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The 7 Best Hemp Sheets of 2024, According to Testing

The best hemp sheets are breathable, sustainable, and lightweight.

Different types of bed sheets on top of a bed

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Uncomfortable bedding can lead to tossing, turning, and an overall poor night’s sleep. Breathable, naturally antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic, hemp sheets are a comfortable, popular alternative to linen or cotton sheets.

They’re also eco-friendly—hemp not only requires less water, it also improves soil over time and doesn’t require herbicides or pesticides to grow or harvest. 

“Hemp sheets are thicker and coarser than cotton [with] similar qualities to linen, as the fibers are thicker and sturdier,” says textile designer Anki Spets. “They are durable, take color nicely, are long lasting, and soften with use.

What We Tested

We tested multiple sheet sets and considered their quality, breathability, how well they stood up to stains, their durability against sandpaper, and how they looked after multiple rounds of laundering. 

For more information on how we tested air purifiers in our lab, check out our testing process below.

Why You Should Get It
  • It’s thick, yet breathable, making it ideal for hot sleepers.

Keep in Mind
  • It did not perform well during our durability test—the sandpaper created a small hole.

Hemp, like linen, has the potential to be scratchy rather than soft, but the Tuft & Needle Hemp Sheet Set made a positive impression during our testing because it was so soft—almost silky—in texture, and it was extremely cool to the touch. At a moderate price point, it’s a relatively affordable option for an ultra-comfortable sheet.

This sheet set comes in every size from twin to California king, and has four colors to choose from: cloud, honeycomb, midnight, and morning. We found these sheets to be thick, but breathable, making them a great choice for hot sleepers. Because we tested these sheets over a six-month period, we were able to use them in both warm and cold weather, and found that they would be ideal for any season. 

After six months of sleeping in these sheets, we found that they continued to be soft and comfortable, and did not shrink despite washing and caring for them over that time. We washed them in cold water every other week and then dried them on medium heat.

We tested the sheets in the color midnight, which is a very dark blue, and we did not notice any fading after this time period. This backed up our initial observations during testing that the dye on the sheets was evenly distributed, and that these sheets became softer after being put through the washing machine. 

We found that, as we continued to use these sheets over our testing period, that they got softer compared to initial testing. Out of the package, they feel stiff, but they become soft and comfortable in the wash. 

These sheets were very easy to clean, both in our long-term testing and initial lab testing. During our lab testing, we stained the sheets with coffee, foundation, and oil, leaving them to sit for an hour before washing. After washing these sheets, the oil, foundation, and coffee stains were completely gone. 

Keep in mind that, after testing these sheets over a six month period, we found that these sheets did not show any signs of wear and tear from daily use or laundering, but they did leave blue fabric pills behind on the mattress from friction where our torsos are on the bed.

During our initial testing, this sheet set did not score high marks for durability. After we tested it by sanding the sheet with a sanding block 50 times, we found that a small hole was left behind, as well as some fabric cast-off. However, the sheets seem to have held up well after regular use.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thread Count: 110 | Certifications: Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® | Colors: Cloud, honeycomb, midnight, and morning | Care: Wash with mild detergent in cool water

Why You Should Get It
  • This sheet set was durable and breathable, with no piling or thinning of the fabric after we stained and washed it.

Keep in Mind
  • We found that these sheets produced a lot of colored lint in our driers.

Looking for comfortable hemp sheets without the hefty price tag? After testing, we found that the Everly Hemp Sheet Set is a great option for those on a budget. Super soft and lightweight, yet durable and breathable, we found that they stood up to more expensive sheets that we tested. While this sheet set comes in six different colors, it only comes in full, queen, and king sizes—no twin XL or California king options. 

Lightweight and nearly translucent when held up to the light, we found these sheets to be breathable and comfortable in both the winter and summer seasons. After using them for six months, we were happy to find that they got softer over time, as they were initially a bit stiff and scratchy, as can be typical with hemp sheets.

After using and laundering these sheets over the long-term testing period, we found that the scratchier texture they began with eventually faded into a softer, more comfortable texture. This aligned with what we learned in our initial lab testing. 

Keep in mind that washing these sheets caused a bit of a mess. Over the six months that we tested them, every time we washed and dried the orange set, it left the dryer full of orange lint that needed to be removed every time—they even stained our dryer sheets orange.

