Organic is the new buzzword these days. Everyone wants to consume foods that are pure and come without any side-effects. Likewise, as the world moves towards environmental conservation, people are incorporating all lifestyle habits that are in consonance with nature. So why not in the case of clothing? Like hemp fiber?
As hemp becomes a key part of the mainstream fashion industry, people are also drawn towards reinventing its fibers to ensure their clothing is also carbon-dated. After all, hemp was one of the oldest plants — around 8,000BC old — to be used as fiber. But why should you specifically choose hemp-based clothing or fiber products? How is it different from contemporary clothing material? Let’s answer some of these key questions on the hemp fiber.
The cannabis clothing: How cool is this idea?
Well, it’s the coolest idea, if you are a cannabis plant fan like millions of people around the world. But, you must also know that hemp has come a long way, surviving through the oldest civilizations. The plant, which was once prime clothing material for royalties, has now become a choice for the masses by making a comeback in fashion. If you are an environmentally conscious person or want to boast about your trendy wardrobe, it should house that hemp fiber-based shirt or cool sweater you would love to wear on your date.
Why should you go for hemp clothing?
Hemp is a very light fiber, which means it’s lightweight and pretty breathable. If you compare it with cotton or woolen clothing, hemp fiber weighs one third. If you travel a lot or like lightweight clothing, go buy hemp fabric clothing. You’ll feel the bliss. Hemp fiber is also water and UV resistant, meaning it does not absorb any of these. If you live in areas with harsh weather conditions or like your clothes to look vibrant for a longer period, choose hemp clothing.
Unlike other clothing material, hemp fabric can’t be degraded by mold, bacteria, or any kind of chemicals. The use of hemp as ropes dates back to 8,000 BC. That’s why it is one of the strongest fibers known currently. Also, you’ll find hemp-based ropes or traveling bags everywhere. Travelers who roam around in areas with harsh climate conditions tend to prefer hemp-based bags and clothing. Hemp also has a unique quality of softening with time. The more you wash it, the more vibrant, stylish, and comfy it gets. Your hemp clothing will never wear out.
Why do fabric producers love hemp?
When you are into the production of fabric, the cost is the most important factor in determining the overall value of fiber. Well, unlike cotton, hemp fabric is water efficient. It needs a lot less water to grow as compared to cotton. This saves farmers from using less water for its production, which means it causes less damage to the environment. Farmers love hemp production because it also requires a lot less time to harvest (about three-four months). The shorter harvest period means more number of spells a year, which can give a manifold return than the production of contemporary fabric.
Hemp: The climate warrior
Fashion has now turned into ‘fast fashion’. People want to use more clothes, notwithstanding the wastage that the fast fashion is causing. The rapid production and subsequent disposal of neglected clothes give rise to a huge carbon footprint into the atmosphere. Hemp is a natural carbon warrior. It takes less water to produce and helps in the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere; hemp is faster at doing so than other plants. It also produces more oxygen than other plants. The world is now changing for better as people are finding ways to address the burning issue of the climate. Our clothing choices should also reflect this intention. By incorporating hemp into our clothing style, we show our seriousness for the environment.
Less acreage, more production, more profit
Hemp requires less area to grow as compared to other fabric plants. Usually, hemp is produced in mountainous or northern hemisphere areas. Farmers with low land-holding produce more hemp as they can get a high return on small investment on a limited land. Garment developers also combine hemp with other fibres to produce more versatile and trendy clothes. For example, the combination of the sturdiness of hemp and softness of silk can produce ideal clothes for those looking for style and quality in febric.
Hemp produces durable fiber
Hemp-based clothes are more durable and anti-microbial than contemporary ones out there. The hemp clothing allows you to stay clean for a longer duration due to its antimicrobial properties that stop from developing odour. People have been using hemp clothes for thousands of years now without having to worry about its durability. The shape and form of a hemp-based garment also lasts longer than others.
Other qualities of hemp as a plant
Let’s face it! We are using way more paper than we should and it’s hurting our environment. Hemp provides a useful solution to this problem. It can produce more paper than trees. In one acre, trees will produce 4 times less paper than hemp produces in the same area. Also, the hemp paper is tougher and more durable.
Do you know that the oldest piece of paper ever discovered was around 2,000 years back in China? It was a hemp-based paper. Hemp usage has also spread to the making insulation, houses, walls, or floors. Hemp fiber, in combination with lime, can be used to make hempcrete, which can further be used in houses as a replacement for hardcore rocks. They are equally strong and cost-effective.
The bottom line
Hemp has many uses and fabric-based clothing is one of them. From cordage to clothes to heavy-duty tarpaulins, the hemp uses are aplenty. Moreover, the clothing made from cannabis has become the most famous industry trend now. Companies are also coming up with innovative ventures to launch hemp-based clothing lines. This is good news for the plant that’s supporting humans for more than 8,000 years.
