Does Hemp Fabric Get Softer Over Time?

Ever wondered if hemp fabric actually gets softer over time?

If you're anything like me, you've probably wrestled with your fair share of crispy, stiff sheets and thought, "Did I accidentally buy cardboard?" Well, fear not! As someone who's dedicated the last few years of my life to hemp bedding (seriously—it's become a bit of an obsession), I'm here to spill the tea on hemp softness. Spoiler alert: it gets better.

Let's talk texture, shall we?

When I first started Jo Dope, my mission was clear: create bedding that's not only eco-friendly but also ultra-comfy. Hemp has a bit of a rep for being rough around the edges—literally. At first touch, pure hemp sheets might remind you a bit too much of that itchy jumper your nan knitted for Christmas. (Sorry, Nan!) But there's hope!

The first thing you'll notice when you try hemp sheets is their strong character. Initially, the fibres are tight, which makes them sturdy but admittedly less snuggly. But here’s the good news—each wash actually relaxes these fibres. They start to soften, moulding beautifully around you. Yep, hemp sheets become your new best mate, the type of mate that remembers exactly how you like your coffee.

[collection-carousel="sheet-set"]

Why does hemp soften with washing?

This isn't just me being a biased hemp advocate—though I admit, I'm proudly guilty of that. The reason hemp gets softer over time comes down to the fibres themselves. Hemp fibres naturally become more flexible after repeated washing. Think of it like breaking in a new pair of shoes; those kicks only reach peak comfort after a bit of wear and tear. Same goes for hemp sheets!

And no, you're not imagining it—the water and gentle friction of washing actually condition the fibres, breaking down stiffness without sacrificing durability. I didn't invent this phenomenon, though I wish I could take credit. There’s plenty of evidence backing it up (here's another article that dives deeper).

How long does it really take?

From personal experience, after about three or four washes, the difference in softness is already noticeable. After around ten, they transform entirely. I remember the exact moment when my sheets went from "meh" to "oh, wow!"—it was magical. Now, they're so comfy that I find myself lingering in bed just a bit too long each morning (but who can blame me?).

If you want to fast-track this softness process (because patience is overrated), try washing your hemp bedding in warm water with eco-friendly softeners. It helps speed things up—trust me.

There are quite a few differences between hemp sheets and linen sheets, and there’s a strong reason we believe hemp sheets are better. Mainly, hemp tends to maintain its strength longer while still softening beautifully.

Comfort, sustainability, and other bonuses

Speaking of bonuses, hemp sheets aren't just about softness. They’re temperature-regulating, keeping you cool in our Aussie summers and warm during those chilly winter nights. Say goodbye to sweaty sheets and hello to year-round comfort.

Plus, hemp is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to mould, which is fantastic if you're prone to night sweats. I’ve had countless customers tell me how hemp bedding has been a game-changer for their sleep quality.

Here's the kicker: every time you opt for hemp over traditional fabrics, you're doing your bit for the environment. Hemp requires significantly less water and no pesticides compared to cotton—check out why hemp if you're curious about the eco-friendliness of this wonder fibre.

Breaking down misconceptions

I've heard people mention that hemp might stay scratchy forever. Nope, not true. What some perceive as roughness initially is just the sturdy structure of the fibre. I was chatting to someone recently who was convinced hemp stays rough—but when they gave hemp another go (with a little encouragement from yours truly), they were blown away by how quickly their sheets softened. Told ya!

And if you're worried about itchiness, I've already got you covered with an article on whether hemp is itchy. (Quick hint: it's not.)

Ready to jump into softer sheets?

If you've made it this far, you're probably pretty keen to see what all the fuss is about. Why not give hemp bedding a whirl? Whether you're after pillowcases, doona covers, or a whole set, I'm confident you'll quickly become a hemp convert.

[collection-carousel="full-sets"]

If you’ve still got questions or just want to tell me how much you're loving your new sheets, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I love a good yarn (pun fully intended).

Until next time, sleep easy and sustainably!

Love,

Oscar from Jo Dope