It's no secret that the fashion industry takes a toll on the environment. Every year, billions of garments are produced using harmful chemicals and dyes, and these garments often end up in landfills after just a few wears. But it doesn't have to be this way. There are sustainable fabrics out there that are just as soft and wearable as conventional fabrics and even more durable and long-lasting. One of the best sustainable fabrics on the market is hemp. In this blog post, you'll learn about why is hemp sustainable, who are some top hemp clothing companies and what are some great sustainable hemp products out there.

The Sustainable Benefits of Hemp Clothing

As someone who loves textiles and sustainable fashion, you're probably always on the lookout for beautiful garments made of natural fibers. Have you ever considered or worn hemp clothing? Hemp is a very strong cellulose natural fiber grown from the cannabis sativa plant that can be used to create a wide variety of hemp clothing.

What is Hemp Fiber?

Hemp fabric is made from the cellulose fiber of the hemp plant. This fiber is one of the strongest natural fibers in existence, which means that hemp fabric is incredibly durable. In fact, hemp fabric is three times stronger than cotton fabric[1]. Not only is it strong, but it's also naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and UV rays. Plus, it gets softer with each wash without sacrificing its strength.

Hemp Is a Centuries-Old Multi-Use Fiber Crop

Did you know hemp fabric is eco-friendly and hemp fiber has been used for centuries? Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L., Cannabaceae) is a versatile herbaceous crop that has been used for fiber, food, and medicinal purposes [2]. Hemp was cultivated in China around 2700 BC and is thought to have subsequently traveled throughout Asia, reaching Europe about 2000–2200 years ago. [3]. Hemp seeds, fiber, and a wooden core have been used to produce numerous items in the past. [4]. Many people believe that hemp, a traditional fiber crop, was used to line the spine of the first copy of the Bible although it's unproven. Hemp is a versatile crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years to provide nutritional and medicinal benefits. [4]. Hemp seeds are a nutritious source of fiber, protein, and fat. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or pressed into oil. [4]. Hemp has been used to treat and prevent a variety of ailments in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. [3]. In recent years, the interest in investigating the potential use of industrial hemp in food and nutraceuticals has been growing.

Hemp Improves the Quality of the Soil

Hemp is also a low environmental impact fiber to grow. It requires no pesticides or herbicides, and it actually enriches the soil in which it grows by replenishing nutrients back into the earth. Hemp is a “phytocannabinoid-rich” plant, meaning it contains a high concentration of cannabinoids. These cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors present in the soil, which can help increase microbial activity. Hemp also produces a large amount of biomass, which can help feed microorganisms. By increasing microbial activity and providing food for the microorganisms, hemp helps to improve the overall quality of the soil. [2]

When it comes to hemp, there are many benefits to using it in the agricultural industry. Hemp's deep root system helps to break up the soil and aerate it, while also providing a good source of nitrogen, potassium and magnesium.

Hemp Requires No Pesticides or Herbicides to Grow

Hemp is also known for its antimicrobial properties, which can help to protect plants from disease-causing organisms. This makes hemp a valuable tool for organic farmers, who often rely on natural methods to keep their crops healthy. By incorporating hemp into the farming process, farmers can help to create rich, healthy soil that is conducive to plant growth. Hemp can also be used as a natural pesticide, which can help keep pests at bay without the use of harmful chemicals. This also translates to antimicrobial qualities in hemp clothing. [2] So you can see why hemp cultivation is very sustainable.

Hemp Can Be Harvested Multiple Times a Year

Hemp is also one of the most sustainable fibers available, as it can be harvested multiple times per year without damaging the plant. Because of this, hemp plants have a much shorter growing cycle than other plants like cotton. [1] How's that for a great natural fiber?

Hemp Is Strong and Durable

Hemp fibers are some of the strongest natural fibers in the world. In fact, hemp is so strong that it was once used to create sails for ships. This strength makes hemp clothing ideal for everyday wear, as it's less likely to tear or pill over time. And because it's so durable, hemp clothing will last you much longer than other fabrics, which is great news for your wallet and the planet. 

Shop our hemp and organic cotton smock.

The Many Types of Hemp Clothing

When it comes to sustainable materials, hemp is often overlooked in favor of more well-known options like organic cotton or bamboo. But hemp is a truly versatile and eco-friendly material that offers a lot of benefits for both consumers and the environment. Did you know hemp clothing companies are making hemp shoes and hemp underwear among other items?

Hemp Is Breathable and Hypoallergenic

Hemp is a very breathable fabric, which makes it ideal for warm weather. As you can guess, hemp clothes are very flowy and comfortable. Hemp also hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew, making it a great choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Let's look closer at how to make hemp clothing even more appealing. At Modern Shibori, we use a hemp and organic cotton blend. This gives you all the strength of hemp fabrics, plus the softness of cotton on your skin. And you can rest assured there are no toxic chemicals touching you.

Hemp Is Eco-Friendly

And because hemp clothes are so durable, you'll end up saving money and resources in the long run by not having to replace your clothes as often.

Some people ask, is hemp better than cotton? Well, organic cotton is also a fantastic fabric. In fact, it's not really best to think about a hemp vs cotton situation. Hemp's durability is often tempered by the softness of cotton. It's great to wear a blend of both. When hemp is mixed with cotton you wear the benefits of both: the softness of cotton and the durability of hemp. And don't forget, hemp can be upcycled.

Check out our Vega Top and Ida Pant in Hemp and Organic Cotton Blend.

If you're looking for a sustainable fabric that offers all the benefits of natural fibers, choose hemp and sustainable hemp apparel. From its durability to its eco-friendliness, there are many reasons to love hemp clothing! 

Our customers love our Ida Pant in Grey Hemp and organic cotton.

Hemp Clothing for a Sustainable Future

If we want to build a sustainable future for fashion, we need to start making more eco-friendly choices when it comes to our clothes. 

As someone who cares about sustainability, consider wearing hemp clothing. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it's also durable, comfortable, and stylish. So next time you're in the market for some new clothes, be sure to give hemp a try!

Hemp clothing is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to conventional fabrics like cotton and polyester. And it's no wonder—hemp has numerous benefits over other fabrics! Not only is it durable and stylish, but it also has a much smaller environmental footprint than conventional fabrics. So next time you're in the market for new clothes made from eco friendly fabrics, make sure to choose eco-friendly hemp options!

See the links below to learn about sustainable fashion brands with a fully hemp collection.

Footnotes

1. https://www.hempinfoguide.com/hemp-vs-cotton-sustainability/

2. Andre CM, Hausman JF, Guerriero G. Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules. Front Plant Sci. 2016 Feb 4;7:19. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00019. PMID: 26870049; PMCID: PMC4740396.

3. https://academic.oup.com/jxb/article/59/15/4171/518859

4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6

Additional Resources

• https://www.thehonestconsumer.com/blog/guide-to-hemp-clothing-brands

• https://www.rei.com/s/hemp-clothing

• https://hempfoundation.net/hemp-clothing/

• https://rawganique.com/

• https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-fashion/hemp-clothing-brands/