Machine washing linen is usually fine—check the tag first.

Yes, but only if the tag says it’s machine washable and you use cold water and a gentle cycle.

Linen is tough. It actually gets softer the more you wash it. But cover-ups often have loose weaves, embellishments like shells or tassels, or are lined with something less durable. A rough cycle can wreck that. So turn it inside out, throw it in a mesh bag if you have one, and set the machine to delicate or hand-wash.

Skip the dryer entirely. Linen shrinks and wrinkles like crazy in high heat. Hang it or lay it flat. If it comes out stiff, that’s normal—a quick iron on low or a tumble on no-heat with a damp towel will soften it right up.

Better safe than sorry with a beach cover-up you love.