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Keep cool and comfy in these bed sheets. Linen Ramie
Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor.
For anyone looking for a sustainable alternative to cotton sheets, hemp is gaining popularity—and for good reason. It’s similar in feel to linen and requires less water to make compared to cotton, and it gets softer every time you throw it in the wash. Plus, it's temperature-regulating, which is a win for hot sleepers.
“Hemp fabric is thermostatic, meaning it will keep you cool in summer and warm in the winter,” says Leo Wang, a bedding expert and co-founder and CEO of Buffy. “It's also highly moisture-wicking, helping to remove sweat and humidity buildup under the covers so you stay drier and more comfortable.”
To find the best hemp sheets, we tested 12 sets over a span of six months, evaluating them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert advice on finding the best hemp sheets, we consulted Wang.
It has a 16-inch pocket for deep mattresses.
It could have performed better in durability tests.
The Tuft & Needle Hemp Sheet Set is our favorite for many reasons—they feel heavy and cozy, yet somehow still soft and cloud-like at the same time. It passed our absorbency test with flying colors, so we feel confident that it will be breathable in warmer months. In terms of fit, these sheets have a 16-inch pocket depth, which is ideal for deep mattresses or mattress toppers, though may be a bit loose on regular mattresses with no topper. Still, the fitted sheet held our mattress corners tight and we had no issues with it falling off.
The sheets showed no visible signs of staining when we washed them, and the coffee, foundation, and oil stains virtually disappeared. Unfortunately, they didn't perform as well on the durability test. When we sanded the sheets with sandpaper, the color faded and caused a small tear. While they disappointed us during the abrasion test, the sheets held up well long-term—after six months of use, they're still just as soft as they were when we first got them, with no shrinkage or discoloration at all. Overall, we were happy with the feel and comfort of these hemp sheets and think they are a worthy investment.
Material: Hemp | Size Range: Twin—California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 100 days | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
They're very lightweight and airy, making them ideal for summer bedding.
Our sandpaper test produced pilling and loose threads.
We expect most hemp sheets to be pricey, so it was refreshing to find that the Everly Hemp Sheet Set is a more affordable option for those shopping on a budget. These hemp sheets remind us of summer linens—lightweight, breezy, and mildly transparent when you hold them to the light. And although they might initially feel a little starchy, they soften after each wash.
During testing, we poured coffee, foundation, and oil on the sheets, and after three times in the wash, everything disappeared except the oil stain, which we considered to be a positive. Unfortunately, these sheets didn't impress during the abrasion test, as we experienced significant pilling, loose threads, and color fading after sandpapering.
Despite their lack of durability in our lab tests, these sheets' long-term performance surprised us. They were able to endure six months of use—and occasional cat clawing—with no snags, loose threads, or tears. The sheets are also available in caramel, green, khaki, white, light grey, and light pink, making them one of our more versatile picks in terms of color range.
Material: Hemp | Size Range: Full—Queen | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
Stains are easy to remove.
These luxurious sheets look and feel extra thick and sumptuous (they claim to be 50% thicker than regular bed sheets), and they earned high marks in our testing. This set’s construction is flawless—we noticed no loose snags, dye changes, or other imperfections. We were also impressed by how easily stains washed out of these sheets, especially because we couldn't remove 100% of the stains from many other hemp sheets we tested. After we washed this bedding several times, we removed all the coffee, foundation, and oil stain residue.
While this set is far more expensive than most other selections, we think it could be worth the cost if you want truly luxe sheets that are durable. Keep in mind, though, that they wrinkled easily in our testing, which may be a deal-breaker for people who prefer crisp bedding. Also note that although these sheets claim to be "100% organic," they don't have the organic certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Material: Hemp | Size Range: Twin XL—split king | Pocket Depth: 17 inches | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: N/A
Our abrasion tests showed that durability could be an issue.
These sheets from Target’s exclusive Casaluna bedding line feel like a soft linen material: slightly rough but very lightweight. But, to our relief, the set got softer after washing during our testing, and we think its texture will only improve with time and wear. Plus, it's constructed from pure hemp and has an Oeko-Tex 100 certification.
This set can fit standard-sized mattresses, and we found that the fitted sheets fit our bed perfectly and weren’t drooping or saggy. We loved the bed placement labels that indicate whether you’re looking at the top or the bottom, so you won’t get confused while making the bed. We were also impressed with these sheet's performance during the water test. After 10 seconds, water droplets were still spreading, indicating that this pick is good at managing moisture and staying cool. While we expected the sheets to be best suited for warm weather, we were surprised to find that they were comfortable during the colder months as well. Thanks to their impressive temperature regulation, we think this sheet set is ideal for all seasons.
Although most stains washed out, the oil stain was stubborn and stuck behind. Durability could be a potential problem, too. When we sanded these sheets with sandpaper, it made a hole, so you may have to take extra care if you want them to last. Nevertheless, the fabric remained in pristine condition throughout six months of use with only a single loose thread.
