
Introduction
Due to its sustainable and long-lasting features, hemp clothing is one of the greenest alternatives for eco-friendly consumers. Hemp textiles are constructed from the fibres of Cannabis sativa, which uses significantly less water and pesticides than cotton. Furthermore, hemp plants take up vast quantities of carbon dioxide, making it an eco-friendly textile crop. Hemp clothes are naturally breathable, wicking, and antibacterial, so it is a great material for everything from casual wear to sport clothes.
For all of its virtues, hemp clothing has one main drawback: it will stiffen over time if not kept in top condition. This rigidity can detract from the quality and attractiveness of the garment and leaves users searching for ways to keep their hemp clothes soft and supple.
The intent of this blog is to share practical instructions and methods to help you keep hemp clothing soft and comfortable over the long haul. If you maintain them well, you can continue to enjoy the softness and pleasure of your hemp clothing without compromising their strength and sustainability.
1. Understand Hemp Fabric
Care for hemp clothing involves first knowing what hemp fabric is like, and why it can get stiff over time.
Properties of Hemp Fabric
Hemp is a plant-based fiber that has the advantages of being resistant and adaptable. Its primary features include:
- Breathability: Hemp circulates the air and keeps the wearer cool.
- Water-repellent: The fabric absorbs and evaporates moisture very easily, making it a perfect choice for the wet climate.
- Antibacterial: Hemp repels odors and bacteria and doesn’t require frequent washing.
- Durability: Hemp fibres are extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear in comparison to most fabrics.
- Weakens with Wear: Even if hemp initially feels rough, it will soften with every wash and use.
Also Read : Does Hemp Fabric Shrink? Tips for Proper Care
Why Stiffness Occurs
Despite its brittleness over time, hemp can become stiff for various reasons:
- Minerals in Hard Water: Minerals from hard water can build up on the cloth and cause it to become rough and stiff.
- Poor Cleaning: Using hot water or harsh detergents will strip hemp fibers of natural oils and make them rigid.
- Over-Drying: If you hang hemp clothes in the dryer for too long or leave them out in the sun, they will shrink and crack.
- Failing to Store Properly: Folding and storing hemp garments in humid or damp conditions creates wrinkles and stiffness.
What It Means to Keep Hemp Clothing Soft.
Keeping hemp clothing soft is not only a matter of comfort but for longevity and function.
- Added Comfort: Lighter-weight hemp clothes are smooth on the skin, and pleasant to wear.
- Longer Lifespan: Keeping the fibers soft reduces the chance of fraying and keeps the garment longer.
- Better Wearability: A softer, softer fabric feels more comfortable and easier to wear daily.
With knowledge of these hemp fabric facts, you can make proactive decisions on how to maintain your hemp clothing and keep it comfortable for years to come.
2. Proper Washing Techniques
Washing is perhaps the most important factor in keeping hemp clothing soft. Washing it wrong can result in rigidity, whereas washing it properly retains its natural qualities.
Temperature Settings
Hemp fibers become stiff and contract when they’re exposed to high temperatures. Wash hemp clothes with cold or lukewarm water, and this will keep your clothes from getting damaged.
- Cold Water: Ideal to retain the fiber’s integrity and prevent shrinkage.
- Lukewarm Water: Soft enough to wash the clothing without making it stiff.
- Use warm water as the hot water will heat up the fibers and destroy their natural oils.
Detergent Selection
The detergent you use affects the texture of your hemp garments.
- Use Mild, Eco-friendly Detergents: Use detergents that don’t contain harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. Make sure you’re choosing biodegradable alternatives that are soft on your fabric and the earth.
- Beware Bleach and Strong Fabric Softeners: Use harsh chemicals that corrode the fibers, turning them weak. Fabric softeners, while designed to soften fabrics, leave behind residues that accumulate on hemp and make it less breathable.
Washing Methods
It’s a two-step process for washing hemp clothing, either by hand or machine, so make sure to use the correct one.