We did find that the quality of the sheets did not change over the testing period, though, and did not show any tears, frays, hold, or loose threads. They even held up against dog and cat claws. 

During our lab testing, we observed how the sheet set withstood stains, and found that the foundation and coffee stains were completely gone after washing. The oil stain, however, was a bit more stubborn, and could be seen after washing the sheets twice. There was no pilling or thinning of the fabric in the stained area. When we washed it three more times, the sheet did not lose color or have any snags or imperfections. 

We also found that the sheets were easy to get onto the bed (no wrestling with corners here) and that after making the bed, we could toss and turn without the sheet coming undone, rolling, or bunching.

Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, king | Thread Count: 200 | Certifications: Not listed | Colors: Caramel, green, light blue, light gray, light pink, khaki | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle using non-chlorine detergent, tumble dry on low

Why You Should Get It
  • All of the stains were completely removed after washing.

Keep in Mind
  • We found that this sheet set showed wrinkles easily.

When it comes to splurging on a new set of sheets, quality matters. The Delilah Home Hemp Queen Sheet Set is made of quality hemp that meets the Global Organic Textiles Standard, which requires at least 95% of all fibers to be certified organic and does not allow mixing between organic and non-organic fibers. 

In addition to the quality, we were impressed that, after washing, we could not see evidence of the coffee, foundation, or oil stains at all—they were completely gone. This speaks to the sheet set’s durability and stain resistance. 

We loved that, despite tossing and turning, these sheets managed to stay put on the bed. The corners were snug and secure, so they’re also a great option for those who move around in their sleep.

The sheet set only comes in three colors, so options are limited when it comes to design, but we were impressed by the quality of the sheets overall—the dye was evenly distributed and there were no snags or flaws in the fabric.

While testing, we found that this sheet set was super soft, especially after washing. After washing, it was one of the few sheets we tested that did not shrink at all. Keep in mind that it does wrinkle quite easily, which can be frustrating. 

Though they carry a hefty price tag, we found that they’re worth the splurge. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin XL, queen, king | Thread Count: 400 | Certifications: Global Organic Textiles Standard | Colors: Light gray, white, light green | Care: Machine wash warm, dry on low heat 

Why You Should Get It
  • These sheets are breathable and have good moisture management.

Keep in Mind
  • While testing for durability, this set couldn’t stand the test—a small hole was left behind.

Hemp is a material known for being extremely breathable, and the Casaluna Solid Sheet Set was the most breathable of the bunch. 

Right out of the package, we found that these sheets had a rougher, natural feel, but this improved from the first wash. During our testing, these sheets became loftier over time, with a bouncy quality that was soft and smooth. After six months of using these sheets, we found that this texture did not change, and they did not exhibit any signs of pilling, fading, or wear. 

During our lab testing, these sheets won big points for their moisture management and breathability. Throughout our long-term testing period, we put this finding to the test, and found that they did an incredible job at keeping us cool, even on a night that was 70% humidity. When the temperatures dropped, we found that these sheets kept us comfortably warm. 

During our lab testing, we tested their breathability, by using the method of dropping water onto the sheet and timing how long it took to disperse. If the drop expanded quickly, it meant the sheet was breathable.

The Casaluna Queen 100% Washed Hemp Solid Sheet Set dispersed the water droplets immediately, and the drops continued to spread, proving that this sheet set manages moisture easily (the more spread out the droplet, the quicker it will dry) and is very breathable. 

We love that this affordable sheet set comes in sizes ranging from twin to California king, and that there were five colors to choose from. We were also big fans of the elastic bottom on the fitted sheet because it made making the bed effortless and kept the sheets in place despite tossing and turning.

This sheet set is also Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, which means that this set has been tested for the presence of up to 350 toxic or harmful chemicals. Keep in mind that, though breathable and light, when we tested this sheet set for durability using sand paper, it did create a hole, but the sheets held up to normal wear and tear during our real world testing.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Thread Count: 100 | Certifications: Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX | Colors: Dark gray, natural, clay, white, sage green | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry

Why You Should Get It
  • Thanks to a blend of cotton and hemp, these sheets are incredibly soft.

Keep in Mind
  • They are not the most durable—our sandpaper test left these sheets with a hole.

