The Sustainability of Hemp Fabric

Move over, cotton – there’s a new star in the fabric world, and it’s here to make a statement! Hemp fabric promises durability, exceptional breathability, and a smaller environmental footprint, all while winning over our sustainable hearts.

But how sustainable is hemp fabric, really? Let’s dive into the world of hemp to uncover the truth and see if this material truly lives up to the hype.

Key takeaways

1. What is it? Hemp fabric is made from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant and has been used for thousands of years. It is often compared to linen due to its texture and durability.
2. Pros: Hemp is highly durable, breathable, naturally UV-resistant, antibacterial, and softens over time. It also requires fewer pesticides and less water compared to cotton.
3. Cons: Hemp fabric is more expensive due to limited large-scale production and labor-intensive processing. It can also feel coarse unless blended with softer fibers.
4. Growing popularity: More fashion brands, including Patagonia, Tentree, and Jungmaven, are incorporating hemp into their collections, increasing its accessibility and demand.

What is hemp fabric?

Hemp fabric is made from the stalks of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.) a species of cannabis. Unlike its more controversial cousin, marijuana, industrial hemp has little to no THC (the psychoactive compound) and is cultivated primarily for its fibers, seeds, and oil. Due to its slightly raw texture, the fabric itself is often compared to linen, though modern processing techniques can make it much softer and versatile.

Hemp is a bast fiber, meaning it comes from the outer layers of the plant’s stalks. Other bast fibers include flax (which makes linen), jute, and ramie. Although only now hemp fabric is gaining traction its use in textiles is far from new. In fact, people have been weaving hemp fabric since 5000 BCE in civilizations like China and Mesopotamia for textiles and ropes.

How is hemp fabric made?

The process of transforming hemp stalks into fabric is a multi-step and labor-intensive process that needs both traditional and modern techniques:

1. Cultivation: Hemp grows quickly. It often reaches maturity in just 3 to 4 months. It thrives in various climates and requires minimal pesticides or herbicides.
2. Harvesting: Once matured, the hemp stalks are cut down and left to dry in the field.
3. Retting: This process helps separate the long fibers from the woody core of the plant. It can be done through natural means (dew retting) or water-based methods.
4. Decortication and scutching: The outer fiber is mechanically stripped away from the stalk, while the inner woody parts are repurposed for other uses such as animal bedding or insulation.
5. Spinning and Weaving: The cleaned hemp fibers are spun into yarn and woven into fabric using different textile techniques.

Thanks to modern innovations, hemp fabric can be blended with other fibers like cotton or silk, making it softer and more appealing for everyday-wear. It can be found in towels, upholstery, bedding, curtains and, of course, in shirts, pants, skirts, etc.

Properties of hemp fabric

Hemp is often praised for having unique qualities, which makes it a great ingredient in a sustainable closet. Here are some of the reasons why hemp fabric stands out:

1. Durability: Since hemp fibers are long and sturdy, the fabric is highly durable. Some estimates suggest that it can be three times stronger than cotton, meaning garments made from hemp last significantly longer.
2. Breathability: Hemp fabric usually has a low thread count. This makes the fabric breathable and good at absorbing moisture, making it perfect for warm weather.
3. Thermal regulation: Hemp provides insulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.
4. UV protection: Hemp textile fabric is characterized by good ultraviolet protection properties, offering additional skin protection.
5. Anti-bacterial & odor-resistant: Hemp fabric has natural antimicrobial properties, which help reduce bacteria buildup and odors.
6. Softens over time: While hemp can feel stiff initially, it softens beautifully with each wash without losing its strength.

Environmental impact of hemp fabric

Hemp’s sustainability credentials are one of its biggest selling points. Compared to conventional cotton, hemp production is significantly less resource-intensive. Here’s why:

Water usage

The amount of water used for the production of hemp fabric depends on how it is processed. The most common method, dew retting, depends on good weather but can result in uneven fiber quality. Wet retting uses much more water, which must be treated before disposal. Yet, hemp still needs less water than regular cotton per season.

Minimal pesticides and herbicides

Hemp is naturally resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful chemicals. This makes organic hemp farming far more feasible compared to organic cotton, which often still needs substantial pest management.

Higher yield per acre

Hemp grows densely and yields more fiber per acre than cotton. This means that less land is needed to produce the same amount of fabric, reducing deforestation and land degradation.

Biodegradability

Unlike synthetic fabrics hemp fabric is fully biodegradable, meaning that when disposed of properly, it decomposes naturally without pilling in a landfill.

Challenges

Hemp fabric has many benefits, but it doesn’t come without challenges. It is more expensive than other more common fabrics (like cotton) because there is less large-scale production and demand. Processing hemp fibers is also labor-intensive and needs better technology to become more efficient. The fabric is also naturally coarse, but mixing it with softer fibers can make it feel smoother on the skin.

Brands using hemp fabric

More and more fashion brands are using hemp in their clothing, and it’s easy to see why: it’s durable, breathable, and better for the planet! Here are some cool brands making hemp stylish:

1. Patagonia: Always ahead of the game, Patagonia weaves hemp into its outdoor and casual wear. Check out their All Seasons Double Knee Work Pants-Short and Lightweight A/C™ Buttondown shirt.
2. Tentree: This Canadian brand does good for the planet by using hemp and planting trees with every purchase. Some top picks? The Womens Hemp Stretch Instow Short and the Womens Hemp Resort Shirt.
3. Jungmaven: One of the pioneers of hemp fashion! Founder Robert Jungmann helped push for hemp legalization in the U.S., leading to the 2018 Farm Bill. Their classics include the Whidbey Turtleneck and the Paseo Long Sleeve Tee.

Final thoughts: The Pomelade approved

Hemp has a lot of potential and can be a major step forward in sustainable fashion. It combines sustainability, strength, and style into one perfect package. And although it has its challenges, it has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional textiles like cotton. We are confident that as more brands and consumers embrace hemp, its affordability and availability will continue to improve.

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Did you know about hemp fabric before reading this post? Would you ever buy clothes made from it? If you already have, what did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below!