What is Hemp Fabric?

Hemp fabric is a sustainable textile made from the fibres of the cannabis Sativa plant family’s high-yielding crop. Hemp is one of the most environment-friendly and durable natural fibres, historically used for industrial purposes such as rope and sails. In addition, hemp has eight times the tensile strength of other natural fibres, making it an excellent choice for everyday use.

History of Hemp Fabric

Hemp has been used as an industrial fibre for thousands of years. The coarseness of the fibre made hemp worthwhile for canvas, sailcloth, sacks, rope, and paper, and sailors relied extensively on hemp cordage for strength to hold their ships and sails.
The Vedas even mention hemp, referring to it as one of India’s five sacred plants. Hemp is a native of India, growing abundantly in the northern state of Uttarakhand.
King Henry VIII fined farmers who did not grow hemp in the 16th century, and the American Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper in the 18th century.
Hemp fabric history began around 10,000 years ago and has evolved significantly since then.
Archaeologists discovered remnants of hemp cloth spun around 8,000 BC in Iraq.
The Europeans discovered this material around 1,200 BC, and word spread quickly across the continent.
The Chinese were also aware of the material benefits of hemp: around 2700 BC, the legendary Chinese emperor Shen Nung taught his subjects how to cultivate Cannabis sativa and Hemp Clothing out of it. As a result, the country is now thought to have the most extended history of hemp cultivation, dating back around 6000 years.

How is Hemp Fabric Made?

Hemp grows well as a crop in mild climates with high humidity, and Cannabis sativa plants are typically grown in such a favorable climate. Most hemp fabric plants are harvested using a particular machine and then allowed to rest in the field for a few days, which naturally removes pectins through exposure to the elements.

The hemp stalks are then processed like hay, and breakers or a hammermill are used to separate the plant’s fibrous outer section from its woody core. After separating, the bast fibres are carded into strands and cleaned to remove impurities. After that, manufacturers can use pulping to make paper, matting to make mats and fleeces or simply turn raw hemp into a wearable fibre. Hemp can then be spun into yarn or used for being woven into textiles once the steam explosion process is complete.

At this point, hemp fabric is created using the same processes as other fabrics. This substance’s yarn is woven into tight fabrics that we can use for various consumer purposes.

Uses of Hemp Fabric

The most common application for Hemp Clothing. Historically, this fabric was primarily valued as a novelty item for people interested in cannabis. While hemp fabric remains popular in the cannabis subculture, many people worldwide now prefer its benefits related to health.

Hemp is used to making dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, T-shirts, hoodies, and children’s clothing. Hemp fabric, because of its durability, is trendy for T-shirts. Most cotton T-shirts warp, shrink, or fall apart after a few washes, whereas hemp T-shirts retain their shape and integrity for years.

Furthermore, we can use this fabric in a variety of hemp textiles. Again, hemp textiles are more popular among marijuana enthusiasts, but using hemp fabric for tablecloths, upholstery, and dish towels are becoming more popular.

Because of its high absorbency and durability, hemp fabric is trendy for towels. While some customers may prefer hemp bed sheets, the incredible durability of hemp fabric makes it an excellent material for blankets and duvets.

While some hemp fabric purists prefer to use 100% hemp textile products, mixing this fabric with other textiles is common. Cotton and hemp blends, for example, are popular, and this textile is also frequently blended with silk. Blending hemp with other fabrics can soften it while keeping it durable.

Facts about Hemp Fabric

Hemp is naturally resistant to disease and can be grown without pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. Anti-bacterial properties have been demonstrated in hemp fibres in particular.
They are also considered UV resistant, making them suitable for fabric use. One unexpected benefit is the transfer of antioxidant properties. As a result, the fibre extraction method and subsequent processing methods can obtain the best results.
Hemp clothing is also highly breathable, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Because of its insulation properties, it is beneficial not only in clothing but also in building materials. For example, a hemp shirt will also last longer than other fabrics due to its strength.

At the end of a product’s life cycle, hemp is also environmentally friendly. If a product is made entirely of hemp or is blended with other natural materials, it is almost undoubtedly biodegradable and compostable.