The Lands’ End Garment Washed Cotton Hemp Blend Sheet Set isn’t made of 100% pure hemp, but rather is a mixture of 55% hemp and 45% cotton. During our long-term testing, we noticed at the three-month mark that they had the crisp texture of linen, and were a bit rougher than cotton.

After three months, we found that the quality of the sheets had not changed at all; there was no color fading, tears, holes or stains. They also did not shrink at all, and were easy to fit onto the mattress. 

After six months of testing, we found that they became softer with repeated washing, though still rougher than a sateen or even plain cotton sheets.  We washed these sheets in warm water about once a week, drying them on a regular, medium heat cycle.

We used these sheets in the warm and cold months, and found them to be a great year-round option as they kept us warm, but never overheated. 

On top of being breathable and lightweight, they were also stain resistant. After we stained the sheet in our lab with coffee, foundation, and oil, we observed that the coffee and foundation quickly came out in the wash, though some oil remained. They also absorbed water in under 20 seconds, showing off their breathability.

Keep in mind that, when we tested these sheets in our lab for their durability, we found that a large hole formed before we finished passing the sandpaper 50 times across. The abraded spot was also worn and discolored by the time we finished testing.

At the time, we wondered if those with pets in their home should choose an alternative, as we were not confident after testing that these would stand up to constant wear. After six months of testing, we found that, even with a cat clawing at them, they had not yet snagged. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Thread Count: 120 | Certifications: Not listed | Colors: Ivory, khaki sand, canterbury blue | Care: Machine wash cold on delicate, tumble dry low 

Why You Should Get It
  • They’re extremely breathable and have excellent moisture-management, making them ideal for hot sleepers.

Keep in Mind
  • These sheets are delicate (the stitching, especially) and need to be washed on the gentle cycle.

Avocado Organic Hemp Sheets are GOTS-Certified Organic, and after testing, they were one of our favorite hemp sheet sets. We love that, though these sheets are 100% hemp, they are ultra-soft right out of the bag.

We tested these sheets in the real world for six months, and during that time found that the sheets became mildly softer after three months, and even softer after six months of laundering. The texture is similar to linen, but softer and gentler on skin. Breathable in the summer and cozy in the winter, we found that those in warm climates or hot sleepers will enjoy using these sheets year round. 

These sheets lend a soft, lived-in feeling while still standing up to daily use and laundering. The quality of these sheets remained unchanged over six months of use—light makeup stains washed out easily, and the color of the sheets didn’t fade over time. They even held up against furry friends, with no snagging or pulling from cat claws.

We loved that they fit our bed easily, and we also liked that the top sheet was a bit wider than a traditional sheet, which meant we no longer needed to play tug-of-war in the middle of the night if we were sharing the bed. 

During our initial lab testing, we found these sheets to be extremely breathable and efficient at moisture-management—we didn’t even get the chance to time the water droplet test past one second before the droplet dispersed and absorbed into the fabric. The sheets also resisted stains well—there was no sign of coffee, foundation, or even oil after washing these champagne-colored sheets. 

However, upon our initial quality inspection, we found that there were already some loose threads on the sheets, though they weren’t super noticeable. We did find that the stitching was already a bit loose and frayed, so we’d suggest going easy on these sheets while washing (it’s suggested to use the gentle cycle). 

Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, king, split king, California king | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: GOTS-Certified Organic | Colors: Champagne, sand dune | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low or line dry

Why You Should Get It
  • They’re made of 70% bamboo and 30% hemp, making them ultra soft.

Keep in Mind
  • These sheets are not the most durable option—they began to abrade after just four swipes of sandpaper.

Hemp sheets have a reputation for being a bit rougher and more textured than other textiles, but the Ettitude Linen+ Sheets solve this problem by using a blend of 70% ultra-soft bamboo and 30% hemp. 

These sheets remained consistently soft from our lab testing period, through our six-month long-term testing period. They have a similar softness to flannel sheets, without the heft or weight. We washed these sheets in cold water every week and dried them on a low heat setting. We found that any stains were easily removed, and the sheets continued to become softer over time. 

They also did not show any signs of wear and tear after three months of use, which impressed us considering how consistently we sleep on them. After six months, we did notice that there was a slight color fading, and that the sheets showed signs of pilling, though it did not look or feel unpleasant. 

During initial lab testing, we were impressed by how luxurious these sheets felt—they were super soft and draped across the bed effortlessly. Not only were they soft, but they’re hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and Standard 100 certified by OEKO-TEX, so they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. 