Hand Washing:
- Fill a tub or sink with cold or warm water.
- Toss in a little of the mild detergent and whisk to dissolve.
- Soak the clothing in water and swirl it around to wash away stains.
- Use clean water to rinse off any soap stains.
Machine Washing:
- Choose a light or delicate cycle to avoid overworking the fibers.
- Clothes should be turned inside out so as not to scratch the surface.
- Wash colours together to avoid dye transfer.
- In either method, don’t overload the washing machine or basin, resulting in unnecessary friction and wear.
3. Soften Hemp Naturally
Adding softeners to hemp fabric naturally keeps it eco-friendly and durable for the most comfort possible. Although hemp fabric naturally softens with regular use, these processes can speed it up and maintain the softness without releasing damaging chemicals that would degrade the fibers or the environment.
Vinegar Solution
The easiest and most effective method to soften hemp clothing is white vinegar. Vinegar is an organic and biodegradable household cleaner that works by removing minerals and stains that build up on the fabric over time. How to use it right now:
Preparation:
- Pour a gallon of water into a large bowl or bucket.
- Pour in a cup of white vinegar and mix together.
Soaking the Garment:
- Immerse your hemp clothing into the solution until it is fully submerged.
- Suck it for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on stiffness.
Rinse and Wash:
- Once soaked, rinse the garment with clean water to wash away any vinegar stains.
- Then wash it delicately with cold water and a mild detergent.
Repeat as Needed:
- If you’re washing extremely stiff clothing, you can do this over multiple washes until you reach your desired softness.
- It not only sloughs off the texture, but also neutralises smells and freshens up the piece. Vinegar can be especially helpful for people who live in hard water areas, because vinegar removes minerals from the water.
Baking Soda Treatment
Baking soda is another natural, all-purpose household ingredient that can be used to soften hemp clothing. Its alkalinity neutralizes acids and odours, softens the stiff fibres, and renders the fabric soft to the touch.
Adding to the Wash Cycle:
- Pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda, depending on the weight of the load.
- Simply pour it into the drum or detergent box.
Pre-Soaking for Extra Softness:
When using a particularly rough or stiff fabric, dissolve baking soda in hot water and soak the clothing for 15–30 minutes before washing.
Combine with Vinegar:
For the best results, use baking soda while washing and vinegar while rinsing. Make sure you don’t mix them both together as this will neutralize them.
Gentle Washing:
- Start the cycle with a low-temperature wash cycle, preferably in cold or lukewarm water.
- This treatment is highly efficient for restoring the softness of hemp textiles while deodorizing and eradicating residue from detergents or chemicals.
Natural Softeners
Natural softeners such as wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls are great alternatives to chemical fabric softeners if you don’t want to risk your softness being lost during the drying process. The machines literally break up the fibers while drying them, making the fabric soft and flannel.
Using Wool Dryer Balls:
- Bring 3–6 wool dryer balls to your dryer and put on the hemp clothes.
- The balls push the clothes apart, eliminating friction and stiffness, and accelerating drying time.
Tennis Balls as an Alternative:
- If you don’t have wool dryer balls, clean tennis balls are a low-cost alternative.
- Take 1–2 balls and repeat from above.
Avoiding Chemical Fabric Softeners:
- Chemical softeners can adhere to the fabric of hemp, drying it out and influencing its natural qualities.
- Stick to natural treatments for the longevity and sustainability of the cloth.
- The use of natural softeners provides a cost-efficient, eco-friendly alternative to achieve a comfortable hemp outfit without losing the strength or environment-friendliness of the cloth.
4. Drying Tips
Drying hemp garments on a regular basis will help keep them soft and won’t add unnecessary stiffness. Either air dry or dryer your hemp garments, making sure you dry them correctly will keep your hemp clothes comfortable and in great condition.
