Ever wondered why your bedsheets aren't saving the planet yet?
Alright friends, let's have a quick chat about something that's close to my heart—sheets. Yep, you heard me, sheets! Specifically, the ongoing saga of hemp vs cotton. I've been on a bit of a personal quest lately to understand why hemp fabric is gaining popularity faster than avo on toast at brunch. But is hemp really better than cotton, or is it just another trend?
Why Hemp Has Entered the Chat
First things first—I reckon cotton has had its day in the sun, but times are changing. Cotton farming is pretty thirsty work, using around twice as much water as hemp (here's a quick read if you're keen). Not to mention, cotton crops often rely on pesticides, something hemp farming casually skips over.
Honestly, when I first started Jo Dope, one of the biggest draws was hemp's ability to grow like crazy without harsh chemicals. That's pretty neat if you ask me. So, hemp gets a gold star for sustainability.
Feeling Rough Around the Edges?
Now, the classic complaint I've heard (and felt myself) is, "Oscar, isn't hemp a bit scratchy?" Yeah, initially it can be. Hemp fabric starts out a tad rough, much like my Monday mornings. But, like good wine (or your favourite pair of jeans), hemp sheets get softer every time you wash them. Our hemp sheet sets feel downright dreamy after a few washes—promise!
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Let's Talk Durability (Without the Yawns)
Here's a fun fact—hemp fabric actually lasts longer than cotton. Yep, your hemp bedding could very well see you through a decade of dreams, Netflix binges, and late-night pizza spills. Meanwhile, cotton sheets tend to wear out quicker and, let's be honest, who wants to keep rebuying sheets? (Certainly not me, I’d rather spend my money on a sneaky weekend getaway).
If you're curious, I've talked more about why hemp stands the test of time in this piece comparing hemp to cotton and polyester. Go on, have a cheeky read.
It's Not Just Me Saying It
When scrolling through discussions online, I noticed heaps of chatter around hemp fabric. A few solid points stuck out, like how hemp tends to wrinkle more than cotton—fair enough. But wrinkles add character, right? (That's what I keep telling myself anyway.) Plus, let's be real, ironing is overrated.
Another point was cost. Sure, hemp can cost a bit more upfront, but think about it as a long-term investment. Fewer replacements mean less cash spent overall. Here's a good breakdown of cost and environmental factors if you want the specifics.
The Comfort Factor (Spoiler, Hemp Wins)
Comfort isn’t just softness, though. Hemp bedding naturally regulates temperature, meaning it's cool in summer and warm in winter. This is why our customers (and my dog, Alfie) swear by our hemp bedding during hot Aussie summers. And if you're worried about scratchiness, I've addressed that concern head-on right here. You're welcome!
Not All Fabrics Are Created Equal
There's a pretty substantial difference between linen and hemp sheets. Linen is lovely, sure, but hemp has a magic touch (literally—it's naturally antimicrobial, so less washing for you). That’s a solid win for lazy Sundays everywhere.
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Doing Good Without Even Trying
One of my favourite things about hemp bedding is that you're helping the environment without even trying. Cotton has a hefty environmental footprint (as I've explained in my rant here). Hemp uses less water, less land, and it's carbon-negative—absorbing more CO2 than it emits.
You're basically becoming an eco-warrior by just sleeping. Hero status unlocked!
Bringing It Home to Jo Dope
Here at Jo Dope, Jess and I believe that choosing hemp over cotton is a small change with massive impact. And honestly, isn't it satisfying knowing your sheets are part of something bigger? Check out our collection of comfy hemp doona covers if you want to test it out for yourself.
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Got any more burning questions? Slide into my inbox via our contact page, and I'll personally get back to you.
Love,
Oscar from Jo Dope
