Give it a place to recover
A linen shirt dropped over a chair tends to keep the shape of the chair. After wearing it, empty the pockets, open the fastening and hang it on a suitable hanger in a dry, airy place. Check the collar and underarms before returning it to the wardrobe. A garment that needs washing will not become clean simply by hanging overnight.
Look at the whole garment rather than its fibre label alone. A loosely woven summer top, a lined jacket and a linen blend may require different care. The manufacturer's instructions account for details that are difficult to judge from touch, including finishes and trims.
Choose the finish you actually want
For a casual shirt, light creasing can be part of its appearance. Smooth the placket and collar if those areas bother you, rather than automatically pressing every sleeve fold. A tailored jacket may need a more considered approach: check its instructions before bringing steam or an iron near the lapels.
When washing is permitted, use the labelled process and avoid leaving the garment crumpled in the machine. Arrange it for drying promptly, gently straightening seams without pulling them longer. This will not produce an entirely crease-free finish, but it can reduce unnecessary work later.
Store without squeezing
Leave a little space around hanging linen so neighbouring clothes do not crush it. For folded pieces, use broad folds and avoid an overfilled stack that must be dragged apart each morning.
Before a trip, decide whether you are comfortable wearing the item with ordinary packing creases. If its appeal depends on a freshly pressed finish, check that you will have a suitable way to achieve that at your destination. Otherwise, pack a piece whose texture you enjoy as it is.
