Understanding comfort preferences — and why hemp belongs to a different universe
When people choose bedding, they usually think they’re choosing a fabric.
But in reality, they’re choosing a sensation.
Some want smoothness, shine and that hotel-like slip of satin. Others want breathability, a natural matte touch, and the feeling of something grounded and real.
At Makuu, we work with 100% hemp. It has its own personality — and it speaks differently to different people. This article helps you understand whether hemp is your kind of comfort.
Two very different comfort types
1. The “satin lovers”
They enjoy surfaces that glide. The light sheen, the soft drape, the feeling of effortless smoothness. Satin, silk and glossy cotton all fall into this category.
This type of bedding can feel luxurious — especially when the main desire is smoothness on the skin the moment you get into bed.
2. The “natural feel” people
They prefer something else entirely: breathability, texture, air circulation, a matte and natural touch.
They want the bed to feel real, fresh, grounded. Linen, percale, and hemp belong here.
This is a different kind of comfort — one that comes from the body being able to relax, regulate temperature and breathe.
Where 100% hemp belongs
Hemp is naturally matte, airy and tactile. It has no artificial shine and no “slippery effect”.
Instead, it adapts to temperature, absorbs and releases moisture, and feels more alive than polished fabrics.
If you love the glide of satin, hemp will feel unfamiliar.
But if you value a breathable, dry, comfortable sleep — especially in climates that change — hemp becomes a favourite very quickly.
Why this matters in real climates
In humid climates
Hemp performs exceptionally well:
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it stays dry to the touch
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it reduces overheating
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it prevents that sticky feeling many fabrics get in humidity
In hot sleepers
Hemp is often a breakthrough — the bed no longer traps heat and moisture.
In DRY climates, like Lapland winters
Indoor heating in northern homes can create extremely dry air. In these conditions, hemp softens beautifully with the right care.
Our recommendations:
• Tumble dry after washing — this is the fastest way to achieve the “velvet touch”
• Do not overdry (remove slightly damp for best softness)
• Use a small amount of natural softener if desired
• Shake the fabric well before drying to relax the fibres
• Avoid high heat when ironing — or skip ironing entirely
Dry climates + the right drying method = very soft, almost suede-like hemp.
What research says about smooth vs. matte fabrics
Several respected textile sources point out that smooth, glossy fabrics and natural matte fabrics behave differently:
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Sleep Foundation explains that sateen is smoother and warmer, while percale (matte) is more breathable and better for warm sleepers or humid climates.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-sheets/sateen-vs-percale-sheets -
Sleep Doctor reports that sateen tends to trap more heat, while matte weaves allow airflow and stay cooler.
https://sleepdoctor.com/pages/reviews/sateen-vs-percale-sheets -
New York Magazine highlights that percale attracts people who prefer crispness and breathability, not shine.
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/percale-sateen-cotton-sheets-explainer.html
These insights apply directly to hemp:
It is breathable, textured and temperature-adaptive — not glossy and not slippery.
So who is 100% hemp for?
Ideal for:
People who want:
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air circulation
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natural textures
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comfort in humidity
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comfort during temperature changes
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a grounded, real, natural feeling
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long-lasting fabric that only gets better with use
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something that fits cabins, boats, travel or changing climates
Probably not ideal for:
People who want:
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the silky glide of satin
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shiny surfaces
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heavy drape
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that “hotel satin” aesthetic
This isn’t good or bad — it’s simply different.
Conclusion
Choosing hemp is choosing a certain kind of life: natural, breathable, grounded and honest.
Satin and hemp do not replace each other. They belong to different comfort worlds.
If your sleep happens in humid air, in dry Nordic winters, in movement between places — or if you simply love natural, tactile materials — then 100% hemp is likely exactly your world.
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#naturalbedding #slowlivingbrand #slowinteriors #slowlifestyle