How to Wash and Care for Hemp Clothing (So It Lasts Decades)

Hemp clothing is built to last decades, but only if you wash and store it the right way. The short version: wash cold or lukewarm, skip the fabric softener, and air-dry whenever you can. Here's exactly why, plus what to do for stains, wrinkles, and long-term storage.

Can You Machine Wash Hemp Clothing?

Yes, most hemp garments are machine washable. Turn the piece inside out, use a gentle or normal cycle, and wash it with similar colors. Avoid overloading the machine so fibers have room to move without excessive friction, which is the main cause of premature wear in any fabric.

What Temperature Should You Wash Hemp At?

Cold to lukewarm water, ideally 30°C (86°F) or below. Hot water accelerates fiber breakdown and increases shrinkage risk, while cold water protects both the fiber structure and any natural dyes. This one habit does more for garment longevity than almost anything else you can do.

Can You Tumble Dry Hemp Clothing?

You can, on a low-heat or delicate setting, but air-drying is better. High heat is the single biggest cause of shrinkage and fiber fatigue in hemp blends. Hang the piece or lay it flat to dry and it will hold its shape and size far more consistently over the years.

Does Hemp Clothing Shrink?

A small amount of shrinkage, usually under 3%, can happen in the first few washes and is normal for any natural fiber. After that, the fabric stabilizes. Following the do's and don'ts below keeps shrinkage to a minimum and protects the fit you bought.

Do	Don't
Wash cold or lukewarm (30 degrees C max)	Wash in hot water
Air-dry or tumble dry on low	Tumble dry on high heat
Wash inside out with similar colors	Use fabric softener
Store folded, away from direct light	Hang heavy pieces long-term

How Do You Remove Wrinkles From Hemp Fabric?

Steam is the safest option, since it relaxes fibers without direct heat contact. If you use an iron, keep it on a low-to-medium setting and iron the piece inside out or with a cloth barrier. Hanging the garment in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes also works well for light wrinkles.

How Often Should You Wash Hemp Clothing?

Less often than you'd think. Hemp is naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant, so most pieces only need washing every 3 to 5 wears unless visibly soiled. Washing less frequently also reduces fiber wear and extends the life of the garment even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you iron hemp fabric?

Yes, on a low-to-medium heat setting, ideally with the garment turned inside out or a pressing cloth in between. Avoid high heat directly on the fiber, as it can scorch the fabric or set in wrinkles rather than releasing them.

Does hemp fabric pill?

Hemp pills significantly less than cotton or synthetic blends because its fibers are longer and stronger. Washing inside out and avoiding overloaded, high-friction wash cycles keeps pilling to a minimum over the garment's lifetime.

How do you store hemp clothing?

Fold heavier knits to avoid hanger stretching, and hang lighter, structured pieces to keep their shape. Store everything in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade natural dyes over time.

Can you dry clean hemp?

Yes, hemp responds well to dry cleaning if you prefer it for structured or tailored pieces. That said, most everyday hemp garments do just fine with careful home washing, which is also the more sustainable option.

Curious what all this careful washing is protecting? See how hemp fabric is made and why it lasts decades, or explore the Foundation and Ritual pieces built to be washed this way for years to come.