Hemp Fabric Being Used for Hemp Clothing

Recently, a new type of fashion known as “fast fashion” has emerged. Fast fashion is a business model based on mass-produced, mostly low-quality clothing based on current fashion trends. While the industry has its advantages, the disadvantages far outweigh them. Fast fashion generates massive waste and employs resource-intensive fabrics such as cotton and synthetics.

Moving to more sustainable materials and producing sufficient quantities appear to be the only solutions to this rapidly growing problem. With the fashion industry being lashed upon in environmental responsibility, often dubbed the world’s second most polluting industry, and consumers, particularly the younger generation, demanding more sustainable and environmentally responsible products, hemp fabrication could open the door to ecologically friendly clothing. Hemp Clothing is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing!

Learn more about the Future of Hemp Fabric.

Some Benefits of Hemp Clothing

Amongst all the benefits of the Hemp fabric, they are also environmentally friendly and comfortable yet fashionable clothing:

Hemp Fabric is Antimicrobial and Softens Over Time

Hemp fabric is active against natural microbes, which keeps your clothes clean for longer and keeps odor-causing bacteria at bay.

Hemp fabric clothing is both comfortable and fashionable to wear. This fabric is fascinating because it softens with each wash. Why buy clothing that ages when you can have fashion that ages?

It keeps its shape and does not shrink

Hemp also has the advantage of holding its shape much better than other textiles. Our clothing is also pre-shrunk, so there is no risk of shrinkage or stretching out of the body after washing or drying.

Hemp Saves Your From UV Rays

Hemp clothing is tightly woven to ensure no sun rays escape the material’s surface. As a result, it shields you from harmful UV rays. Overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays can result in skin cancer and various other irreversible skin problems. Sun protection clothing can help you save your skin!

Because of its organic origins, hemp clothing is an excellent addition to any wardrobe. It ensures that it is hypoallergenic and thus suitable for all skin types. In addition, hemp fabric is used in anti-UV clothing, making it ideal for various outdoor activities.

Hemp is the Strongest Natural Fibre

Hemp fibre is the most potent natural fibre, holding the fabric tight and inflexible! As a result, hemp is an abrasion-resistant fabric.

Natural-fiber clothing, like hemp, is made from naturally occurring plant fibres. Hemp fibre is biodegradable because it is natural. It’s breathable and soft. It’s free of toxins and unnatural processes. You make the right choice when you choose hemp fabrics!

Insulating and Breathable

Because of the hollow structure of the fibre, hemp has natural thermoregulating properties. This allows for the most airflow, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In addition, the body’s core temperature works with the fabric rather than against it.

Naturally Wicking and Odor-Resistant

Hemp can absorb up to 20% of its weight while remaining dry to the touch. This is important for fabrics in contact with our skin, as sweat is quickly absorbed and released. As a result, less moisture is retained, and less odour-causing bacteria (body odour) can accumulate. In addition, hemp allows for a longer wear time between washings.

Simple to clean and maintain

Hemp can be machine washed. Hemp does not require special care; it benefits from regular use and washing, which improves its natural lustre and feel. Hemp also dries quickly, which is ideal for people on the go; wash and dry clothes overnight.

No Pesticides, Herbicides, or Chemical Fertilisers are used

Hemp grows without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilisers. Instead, hemp plants are natural insect repellents that repel mites, fungi, and bacteria. Hemp is also a natural weed suppressant, out-competing and shading the weeds in its surroundings.

How Much does Hemp Fabric Cost?

Producing hemp fabric does not inherently cost more than creating cotton fabric, but various market factors have increased the price of this fabric because of its growing popularity. Cotton, for example, is produced on a much larger scale than hemp, making it less expensive per volume. Furthermore, because hemp fabric is still a novelty at the moment, some retailers charge exorbitant prices for it.

Ironically, producing hemp fibers is simpler and more efficient than having cotton fibres, so hemp fabric is comparatively cheaper than Cotton fabric. However, this unreasonable price disparity will persist until legislation regarding this textile becomes more reasonable and is accepted as an excellent alternative to cotton.