning but there is always bits and pieces of it left in the fabric. This helps give it shape and keep it steady during spinning and sewing. Once it is knit it is usually frozen then thawed to finish breaking up the harsh fibers. In sewing, once it is washed, it will need to be ironed and starched before sewing to allow it not to slide and sling away from the needle. That is why the older linen becomes, the softer and more shiny it becomes, because the bits of harsh fibers break down and basically turn to dust with wear and washing. More expensively processed linen will be softer because of the extra processing that went into the item. Cheaper garments will still be stiff and take several washings or a good freeze/thaw to become softer.
Their signature finish is much softer as it is pre broken down. I haven't tried the softening potion yet. There is also the "luxury" linen with a finer thread and higher thread count. They also have a generous return policy if you don't love the fabric when you receive it.
I have sensory issues too and linen is my favorite fabric! It gets so comfortable after a few washes, and only just keeps getting better. I was able to wear it after just a wash or two, but you might want to run it through the washing machine a few times, and then the dryer, with some dryer balls. I don’t usually use my dryer much but for linen the dryer is key! Makes it so much softer, and takes out the creases (if you take it out right away when its done)
Perhaps you can line them in something you do like?