Hemp; The Future of Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion, or ‘eco fashion’ makes up for an ever-growing segment of the fashion industry. It is a term used to describe sustainability, social responsibility and responsibly sourced materials across the global supply chain. Hemp – the strongest, longest-lasting organic plant fibre on this planet – is unmatched in durability and resiliency so it is no wonder that the sustainable fashion industry is turning to Hemp as a sustainable resource.
But Why is Hemp Fabric So Much Better for the Environment then Cotton?
Hemp is actually a weed, and it grows like one, so it needs no synthetic herbicides or pesticides to grow. This means that clothes made from hemp are environmentally responsible and sustainable, keeping you and the Earth happy and healthy.
Why is Hemp Good for Fashion Designers?
Strength: Clothing made from hemp fabric is lightweight yet three times stronger than cotton, it is super absorbent, durable and long-lasting.
Resisting winds and wet weather: Hemp fabric is the best for jackets, coats and outerwear. It’s even UV and mould-resistant.
Environmentally friendly: Hemp farming uses very little water, does not require the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and is a readily renewable resource.
Versatility: Hemp can be blended with other fibres, offering all the qualities of pure hemp fabric alongside the qualities in the other garment. Hemp can be mixed with silk, cotton and bamboo and these mixed fabrics are becoming widely available in the growing market for sustainable fashion.
Cost-effective: Hemp is less expensive to farm because of its minimal growth requirements. Hemp is the most eco-friendly crop as it requires no pesticides and needs little water, yet it renews the soil with each growth cycle. Its long roots prevent erosion and help retain topsoil. Hemp grows readily in most temperate regions.
And gone are the days where fashion, functionality and hemp fibres don’t conform. Luxury designers Calvin Klein and Armani, as well as outerwear brands like Patagonia regularly incorporate this “miracle fibre”,into their collections, recognising its comfort and versatility, bringing their trend-setting hemp fashions onto a global scale.
Clothing and fabrics constructed with at least 50% hemp deter the sun’s ultraviolet rays more effectively than any other fabric, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It also has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and hemp doesn’t retain odour-causing bacteria like synthetic or cotton fibres does; its hollow shafts make it super absorbent and an excellent choice for outdoor activities. And you don’t have to worry about repeat washing, hemp fabrics resist shrinkage and maintain its true colour.
So not only does Hemp fibre look great but it works hard for you and is a utilitarian and an environmentally friendlier alternative to cotton and synthetic fibres. We look forward to seeing what the future of hemp brings to fashion.