While making the bed, we noted that these sheets have deep pockets of 17 inches, which ensured they stayed in place. While using them in our long-term testing, we found that they would be an ideal sheet set for someone with a deep mattress or mattress topper, as they easily fit over a mattress that was 14.5 inches thick, plus a mattress topper that was 3 inches thick—they were snug, but not too tight. 

When we tested these sheets for breathability, we found that they performed well, dispersing the water droplet within 10 seconds. However, one area where this sheet set could be improved was its durability. When we tested it against a few swipes of sandpaper, it began to abrade, leaving lint behind. By the time we reached 40 swipes out of 50, there was already a hole in the sheet. 

These sheets come in three colors and are available in queen, king, and California king. Keep in mind that, on top of not doing well during our sandpaper test, these sheets had already begun to pill after just a few washes in our lab testing. 

Product Details: Sizes: Queen, king, California king | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX | Colors: Stone, honey, ink | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low or line dry

The Bottom Line

After testing, the Tuft & Needle Hemp Sheet Set is our pick for the best overall set because it is silky soft, and it passed our stain test with flying colors. If you’re looking for a set of hemp sheets that won’t break the bank, our pick is the Everly Hemp Sheet Set.

Our Testing Process

To find the best hemp sheets, we tested various hemp sheets using predetermined methodology. First, we washed the sheets on a cold, permanent press cycle with gentle detergent and dried them on medium heat. We inspected the quality of each set, noting any loose threads, snags, discoloration, or imperfections. We also noted the fiber content and care instructions, as well as the thread count. 

Then, using a stencil and a marker, we created a diagram on the sheet that included four quadrants, so that we could stain each quadrant with coffee, oil, and foundation. We left these stains to sit for an hour before washing twice more, pre-treating the stains with a laundry stain remover before washing. 

After washing the sheets, we inspected the sheets once more, determining how they held up after three washes. We compared them to a singular pillow case from the set that we used as a control variable. We noted how easily the coffee, oil, and makeup stains lifted, comparing them to the rest of the sheet and control pillow case. We also measured how much (if at all) the sheets shrunk after being laundered multiple times. 

We also tested each set’s breathability and moisture-wicking abilities by placing a corner of the flat sheet into an embroidery hoop, pulling it taut, and then dropping a drop of water onto the sheet. We observed how the drop of water moved, expanded, and how quickly it did so over 10 seconds. A drop of water that expands quickly and becomes larger signifies that the fabric is good at moisture management. We recorded the width of the drop using a tape measure

As part of our testing, we also made a bed with the sheet sets to determine how easy it was to do so, and how well the sheets fit a mattress. To find out the quality of the sheets, we got into the bed after it was made, went under the top sheet, and noted the feel of the fabric. Then, we spent a few minutes tossing and turning to determine if the fitted sheet could come undone by a restless sleeper. 

Then, we tested durability, using a sanding block to swipe back and forth on the sheet 50 times, noting the quality of the abraded area versus the areas that had not been brushed. We also collected the fabric threads and fibers and rolled them in a ball and measured the width to determine how many fibers were lost. 

In the end, we rated each of the sheets according to the criteria above and determined which were the best options to buy. 

A person measures the Avocado Organic Hemp Sheets

Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek

What to Know About Hemp Sheets Before Shopping

Material 

Hemp is a durable fabric made from the stalks or leaves of hemp plants. It’s more porous than cotton, and it’s antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. It’s also more absorbent than other textiles, which makes it a great material for those who tend to sweat in their sleep because it keeps you feeling dry and comfortable. 

It is also environmentally sustainable, as it requires way less water to grow hemp than other materials—it uses just 5% of the water it takes to grow cotton—and is good for the soil it grows in. 

Because it is a durable fabric, it isn’t necessarily as soft or comfortable as traditional cotton sheets. While it can feel a bit more textured at first, hemp can be just as soft as cotton, and they tend to soften over time as you use and wash them. They do tend to wrinkle more than other materials. 

For an even softer hemp sheet set, you can look for hemp sheets that are blended with other fabrics, like the Ettitude Linen+ Sheets, which we named the softest of the bunch. It is made of 70% bamboo lyocell and 30% hemp. The Lands' End Garment Washed Cotton Hemp Blend Bed Sheet Set, our pick for the best cotton hemp sheet, is made of 55% hemp and 45% cotton. 