Air Drying
Air drying is the gentlest and most eco-friendly way to dry hemp clothing. It reduces the likelihood of injury from too much heat and maintains the fabric’s soft natural texture.
Hang in the Shade:
- Wear clothes that are made from hemp and don’t dry in direct sunlight as long as possible as this will break the fibers and cause them to fade.
- Instead, hang your clothes in a cool, shaded spot.
Use Proper Hanging Techniques:
- Make sure to use padded or extra-wide hangers, so that the clothes won’t stretch or wrinkle.
- If you’re using heavy items such as jackets, instead lay the clothing flat to dry on a clean surface.
Avoid Wringing or Stretching:
- Allow to dry, gently squeezing the excess water after washing instead of wringing or twisting it, causing stiffness and stretching.
- Blot away moisture with a dry towel before laying it out.
- Aside from the fact that air drying retains the original texture, it also conserves energy, making it an environmentally sound option.
Machine Drying
Air drying is preferred, but machine drying can be moderate if you stick to these instructions to avoid stiffness and wear:
Use Low-Heat Settings:
- You’ll always want to use a low heat or gentle setting on your dryer to keep the hemp fibers from overheating.
- High temperatures make the fabric stiffen, thin, and lose its suppleness.
Add Natural Softeners:
- Place wool dryer balls or sanitized tennis balls in the dryer to ensure that the fabric is flexible and drying fast.
- This, too, prevents static and makes the garment soft.
Remove Promptly:
- Remove the clothes from the dryer as soon as it is finished drying, to avoid drying the clothes out so dry they get stiff.
- Place them into a clothesline and fold them or hang them as soon as possible so that wrinkles and creases don’t occur.
Partial Machine Drying:
- If you’re afraid of taking the dryer to the cleaners, machine-dry half your hemp garments and then dry them completely by air.
- The process combines the ease of machine drying with the caress of air drying.
Final Thoughts on Drying
How you dry your hemp clothes is one of the most important aspects in keeping them comfortable and longer lasting. Air drying is the preferred method for retaining softness and environmental conservation, but machine drying can be used sparingly for convenience. Whatever you do, treat hemp clothing gently to ensure it remains soft, sturdily constructed and pleasant to wear.
5. Long-Term Maintenance
It takes some forethought to keep hemp clothes soft and comfortable in the long run. Adding a few fundamental tips into your daily routine will help to keep your clothes soft, strong, and comfortable.
Steaming and Brushing
Hemp garments can wrinkle or become stiff in time, particularly if they have been stored for a long time. You can stretch the fibers by using a garment steamer or a bristled brush to bring them back to their natural drape.
Using a Garment Steamer:
How It Works: Steam penetrates the fibers, releasing their texture and uncurling creases without ironing or scorching or stiffening them.
Instructions:
- Place the hemp garment on a heavy duty hanger or lay it on a flat surface.
- Put the steamer’s nozzle over the fabric gently, holding it about an inch away from you so it won’t touch.
- Target the areas where there are obvious creases or stiffness, but make sure to soften the entire outfit.
Brushing with a Soft-Bristled Brush:
Use: Brushing breaks up stiffness, particularly with rougher hemp fabrics such as jackets or outerwear.
Instructions:
- Take a soft, bristled brush, for example, made for clothes or suede.
- Stroke the fabric along the direction of the weave to avoid fraying the threads.
- Concentrate on areas that are a little stiff, like the elbows or collars.
- These are all natural, soft and convenient ways to keep your hemp clothing soft without subjecting it to harmful chemicals or mechanical damage.
Proper Storage
How you pack your hemp clothing makes a huge difference on its comfort and appearance. If not stored properly, it can wrinkle, become stiff, or even grow mildew, particularly in humid conditions.
Choose a Cool, Dry Place:
- Keep your hemp clothing at a cool temperature so that the fibers don’t dry out.
- Don’t go into basements or attics, which are easily saturated with moisture.
