Hemp is one of the most sustainable clothing materials on the market, but it has a lot more to offer than just being much better for the environment than even organic cotton. Hemp fibers are naturally antibacterial and offer excellent UV protection, making them perfect for those who spend time outdoors or have sensitive skin. They’re also breathable, which means they can keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather! Plus, a hemp plantation absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than a forest on the same area, which helps protect the climate. And because hemp grows quickly and requires little water compared to other crops, its cultivation makes use of less land than traditional crops like cotton — a win-win for both humans and animals alike!

What is hemp?

Hemp comes from the cannabis sativa plant. This is the same plant that is used to gain marijuana, but the specific breed used for hemp clothing has extremely low levels of THC, which is the main psychoactive substance. The actual hemp fabric is created from the long strands of fiber that comprise the stem of the plant. To remove these fibers from the bark , the plants are left in the field for usually 4-6 weeks after the harvest, so micro-organisms and moisture dissolve much of the cellular tissues and pectins surrounding the fibre bundles (this process is called retting). Next, the hemp stalks are baled and the fibers are removed from the bark and then spun together to create a continuous thread that can be woven.

Hemp clothing has a long history, it has already been used in ancient Egypt and China (in fact, the word „canvas“ is derived from the Vulgar Latin word „cannapaceus“ for „made of hemp“, which is in turn originating from the Greek word κάνναβις, which means cannabis.

But let’s look at the many advantages of hemp over other clothing materials in more detail.

Hemp requires little water and energy

Hemp is a drought-resistant plant that requires far less water than what would be required for cotton, wool, or others to produce the same amount of fibre. In the case of cotton, about 10,000 litres of water per kg fibre produced are required. Hemp only needs about 2,700 litres of water per kg fibre.

This means that natural rainfall is usually sufficient and no artificial irrigation is needed. If you’re wondering how this is possible, it’s all thanks to hemp’s long roots that allow it to go deep into the soil for nutrients instead of going for what’s on top – like cotton does.

Also, you only have to use about half as much energy in production than with cotton and nearly as little as when producing wool.

Hemp farms are a carbon sink

Hemp is a so-called „self-offsetting crop“ that absorbs even more CO2 from the atmosphere than forests. Industrial hemp absorbs between 8 to 15 tonnes of CO2 per hectare of cultivation, forests typically capture 2 to 6 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year depending on factors like the climatic region, the size and type of the trees etc.

Two crops of hemp can be harvested per year, doubling the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed.

Hemp has antibacterial properties

Hemp clothing has natural antibacterial properties, so, it can help you stay healthy by keeping away bacteria (like Staphylococcus aureus, the main cause of skin infections).

(Also, hemp doesn’t need to be treated with chemicals like chlorine bleach that can irritate sensitive skin.)

Hemp fibers are breathable

Due to the structure of the fibre, hemp clothes are breathable. They allow just the right amount of air to flow through the fabric, this helps regulate your body temperature by keeping you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.

Hemp is a natural pesticide

Another benefit of hemp clothing is that the hemp plant is resistant to pests. The fibers are naturally pest-repellent and can be used as a natural pesticide, which makes them ideal for organic farming. So, in general, no fertilizer or artificial pesticides are needed when cultivating hemp. Be aware though, that many farmers still use fertilizer – always check if a brand is really 100% organic.

Hemp requires less land to grow than other crops

Hemp is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly crop because it requires less land than other crops. Actually, it has the highest yield (per area) than any other natural textile fibre! In comparison, on the same area, hemp can be used to produce two and a half times more textile fibre than cotton.

Hemp grows quickly

Hemp is a fast-growing crop. Hemp can be harvested in as little as 70 days, and it requires very little maintenance once planted. In addition, hemp can grow in a variety of climates and soil types, making it an ideal crop for farmers looking to diversify their income streams or start a new farm business.

Hemp clothing helps protect your skin from UV rays

UV rays are bad for your skin. They can cause premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity. These are all things you’d rather avoid if you can help it! Hemp clothing offers excellent UV protection, it will block the sun from hitting your skin directly, protecting it from these harmful effects.

Hemp textile gets softer over time

Every time you wash your hemp clothes, they get softer and more comfortable. They also hold their shape better than most other materials because their fibres are much stronger and more durable than cotton – your clothes will last longer, which lessens their impact on the environment. And despite their durability, hemp textiles are 100% biodegradable.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why hemp fiber has become so popular with eco-conscious fashionistas all over the world!