Material: Hemp | Size Range: Twin—California king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Return Policy: 365 days
They're perfect for year-round use.
They're pretty lightweight and seem delicate.
If you're not totally sold on all-hemp sheets, consider going for a hemp-blend. During testing, we found these 120-thread count sheets to combine the best of cotton and hemp. They proved just as comfortable in the winter as they were in the warmer months, making them an excellent year-round choice.
In our lab testing, we were worried about these sheets' durability, as they're very lightweight and seemed pretty delicate. During the abrasion test, we made a hole in the flat sheet by brushing it with sandpaper several times. The spot we tested also looked worn out and discolored. However, after six months of everyday use, the sheets held up much better than expected, with no loose threads, color fading, or tears. Even more telling was the fact that they didn't snag at all despite our tester's cat clawing at them.
Plus, the sheets are stain-resistant and absorbed all liquids (except the oil) in under a minute. Overall, this bedding gets softer with each wash, and provides a happy medium between all-cotton and all-hemp. If you are seeking all-season bedding, you can't go wrong with these sheets.
Material: 55% hemp, 45% cotton | Size Range: Twin—king | Pocket Depth: N/A | Return Policy: 90 days | Certifications: N/A
There were no holes created in our abrasion test.
The grid pattern may not be to everyone's taste.
The best sheet sets are durable enough to withstand frequent washes, lasting years without needing to be replaced. That's why we love this sheet set from Crate & Barrel. Despite six months of use (and several cat advances), this mighty sheet set has prevailed without any snags or loose threads. In fact, it's actually gotten softer with use.
We found the sheets to be very lightweight, with almost a gauzy texture to them. We were able to completely remove the stains in our durability test, aside from a barely-there shadow. While the abraded area of the sheet set created a small ball of lint, we noticed no holes or visual changes. It felt slightly smoother in texture, but we wouldn't consider this a bad thing. The water droplet dispersed incredibly fast in our absorbency test, taking only 5 seconds to absorb—a testament to the sheets' moisture-wicking abilities. These sheets fit well on our mattress, staying secure as we tossed and turned. They did loosen a bit overtime, though.
Given their breathability, we were surprised to find that these sheets worked well in the winter, too. We felt noticeably less sweaty when using this set versus others on our list, so we think they are suitable for any season. The sheets come in three neutral colors, each with a subtle grid pattern. While we liked the design, if you prefer a solid sheet set, these aren't your best bet.
Material: Hemp | Size Range: Twin—king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: N/A
The inclusion of bamboo lyocell fibers makes them seriously soft.
They are prone to pilling.
Hemp sheets can get a bad rap for their rough texture, but the Ettitude Linen + Sheet Set defies expectations. The fabric consists of 70% bamboo lyocell and 30% hemp, making these sheets luxuriously soft and cool to the touch. In fact, compared to other sheets (including other hemp, nylon, and polyester sheets we’ve used) these sheets were way softer. It’s also Oeko-Tex certified and anti-microbial, guaranteeing a healthier sleep.
Each set has a fitted sheet, a flat top sheet, and two embroidered pillowcases. It runs in three sizes only: queen, king, and California king size (there is no option for twin or full size). Plus, the fitted sheet has a deep pocket that can fit mattresses up to 17 inches. Keep in mind that if your mattress is smaller (ours was only 10 inches), you may have to adjust it to make it smooth. The sheet also has a label marked top and bottom to make it easy to make the bed.
During the stain tests, we effectively washed out all the stains except for the oil. The abrasion test was its main downfall—lint appeared at six swipes of the sandpaper, and by 40 swipes a hole had formed in the sheet. Though aside from some slight pilling and fading in color, these sheets have maintained their quality throughout six months of weekly use. They still fit perfectly on our mattress—not too tight or too loose— and stains have come out with ease. These sheets are available in three colors: cream, honey, and blue. While they have a gorgeous color, we took off a few points for the pilling and discoloration.
Material: 70% bamboo lyocell, 30% hemp | Size Range: Queen—California king | Pocket Depth: 17 inches | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: Oeko-Tex
The sheets have a 100-night free trial period.
They're only available in two colors.
The Avocado Organic Hemp Sheets are made from 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified hemp, which means that it's made with a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers. We were really pleased with the quality of these sheets, and found that they kept us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. During breathability tests, we found that water was immediately absorbed in the fabric, meaning these sheets will keep you cool and sweat-free.
The sheets and pillowcases have an even hue and texture, although they only come in two similar colors: champagne and sand. We noticed a couple of stray threads, but you would only notice them if you looked closely. This made sense, as the stitching felt very delicate, so you may want to machine wash them on a gentle cycle.
We didn’t experience any improved softness after washing the sheets, as there was very little difference between the unwashed pillowcase and the thrice-washed sheets. After six months of use, the sheets have held up impressively well. We're amazed at how easily the stains have washed out, even in the light champagne color. Avocado also offers a 100-night free trial for all its customers, so if you don’t like them, you get a full refund.