Certifications

There are a few certifications to look for when shopping for hemp sheets. Global Organic Textile Standard requires at least 95% of all fibers to be certified organic, and those fibers are not allowed to be mixed with non-organic fibers. Our pick for best splurge, Delilah Home Hemp Queen Sheet Set, has this certification.

The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX is another certification that you will see with textiles (especially bedding). This certification signifies that the products have been tested for harmful or toxic chemicals. Our best overall pick, the Tuft & Needle Hemp Sheet Set, has Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certification. Hemp rarely uses any harsh chemicals as it does not require pesticides or fertilizers to grow, so it is often naturally organic. 

Care

Hemp sheets get softer as they are washed and dried, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take care while laundering. For almost all of the picks of our list, the directive is to wash the sets on a cold, permanent press or gentle cycle with gentle laundry detergent and tumble dry on low or line dry. You can also use a warm iron on these sheets as they are prone to wrinkle. You should also avoid chlorinated bleach or detergent because it can easily stain the fabric. 

Other Hemp Sheets We Tested

Buffy Linen Sheet Set

Made of 100% long hemp linen fiber, the Buffy Linen Sheet Set was stiff at first, but we found that after washing the set, it became softer. We found that these sheets were thicker than most others on the list, while still remaining breathable and light. The Buffy Linen Sheet Set also handled stains with ease—during testing, we found that, even though these sheets were a light color, you could not see the coffee, oil, or foundation stains after washing. They lost points, however, because they were easily abraded during our sandpaper test. 

Crate & Barrel Garden Green Grid Natural Hemp Fiber Sheet Set

The Crate & Barrel Garden Green Grid Hemp Sheet Set was durable, passing our abrasion test without exhibiting many signs of wear and tear, but we found that the sheets were very thin and gauzy in comparison to other hemp sheets we tested. While this texture makes the sheet super breathable, it made for an uncomfortable sleeping experience overall. It’s worth noting that this sheet also did well in the stain test, with all of the stains disappearing with the exception of a very, very slight mark from the oil left over. 

A person makes a bed using the Crate & Barrel Garden Green Grid Natural Hemp Fiber Queen Bed Sheet Set

Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek

Your Questions, Answered

What are the sleeping benefits of hemp sheets?

There are a few benefits to sleeping on hemp bed sheets. The first is that it is a durable fabric, so it will last for a long time, but it also gets softer every time you wash it. It is also an ideal material for those who are hot sleepers, as the woven fiber is naturally breathable and lightweight. Hemp sheets are a great companion to your cooling pillow or cooling comforter. In addition, it’s naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.

Hemp sheets are also better for the environment than other materials like cotton. Hemp is a plant that can be grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizer, and it requires much less water to grow than other crops we use for textiles. It’s also better for the soil it is grown in—it actually improves the soil over time. 

Are hemp sheets scratchy?

Hemp gets a bad reputation for being scratchy because it is used to create things like ropes, but in reality it is a much more nuanced fabric. While hemp is a very durable material, it can be a comfortable bedding.  

“Hemp sheets can be scratchy at the beginning but do get softer over time,” Spets says. This is consistent with our testing experience, as we found that most of the sheet sets were stiff or scratchy right out of the package, but that after washing in the washing machine they were softer and more comfortable. Some hemp sheets are made of a blend of fabric, which makes them feel softer than pure hemp sheets. 

Are hemp sheets better than cotton?

While they can feel very similar, hemp and cotton are very different materials. Hemp is more durable than cotton, which can be easily abraded, while hemp can stand up better to general washing and wear and tear—some sheets can even stand up to abrasive material like sand paper. It’s also more naturally breathable than cotton.

Cotton sheets, however, are known to be a bit softer than hemp, which can be stiff and rough before washing and using. Cotton sheets are also less expensive than hemp fabrics. Hemp has the advantage of being a sustainable material, making it less harmful to the soil it grows in and to the environment. It also requires less water to grow than cotton, so it’s eco-friendly. 

Who We Are

Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she spent several hours researching the best hemp sheets, and analyzed testing insights from our lab testers, synthesizing the information and results to provide recommendations. She also spoke with textile designer Anki Spets for more information about hemp sheets. 

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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