Do Hemp Sheets Feel Like Traditional Linen?

Ever wondered if hemp sheets actually feel anything like traditional linen?

I’ll admit, when I first heard about hemp sheets, I pictured sleeping wrapped in some kind of scratchy hessian sack. Not exactly dreamy, right? Well, spoiler alert, hemp sheets are actually nothing like that. And trust me—I wouldn’t steer you wrong.

So, let's talk texture. Linen has this rustic reputation: you either absolutely love it, or you spend your nights regretting your life choices. And while I have friends who swear by linen, I’ve heard plenty of grumbling about linen sheets feeling like you're sleeping in your grandma’s potato bag. Enter hemp. Unlike linen, hemp sheets have this pretty delightful habit of getting softer and softer every single time you wash them. It's like they’re playing the long game, slowly but surely winning over your heart (and skin).

If you're curious about how hemp sheets compare directly to linen, there's plenty of good news. Both materials come from natural fibres, but hemp tends to be smoother right off the bat. Linen fibres are typically shorter, giving them that distinct, rough texture initially, whereas hemp fibres are longer and smoother. Basically, hemp is like linen’s cooler, smoother sibling who knows exactly how to charm everyone at the family barbecue.

Here's an interesting thing I noticed after checking around. Hemp sheets start smoother and feel pretty great right away. But don’t take my word for it—others have said the same thing. Plus, because hemp fibres are long-lasting and ridiculously durable, the sheets won't just become softer—they'll stick around longer, too. That's less time (and money) spent shopping, and more time enjoying a solid night's sleep. Here's another article that dives deep into this very topic.

But How Do Hemp Sheets Actually Feel?

When I first introduced hemp bedding into my home, I had my doubts—especially about softness. But after a couple of washes, the sheets turned soft and supple, a far cry from that dreaded potato sack scenario. Unlike traditional linen, hemp never felt scratchy or uncomfortable. It just kept getting better. No wonder my mates keep telling me I’ve turned into a bedding evangelist!

If you’re still on the fence about hemp being itchy—don't worry, I get it. I answered all those questions myself in a previous article, exploring if hemp sheets are itchy. Spoiler—they aren’t. Seriously.

Breathability: The Great Australian Comfort Test

Now, living in Australia, I've got firsthand experience of dealing with hot summer nights. You know the ones—when you're kicking off sheets faster than your dog runs for the door when someone says “walk”. This is where hemp sheets shine brighter than a sunny Brisbane day. Hemp’s natural fibres are highly breathable, meaning they help regulate your body temperature effortlessly. They keep you cool in summer, warm in winter, and feeling cosy year-round. Magic? Probably.

Speaking of keeping cool, if you're battling sweaty nights, you might want to see our hemp sheet sets that Aussies love.

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The Sustainability Factor (Because It Matters!)

Alright, let’s chat sustainability because it matters—a lot. Linen is pretty eco-friendly itself, but hemp takes it to a whole new level. Growing hemp uses far less water than traditional crops like cotton, and requires zero pesticides. That means hemp sheets aren’t just good for your sleep—they’re good for our Aussie environment, too.

Want to dive deeper? I shared heaps more on this in why we chose hemp as our core material. Spoiler alert: It’s because hemp is basically the superhero of sustainable crops. Cape optional.

Which One Should You Choose?

Honestly, it comes down to personal preference—but if you ask me (and hey, you're here reading my thoughts, right?), hemp sheets win hands down for their texture, durability, and eco-friendliness. Linen lovers often stick with linen because they're used to its unique feel. But if you’re considering switching things up and want something smoother from the get-go, hemp is your mate.

If you're not totally convinced yet, here's some real-world chat about hemp vs linen you might appreciate.

Ready to Give Hemp a Go?

If you're keen to experience this game-changing bedding first-hand, our full bedding sets are a perfect place to start.

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Still got questions? Feel free to drop me a line. I promise I'm friendlier than linen sheets on their first wash.

Until next time—keep cool, stay comfy, and sleep happy.

Love,

Oscar from Jo Dope