fibrHemp
Hemp is linen's tougher cousin: a bast fibre that starts stiff, softens with every wash and is very hard to wear out.
Reviewed: 2026-10-13
Like flax, hemp fibre comes from the stem of the plant. It is long and strong, so hemp fabric resists abrasion well and keeps its shape. It also creases, for the same reason linen does.
Pure hemp can feel coarse at first. Many brands blend it with organic cotton for a softer hand; that is a reasonable choice as long as the percentages are stated.
Signs of quality
- Hemp percentage stated on the product page
- Garment-washed or enzyme-softened finish
- GOTS-certified hemp or hemp–organic cotton blends
What to watch for
- 'Hemp blend' with no percentage — often mostly cotton or polyester
- Hemp described as 'like viscose' — that's a regenerated hemp fibre, not bast hemp
Care
Machine wash at 30–40°C and line dry. It softens with washing, so don't worry about wearing it in.
Sources and further reading
Certifications worth knowing
- GOTS
- Applies when the hemp is certified organic and processed to GOTS rules.
- OEKO-TEX
- Harmful-substance testing on the finished fabric.