Linen Shirt V. Cotton Shirt

[gl556tr]

** Not sure where to place this, but here goes. **
I have heard that linen shirts are more comfortable than cotton ones. Also, that the former is not such a drain on water resources as is cotton - from growing to processing for a garment.
Are these true.
Also, I wish to purchase a linen shirt -- awaiting your advice, before doing so! Is it true that linen tends to shrink when washed and one, therefore, need to get a size larger?
Thank you.

[Togo]

Linen all day long. A linen suit is a great thing too. I love mine.

[Togo]

Linen will not shrink if washed at 30c. A larger size is always good for a shirt, you are going to wear it when it is warm. Trousers and jackets get a size to fit. Do not be self conscious about the "creased" look of linen, that is normal and is a good summer casual, but smart signal.

[Buenchico]

There have been many reports which indicate that, for a variety of reasons, linen is more 'environmentally friendly' than cotton. (e.g. "The Role and Business Case for Existing and Emerging Fibres in Sustainable Clothing", Defra 2010).

I admit that most of the time I simply wear whatever's cheapest in Asda, Primark or charity shops but I do like the crisp feel of a linen shirt. (They're also great to pack when travelling, as they simply retain their naturally rather crumpled look, rather than acquiring lots of unsightly creases).

As Togo indicates, linen won't shrink when washed in accordance with the instructions on the label.

[Tilly2]

Have a look at Bamboo clothing.

[melv16]

Linen is fine, as long as you don't have to iron it....

[Tilly2]

https://bambooclothing.co.uk/mens-bamboo-clothing/

[Buenchico]

^^^ The one reservation that some of the environmental reports cite about the use of linen for clothing is that it requires a lot more ironing and so uses more electricity. (However those same reports state that the environmental benefits of producing linen far outweigh the environmental costs of producing that electricity).

Ideally it's best to put linen shirts on a hanger while they're still slightly damp. Then they'll probably need little or no ironing.

[Togo]

Just a warning about Linen. It is very susceptible to taking in a dye if washed with something that is liable to bleed. Always watch what you wash with it and never anything darker. Must confess I insist on a hand wash and after a spell on the line, a hanger so that the creases just drop out.

[atalanta]

The world's cotton crop takes not far short of half the world's pesticides. You might like to consider that fact.