Linen and silk are the materials that make up our entire Le Drapé collection. We chose them for their natural origin as well as their thermoregulating and breathable properties.
These exceptional materials sometimes have a reputation for being difficult to care for: fragile, demanding, and delicate...
But is that really the case?
When properly cared for, linen and silk are, on the contrary, durable and resistant fabrics made to last for years. Here's how to take care of them.
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LINEN AND SILK?
Linen, a natural, local, and sustainable fiber
Linen is a plant with blue flowers that grows in temperate and humid zones. France is the world's leading producer of this plant.
After flowering, the plant is harvested and laid directly on the ground for the retting process (the maceration that allows the fibers to be extracted). Once the fibers are extracted, they are scraped, beaten, and then combed to obtain the textile fiber we know.
Linen is a zero-waste plant that requires very little water to grow, compared to other natural fibers like cotton, for example.
Over time and with use, linen develops a patina, softens, gains character, and tells a different story with each wear. It is a very durable and naturally thermoregulating fabric. It moves with the body without feeling constricted.
Silk, a noble and delicate material
Silk comes from the fibers produced by silkworms to form their cocoons.
This precious material has exceptional thermoregulatory properties: it retains heat when it's cold and remains light when temperatures rise. Soft and fluid, it is gentle on even the most sensitive skin.
Silk is not fragile; it is simply alive. It requires gentle care.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR LINEN AND SILK CLOTHES?
Traditionally, it is recommended to hand wash your clothes to best care for them: less friction, better control over soaking time, and gentler wringing.
Use lukewarm water, around 30°C maximum.
Linen is more resistant than silk: silk should not be soaked for long periods. Prolonged immersion can weaken its fibers.
When wringing, it is important never to twist the fabric. Gently squeeze the water between your hands or in a clean towel.
Air dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can make linen rough and cause discoloration rings on silk.
When ironing, it is best to iron silk on the reverse side at a low temperature. Linen can withstand higher heat, ideally while slightly damp.
MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH LINEN AND SILK
To prolong the life of your natural fiber garments, avoid:
- Wringing silk during the spin cycle
- Soaking silk for too long
- Using harsh detergents
- Drying your garments in direct sunlight
- Using a tumble dryer
- Ironing silk at too high a temperature
These simple steps make all the difference.
CAN ILA-LYONE CLOTHES BE MACHINE WASHED?
We create clothing to support women in their everyday lives. It was essential for us that our pieces remain easy to care for.
Ila-Lyone linen and silk garments are machine washable:
- Maximum 30°C
- Delicate cycle
- Gentle spin
After washing, hang them to air dry in the shade.
Dry cleaning is, of course, an option if it makes your life easier.
We chose our materials to combine high standards, quality, and practicality.
WHY IS CARING FOR YOUR CLOTHES ESSENTIAL?
Caring for your clothes extends their lifespan. It increases how many times you can wear them. It reduces your cost per use.
A quality garment worn for several years is always more sustainable than one that is regularly replaced.
Natural fibers age gracefully. Linen softens. Silk retains its fluidity and softness.
Taking care of a linen or silk garment prolongs its story.
It slows down.
It chooses quality over constant replacement.
