Hemp is one of the most versatile natural fibers globally, but it’s still not very popular with consumers. While hemp has many benefits for our health and environment, some misconceptions prevent people from using this fantastic fabric. We want to remove these barriers so you can enjoy all the benefits of hemp clothing.
This blog post will give you an overview of hemp fiber’s properties and its differences from other fabrics like cotton. You will learn what makes this plant so unique, why it should be used more often in the sustainable fashion industry, and how its usage could benefit both your wardrobe and the planet we live on.
If you want to find out all the benefits of hemp clothing, then keep on reading! We have prepared some interesting facts about hemp products that will surprise you.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a type of Cannabis Sativa plant. It has incredible industrial applications, as it is used to make a wide range of products such as textiles, oils, food, building materials, and so much more.
Until the last century, hemp was one of the most important crops for humans. The longest continuous hemp farming appears to be in China (over 6000 years). France, Spain, and Chile have all grown hemp for at least 700 years. Hemp was probably the earliest plant cultivated for textile fiber.
The plant’s stalk is fibrous and contains almost no THC (it should not contain more than 0.3%).
Hemp is not marijuana.
First, the hemp plant is not psychoactive. And, unlike marijuana, hemp is lawful. The 2018 Farm Bill made industrial hemp farming and products legal in all 50 states.
Hemp’s association with marijuana has given it a bad reputation despite being a legal crop and fabric. And because hemp is naturally eco-friendly, it is intimately connected with hippie culture. This subculture is nearly synonymous with getting high.
What is hemp fabric, and how is it made?
Hemp fabric is created from the long strands that comprise the plant’s stem. These fibers are removed from the bark by a process known as retting and then spun together to create a continuous thread that may be woven into a textile.
The plants are left to rett in the field for 4-6 weeks, enabling the environment to remove pectin naturally.
The hemp stalks are then baled like hay, and the fibrous outer part is separated from the woody core. The bast fibers are next washed and carded into strands. Manufacturers can then utilize steam explosion to turn raw hemp into a woven thread. Hemp is ready to be spun into yarn and woven into textiles after the steam explosion.
The texture of pure hemp fiber is comparable to that of linen. It may also be combined with other natural fibers to produce garments that have the strength of hemp but the softness of cotton or bamboo.
Since hemp fabric is constructed entirely of natural fibers, it’s comfortable, durable, and environmentally beneficial. In addition, the material is hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and anti-static. So, let’s get into the complete list of benefits of hemp clothing.
Benefits of hemp clothing
Hemp fabric is sustainable.
Hemp is a very environmentally friendly crop. It does not require pesticides or much water, yet it renews the soil with each growth cycle. Its extensive roots serve to minimize erosion.
Hemp proliferates in most temperate climates. When compared to other crops, the water consumption need is far lower. As a result, switching to hemp clothes and supporting the cultivation is an excellent method to save water.
Hemp may be grown in practically any type of soil. It does not deplete the soil’s nutrients or other qualities. It aids in the restoration of some of the critical nutrients that may have been lost before. You may cultivate numerous cycles of hemp on the same area as a farmer, and you can even plant it as part of crop rotation.
Hemp is naturally pest-resistant. It also does not require fertilizers since the shedding of the leaves gives ample nourishment to the soil.
Hemp is also very quick when it comes to growth. It is ready for harvest about 120 days after seeding. hemp, like bamboo, can grow practically anywhere. The hemp plant enjoys tropical or somewhat chilly temperate conditions, making the United States an ideal growth zone for hemp.
As a crop, hemp absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, assisting in reducing CO2 emissions. Every ton of hemp can sequester 1.62 tons of CO2.
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Lastly, hemp is a biodegradable material. While every product has an expiration date, not every product disappears forever, as seen by the various landfills that we leave behind. Because hemp clothing is biodegradable, what comes from the earth returns to the soil.
Hemp clothing has excellent properties.
Hemp as a fabric is strong and durable. It’s very gentle on the skin. Hemp tees are exceptionally breathable. The cloth wicks away perspiration efficiently and is very simple to dye. Even after numerous washes, it does not simply wear out or lose its shape. What’s more, with each wash, it becomes softer and smoother.
Now, let’s look into the hemp clothing properties in detail.
Antimicrobial
Hemp has excellent antibacterial qualities, allowing it to outlast any other textile fiber such as cotton, polyester, and so on. Hemp is resistant to bacterial development and breathes well, avoiding smells.
Breathable
Hemp fabric is made from natural fibers, so it breathes well. It also absorbs moisture quickly, making it ideal for summer clothing. Hemp clothing also helps keep you cool when you exercise because it allows air to circulate through the fabric.
Durable and Strong
The clothing made of hemp fiber has three to four times the strength of cotton. It is one of the unique characteristics of hemp textiles, and it distinguishes itself from other clothing. The actual value of the clothing is tied to its strength and longevity.
UV protective
Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. The material surface of the clothes is tightly woven so that they don’t let in the sun’s rays.
Water-absorbent
Because of its water-absorbent nature, hemp will retain dye better than cotton and keep your colors from fading. In the summer, the porous personality of hemp helps keep you cool. In cooler weather, it can keep you warm like bamboo and wool.
Biodegradable
Hemp clothing can take months to biodegrade compared to the hundreds of years it will take for the polyester clothes to break down. No one should throw away their clothes, yet it happens. In this case, it is preferable to have naturally biodegradable garments. Otherwise, they might end up sitting in a landfill for a very long time.
Also, hemp clothing, unlike synthetic fiber clothing, does not contribute to plastic pollution. Petrochemicals are used to create synthetic textiles such as nylon and polyester. As a result, these textiles contain plastic, and washing them is a significant source of microplastic contamination.
Hemp clothing FAQs
Final thoughts
Hemp is an excellent choice for your ethical wardrobe because it is sustainable and has several qualities and benefits. You may also feel good about choosing hemp apparel since you will be helping the environment by selecting this natural fabric over cotton or other synthetics. Give hemp a try if you want to transform the way you buy clothes!