Material: Hemp | Size Range: Full—California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 100 days | Certifications: GOTS, Made Safe
Our top pick is the Tuft & Needle Hemp Sheet Set for its premium quality that feels hefty, yet soft and lightweight at the same time. If you're shopping on a budget, we recommend the Everly Hemp Sheet Set—the fabric feels cool, breathable, and arguably as high-quality as pricier options.
To find the best hemp sheets on the market, we tested 12 sets of sheets in our lab and at home. First, we inspected the quality of the sheet set. We looked for loose threads, uneven threads, snags, discoloration, or other imperfections. We also checked the thread count and care instructions to see how to best wash and maintain the sheets. Then we washed the sheets, but not the pillowcases, to see if there was a perceptible difference in texture after washing.
Next, we evaluated the sheet's stain resistance. We stained a corner of the sheet with coffee, oil, and foundation—messes that might be familiar from daily wear and tear. After creating the stains, we washed the sheets twice on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and dried it once to see which stains disappeared. We also checked to see if there was any shrinkage.
We also performed a moisture-wicking test to assess breathability. We dropped one drop of water on the fabric to analyze if the water dissipated, expanded, or sat on the surface. If the drop expanded or dissipated quickly, the fabric was good at moisture management.
Then we evaluated the fit of the sheet on our mattress. We made the bed with the sheet set and then laid down to see how it felt against our skin. We rolled side to side and moved around to mimic a restless night and to see if it caused the sheet to shift or come off.
To assess the durability of the sheets, we put the flat sheet on the table and brushed a sanding block against it. We looked for pilling, fading, or holes and compared the result against the unbrushed fabric. For long-term insights, we took the sheets home with us, evaluating them after three months and six months of use.
First of all, you might be wondering what exactly hemp fibers are. Similar to linen, they come from a plant—specifically the hemp plant. And in case you're curious, no, hemp is not the same as marijuana, although both come from the same Cannabis species. “Although related, the hemp plant is actually different from marijuana," says Wang. "It contains almost no THC (less than 0.3%) and is not psychoactive.” According to him, products made from hemp are typically either made from the stalk or the leaves.
“The stalk is what's typically used in textiles like bedding due to its long fibers, which make it durable and suitable for spinning and weaving,” he says. “The leaves are typically used in dietary applications such as supplements or oils as well as body care products.”
If you want to pair the sustainability of hemp with the softness of cotton or the breathability of linen, you can opt for a blended fabric, like the Ettitude Linen+ Sheet Set, which is made with bamboo lyocell and hemp.
“Sheets wouldn't fit correctly if the pocket depth were too small, or conversely, too large," says Wang. "It's important to pay attention to the fitted sheet depth when shopping because mattresses come in so many different shapes and sizes today."
The average pocket depth of a fitted sheet is 13 to 17 inches, but if you have an extra-deep mattress you should look for a pocket depth of 18 to 20 inches. Coil or hybrid mattresses are often thick, whereas foam mattresses tend to be thinner. Moreover, if you use a mattress topper, your fitted sheet will need an extra inch or so.
If you've never tried hemp sheets before, you may want to test them out before committing completely. Thankfully, with most hemp bedding, you can get a full refund if you don’t like the sheets. However, the return policy differs from brand to brand—while some companies stick to a standard 30-day policy, others offer a 7-day or even a 90-day return policy.
Buffy Linen Sheet Set: Despite the name, these sheets are made of hemp. They performed well in our testing and proved to be very durable, but they failed to soften up after several months of use, and we found them to be a tad too scratchy.
Banana Republic Super Soft Hemp Sheet Set: This sheet set performed beautifully in our stain removal and abrasion tests, requiring only one wash to completely remove all of the stains. However, it fell short during our long-term testing period, as it pilled and loosened over time.
Hemp is a lightweight and breathable material that looks and feels almost exactly like linen—plus, it is also antibacterial. Wang adds that hemp bedding is also breathable, strong, and long-lasting compared to other fabrics. “The durability of hemp is due to its exceptionally long fibers (several feet versus several inches typical of cotton),” he says.
The biggest downside of hemp bedding is the price. Even affordable hemp sheet sets run over $100, so if you're shopping on a very tight budget, you may need to opt for another material.
“Hemp is very similar to linen in terms of feel, weight, breathability, and durability,” says Wang. “That said, hemp doesn't stretch as much as linen does (it's less 'elastic') which helps it keep its shape with years of use. It's also more resistant to UV light, which helps to maintain color and prevent fading.”
Compared to cotton sheets, hemp sheets may crease more and typically have a rougher texture. On the upside, hemp sheets require far less water than cotton and have far better durability, ensuring that your sheets will last for years to come.
Unwashed hemp sheets tend to be stiff, but, with use, the fibers tend to loosen and will become softer the more you wash them.
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 12 hemp sheets to find the best. We also spoke to Leo Wang, a bedding expert and co-founder and CEO of Buffy.
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