Use Breathable Storage Solutions:
- Use cotton garment bags or air-breathable packaging to keep your hemp garments safe and fresh.
- Don’t use plastic storage bags that collect moisture and create a stiffness or mildew.
Prevent Folding Creases:
- You should put padded hangers in place for delicate pieces such as shirts or dresses.
- Fold lighter garments, such as pants or jackets, along the raw edges to prevent harsh creases.
- If you store your hemp clothing appropriately, you’ll be able to keep your hemp clothes in excellent condition and avoid spending a fortune on supplementary softeners in the future.
Blended Fabrics
In addition to the best durability and sustainability of 100% hemp clothing, blended fabrics like hemp-cotton or hemp-modal blends can offer more comfort while still preserving some of the beneficial properties of hemp.
Hemp-Cotton Blends:
- Blending hemp with cotton makes it a light, softer fabric that keeps hemp fresh and strong.
- These blends are best suited for casual or casual clothes like T-shirts or dresses that require ease of wear.
Hemp-Modal or Hemp-Bamboo Blends:
- Because modal and bamboo fibers have a silky finish, they make perfect additions to hemp for a smoother, more natural look.
- Such blends are ideal for loungewear, workout wear or swimsuits.
Care Considerations for Blended Fabrics:
- Care: Always read the care package for your particular blend as different fibers will require different washing or drying methods.
- Consider the amount of hemp in the mix and keep proper care practices in mind.
- Blended fabrics provide a versatile option for those who desire hemp’s benefits combined with added comfort, which is ideal for longer-term wear.
6. Eco-Friendly Considerations
Hemp clothing is often lauded for its eco-friendliness, but sustainability extends beyond the fabric. If you take good care of it and buy ethical brands, you can make your hemp clothes as eco-friendly as possible.
Sustainable Care Practices
Reduce Over-Washing:
- Because hemp is naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant, it doesn’t require as much laundering as other fabrics.
- Clean small stains and hang dry clothes between uses to reduce the amount of time between washes.
Choose Biodegradable Products:
- Choose laundry detergents and softeners that contain plant-based, biodegradable ingredients.
- Don’t buy products with synthetic fragrances, dyes, or phosphates that are damaging to the environment.
Conserve Water:
- Wash hemp clothes fully in order to save water.
- Wash small items by hand to save water and energy.
Air Dry Whenever Possible:
- Not only does air drying maintain the suppleness of hemp cloth, it saves energy over drying by machine.
- Utilize efficient appliances when drying on machines.
- You can live in harmony with hemp clothing’s sustainable ethos by consciously choosing how to treat your clothes.
Supporting Eco-Conscious Brands
What brands you purchase are part of what keeps your wardrobe sustainable. Selecting eco-friendly brands ensures that what you buy matches your philosophy.
Find Brands That Pre-Soften Hemp Fabrics:
- Others soften hemp clothing before they go into production, so the clothes are easy to wear right out of the box.
- This saves a lot of time on heavy home softeners and adds a whole new dimension to the experience of wearing hemp clothing.
Seek Transparency in Manufacturing:
- Buy brands that value ethical and sustainable values such as fair work conditions and sustainable production.
- Examine certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Fair Trade to see if the company is committed to sustainability.
Follow Companies That Give Care Advice: Get in touch with Brands That Give Care Advice.
- Some sustainable brands offer specific care guidelines based on the product to make sure you’re keeping your clothing environmentally friendly.
- Some brands even provide repairs or recycling programs to save the life of your clothes.
- With ethical and sustainable brands, you’re helping to spread a broader awareness for sustainable fashion and you’re getting the best hemp clothing for your money.

Yashvi Jain, a writer by day and reader by night, is an accomplished content writer and published author of ‘Mind Under Construction. Yashvi possesses extensive knowledge of fabrics, sustainability, and literature. On occasions, you would catch her scripting for her YouTube channel, engrossed in fiction, or ardently dedicating her time to research and storytelling.