Softening up linen

Yes, washing softens linen but it is a long process. I have a pair of
linen
pants that now are nice and drapey even though they started as fairly
stiff.
You might try washing the linen with some sneakers because they will
"pound"
the fabric while they are together in the washer and dryer. Most dryers
have
some kind of no/low heat setting (for fluffing up towels, etc.), btw. A
good, long spin might do the trick.

Thanks for the input. I've got the shirt on right now and its not as bad as
I thought. It was a soft linen to start with, so maybe it won't take too
long.

Its a nice thick, somewhat heavy feeling to the fabric, which is what I like
in a shirt. I think I got this at Jo-Ann's. I don't think they've got any
out on the shelves right now though, or I'd go look at some more.