Is Hemp Fabric Good for Hot Weather?

Ever found yourself lying awake, tossing and turning on a sticky summer night, wishing your sheets could do something—anything—to help you cool down?

Believe me, I've been there too. When Jess and I first started Jo Dope, one of our goals was simple: help Aussies sleep comfortably, especially during those scorching January nights. That's why we chose hemp. Yep, hemp—not just good for making rope and those questionable brownies your mate baked that one time, but actually brilliant for bedding. But does hemp fabric really work wonders in hot weather? Let's dig into it together.

First Things First, What is Hemp Linen Exactly?

If you're scratching your head wondering what the heck hemp linen actually is, let me clear that right up. Hemp linen is fabric made from the fibres of the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). And before you ask—no, you won’t get high from sleeping on hemp sheets. Trust me, I've tried (just kidding... maybe).

There's a lot to hemp linen, from being naturally antimicrobial to becoming softer with every wash. But for me, the best part? It's breathable. Seriously, hemp bedding breathes better than I do after climbing a flight of stairs.

Still curious? Check out this easy breakdown of what hemp linen actually is.

How Does Hemp Keep You Cool?

Alright, here's where things get interesting. Hemp has amazing thermoregulatory properties—fancy words meaning it keeps your temperature balanced. Basically, hemp fabric lets air circulate freely, drawing moisture away from your skin. It's nature's version of air-conditioning for your bed.

I didn't always believe in fabric magic, but after trying hemp sheets during Brisbane’s ridiculous humidity, I'm converted. Cotton? Nice, but doesn't cut it. Polyester? Don't get me started. Sleeping on hemp is like flipping to the cool side of the pillow—but all night long.

There's even more science behind this, if you're into that kind of thing.

But Is It Really Better than Linen?

Here's the juicy bit. I've had this debate plenty of times: hemp versus linen. Linen’s alright—classy even—but here's why I swear by hemp. Linen tends to wrinkle more and takes longer to dry (who has time for that?). Hemp is tougher, lasts longer, and actually gets softer with every wash, not stiffer. And softer sheets are exactly what you want against your skin after a day at Bondi.

We even wrote an article detailing all the reasons why we reckon hemp beats linen hands down.

If you’re curious, why not explore some of our hemp sheet sets? I promise your nights will never be the same.

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Is Hemp Fabric Itchy?

Alright, real talk: is hemp itchy? Short answer—nope. The slightly longer answer: maybe a little, initially, but give it a wash or two, and it becomes silky smooth. I'm speaking from personal experience here. In fact, we've written a whole article dedicated to debunking the myth of itchy hemp—check out our post on whether hemp sheets are itchy if you're still skeptical.

And if pillow comfort's your thing (it’s definitely mine), our hemp pillowcases are a game changer. Go on, you know you want to.

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But Wait, is Hemp Actually Eco-Friendly?

Yes, yes, a million times yes! I might be biased, but this stuff grows with less water than cotton and zero pesticides. Even Reddit users agree—using hemp fabric is a clever way to do your bit for the environment without sacrificing comfort.

Plus, hemp actually restores nutrients to the soil. So every time you sleep, you're basically saving the world. No biggie.

For more details on the environmental perks, check out this handy read.

Summing Up Hemp in Hot Weather

To wrap it all up (see what I did there?), hemp linen isn't just good for hot weather—it's bloody fantastic. It's breathable, soft, and eco-friendly. It keeps your sweaty summer nights cool and comfy, making every sleep feel like luxury (minus the hefty price tag).

If you're still tossing up between fabrics, read our comparison on the best bed sheets for hot summer nights. It’s packed with honest advice (and probably a few jokes).

Got more questions or just keen for a chat? Drop me a line on our contact page. Seriously, I love talking about hemp almost as much as I love sleeping on it.

Sleep cool, friends.

Love,

Oscar from Jo Dope