How to care for hemp clothing

11 ways to save time and energy when you wash hemp clothing

In addition to offering the Sympatico line of hemp/Tencel  tops, skirts, and pants online, I also sell them at local artisanal markets. Probably the question I’m asked most is, “How do you care for hemp clothing?”

I love answering that question because my response is all good news. The hemp/Tencel blend I work with exclusively is remarkably unfussy. That’s why I use it. Learning how to wash hemp clothing won’t take you long. With a minimum of cost and time, you can keep your Sympatico wardrobe looking good and feeling fresh.

The hemp content in the Trapeze Tunic and  Flip Skirt is easy care and very durable.

Actually, most of my customers know pretty much what to do if they are already natural fiber fans. With easy-care natural fibers like Sympatico's blend of hemp and Tencel, the usual advice applies.

How to wash hemp clothing: 11 ways to save time and energy

• Wash cold unless stained. Hemp is durable and does not require hand washing.
• For stains, use detergent directly or presoak, and use warmer water.
• Don't expose clothing to dryer heat or iron until you’re sure the stain's gone.
• Dry cleaning is ineffective. The hemp in my fabric responds better to washing.
• Keep darks separate.
• Avoid setting wrinkles by removing promptly from the washer/dryer. Over-drying actually increases and sets wrinkles in hemp.
• If you air dry, arrange the garment on a hanger, smoothing the collar, pockets and hems, as needed.
• Heat and moisture remove wrinkles, so spritz or dampen in the shower or throw in the dryer for a few minutes to relax wrinkles.
• If you iron, use fairly high heat. Test on the reverse side to prevent shine, especially on darker shades.
• Hemp is tough: it wears in, not out and grows softer with use. A couple of dryer balls or tennis balls in a cool dryer hasten the process. That goes double for undyed Natural items.
• Avoid chlorine bleaches on hemp. Oxy bleach products work better and are more Earth-friendly.

What’s unique about our hemp/Tencel blend?

The 555 hemp in the Sympatico blend gives the fabric its remarkable durability and odor-resistance. You can usually get several wearings from one cleaning. After all, a third of a garment’s environmental footprint comes from its care.  

The 55% hemp content in Sympatico’s fabrics dries faster with fewer wrinkles thanks to the Tencel content. 

Here's more about caring for clothing in general in eco-friendly ways. 

Explore: Ways to minimize laundering

Rose Gerstner is the founder of Sympatico, an artisanal hemp clothing maker headquartered in Oregon. She regularly blogs about developments in sustainable fashion as well as offering eco-friendly style tips.