Hemp Clothing: What Is Hemp Fabric and How to Care for It
What is hemp fabric? How does it differ from linen and cotton? How should you wash and iron hemp clothing? Includes comparison tables and tips from ACE.
Hemp clothing is often confused with linen: both fabrics are natural, look slightly coarse and feel good in the heat. But they differ in how they feel on the body, how they behave after washing and how they should be cared for. We make two lines from hemp, Jardin de Hemp and Ajour St. Barth, so in this text we explain what hemp fabric is made of, how it differs from linen and cotton, and how to care for hemp pieces so they last.
In this text:
- What hemp fabric is
- Hemp, linen and cotton: a comparison
- Pure hemp or hemp with elastane
- How to care for hemp clothing
- What to wear hemp pieces with
- Frequently asked questions
What hemp fabric is
Hemp fabric is made from the stem fibres of industrial hemp. It is a bast fibre, like linen: long, strong and naturally textured. That is why the fabric looks a little "alive", with a slight unevenness of the yarn that you notice up close and that gives a piece a handmade feel.
New hemp feels denser and firmer than cotton. It gets softer with every wash but keeps its shape: the fibre is strong, so the fabric does not wear through for a long time. Hemp breathes well and dries quickly, which makes it comfortable on warm days and on holiday.
Another argument for hemp is the way it is grown. The crop grows fast and, as a rule, needs less water and fewer crop protection products than cotton. For us this is not the main reason to work with hemp, but it is a nice bonus to the properties of the fabric itself.
Hemp, linen and cotton: a comparison
All three fabrics are natural, but they behave differently. Here is a short comparison of what matters most in everyday wear:
| Property | Hemp | Linen | Cotton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Bast, from the stem | Bast, from the stem | From the seed boll |
| Feel on the body | Dense, textured, softens with washing | Cool, smoother, a little stiff at first | Soft from day one |
| Breathability | High | High | Medium |
| Wrinkling | Yes, but softer than linen | Strong | Moderate |
| Holds its shape | Well | Well | Depends on the weave |
| Durability | Very strong | Strong | Medium |
In short, hemp combines the breathability of linen with more density and texture. It creases less sharply than linen and becomes more pleasant to the touch over time instead of wearing out.
Pure hemp or hemp with elastane
Our catalog has two kinds of hemp fabric, and each suits its own pieces.
Jardin de Hemp: 100% hemp
The Jardin de Hemp line is made of pure hemp fabric. It holds a clear silhouette and shows the natural texture of the fibre best. The line includes relaxed pants with patch pockets, a cropped shirt with a deep neckline, a tie bra top, a mini skirt with thin ties and a maxi kaftan.
Ajour St. Barth: 97% hemp and 3% elastane
In the Ajour St. Barth line a little elastane is added to the hemp. The fabric gets a soft relief texture and a light stretch, so the pieces fit the body more comfortably and recover their shape better after wear. The line is finished with white openwork trim and Ace St Barth embroidery. It includes straight pants with an elastic waistband, a tie-front blouse, a bandeau top, a V-neck jumpsuit, a kimono with wide sleeves and mini shorts.
| Jardin de Hemp | Ajour St. Barth | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 100% hemp | 97% hemp, 3% elastane |
| Texture | Natural, with visible yarn | Soft, relief |
| Fit | Clear, structured silhouette | Follows the body, moves easily |
| Details | Minimal Ace embroidery | White openwork trim, Ace St Barth embroidery |
| Choose it if | You love shape and pure natural fabric | Freedom of movement and fitted styles matter to you |
How to care for hemp clothing
Hemp is easy-going, but a few rules help keep the colour and shape of a piece for years. Always follow the care label of the specific item; the general recommendations are:
- Before the first wash, turn the piece inside out so the texture and embroidery rub less in the drum.
- Wash on a delicate cycle at up to 30 °C with a liquid detergent for colours.
- Do not use bleach and do not soak for long: natural dyes can lose their depth.
- Spin at low speed or skip the spin so the fabric does not set into deep creases.
- Dry on a hanger or flat, away from direct sun and radiators. Hemp pieces do not need a tumble dryer.
- Iron the fabric slightly damp on the reverse side at a medium temperature. Iron pieces with openwork trim through a cloth.
| Step | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Delicate cycle, up to 30 °C, inside out | Hot water, bleach |
| Spinning | Low speed | High spin |
| Drying | On a hanger or flat, in the shade | Tumble dryer, radiator |
| Ironing | Slightly damp fabric, medium heat | Dry ironing on maximum |
Light creases after wear are a normal property of natural fibre. If you want a smoother look, hang the piece in the bathroom while you shower or go over it with a steamer.
What to wear hemp pieces with
Hemp has a strong texture, so it works best with simple shapes and natural shades: olive, beige, graphite, grey. A few combinations we wear ourselves:
- A one-line set. Ajour St. Barth pants and a bandeau top in the same shade, with a kimono on top. It looks put-together even though each piece is simple.
- Hemp + denim. A St. Barth short-sleeve shirt worn loose over jeans or with a mini skirt from the same line.
- Beach and holiday. A Jardin de Hemp kaftan over a swimsuit or an Ajour St. Barth jumpsuit with sandals.
- City. Jardin de Hemp pants with a basic tank top and a voluminous shirt: relaxed, but without a beach mood.
You can browse all hemp pieces in the shirts, pants and kaftans sections and try them on in our showroom in Kyiv at 22 Antonovycha St.
Frequently asked questions
Is hemp fabric itchy?
New hemp is denser than cotton, but it does not prickle: the fibre is smooth, and the stiff feeling disappears after a few washes. Pieces with elastane (Ajour St. Barth) are soft from day one.
Does hemp clothing shrink after washing?
Natural fibres can change size slightly if washed in hot water. Washed at up to 30 °C and dried without a dryer, the pieces keep their size and shape.
Is hemp better than linen?
It is denser, stronger and creases less, and it gets softer over time. Linen is cooler to the touch and smoother. Both fabrics breathe well, so the choice depends on the texture and fit you prefer.
Can I return an item if the size does not fit?
Most items, yes: within 14 days, as long as the tags and appearance are preserved. Bra tops and bandeau tops are among the items that cannot be returned. All the terms are on the exchange and return page.