The Ultimate Guide To Hemp Apparel

 

Now that hemp is legal in the US, here is the ultimate guide to hemp apparel.

Hemp was legalized in the US by the passage of the Agricultural Act of 2018. This made hemp legal at the federal level and paved the way for the states and Indian tribes to create hemp programs to govern the hemp industry in the US under the US Department of Agriculture. So far, 47 states have made provisions for the cultivation of hemp for commercial purposes.

Hemp is a plant in the cannabis sativa family that has a very small amount of the psychoactive compound in marijuana- THC. It is otherwise very similar to marijuana.

While marijuana is mostly associated with recreational use, hemp is associated with industrial use.

Last year, the global market for hemp was valued at $4.71 billion. This is expected to increase, given that more states are moving to issue private licenses for hemp cultivation. The demand for products derived from hemp fiber is also bound to increase; among them is hemp apparel.

What is Hemp Apparel?

Hemp apparel refers to garments that have been made from hemp fiber. This could be anything including clothing, bags, towels, curtains, shoes, or blankets. Hemp apparel is considered high-quality fabric because of its unique properties. It is absorbent, lightweight, and has three times the tensile strength of cotton. It is also very durable.

The fiber from hemp has also been used to make ropes, fishnets, and burlaps.

What Are The Benefits of Hemp Apparel?

1.  It is Strong and Durable

Hemp has three times the tensile strength of cotton. This means that it does not tear easily and is likely to retain a “newish” look and feel for a longer time.

2.  It is Weather Resistant

Hemp apparel is resistant to damage by UV rays. It is also resistant to mold.

3.  It is Versatile

Hemp fiber can be easily blended with other fibers such as cotton and silk.

4.  It is Eco-friendly

Hemp cultivation is good for the environment. For starters, hemp requires less water when compared to cotton. Additionally, hemp can be put to different uses. The seeds can be used for oil and supplements while the stalks are used to produce high quality fiber. Lastly, hemp plants absorb more carbon dioxide from the air when compared to trees. This means that cultivating hemp is good for the environment.

5.  It has antimicrobial properties

Hemp has antimicrobial properties; this keeps your hemp apparel clean and fresh for a longer period of time. This also makes it more durable than other textiles.

6. It Softens With Time

This is perhaps one of the best properties of hemp fiber. It softens with every wash. It is also breathable and this makes it very comfortable.

Where Can You Buy Hemp Apparel?

A few hemp businesses have focused on selling help apparel, they include:

 

1.  Hemp Authority: they sell all kinds of hemp derived clothing and accessories.
2. Vital Hemp: they sell different kinds of hemp apparel for both men and women
3. Faerie’s Dance: they sell fabric made from hemp, bamboo, soy, and organic cotton
4. Nomads Hemp Wear: they sell hemp clothing for both men and women
5. Jungmaven
6. Hempys
7.  Levi’s Wellthread Collection
8. Tact & Stone
9. Patagonia’s Hemp Clothing Collection

Is hemp good for clothing?

Now that hemp is legal for commercial cultivation and industrial use, many people might be wondering whether hemp is good for clothing. Hemp has many qualities that make it desirable for use in the apparel industry. Hemp fabric is soft, breathable, strong, durable, and has antimicrobial properties.

Is hemp clothing better than cotton?

Hemp apparel has many positive attributes. As compared to cotton it is stronger, more durable, more absorbent, and warmer. The cultivation of hemp is more friendly to the environment.

Why is hemp clothing so expensive?

Hemp apparel is relatively expensive as compared to cotton and other readily available fabric. For example, a W. Jericho pant costs $70 on Tentree while a M. Hemp Polo costs $52.

Hemp is cultivated using organic practices in the US; this means that it cannot be genetically modified. This makes the cost of production of one unit of apparel costly. However, given the benefits of hemp apparel such as durability and environmental sustainability, the cost is justifiable.

 Does hemp shrink like cotton?

If you wash hemp apparel in hot water it’s definitely going to shrink. The same goes for air drying hemp apparel. The garment will shrink and become smaller.

When washing hemp apparel, use cold to warm water. The best way to wash hemp apparel is by hand using a natural detergent. After washing you should soak the clothing in clean water to remove residual soap which may cause staining.

Is hemp breathable?

Hemp is breathable, this means that it doesn’t hold moisture and is thereof comfortable to wear on a hot day when you are likely to sweat. Other than being breathable it is also resistant to mold and mildew.

Does hemp apparel fade?

Hemp fabric, like other types of fabric, will fade with time. However, since hemp is more absorbent than cotton, it will hold colors for a longer time. This means that hemp takes a longer time to fade as compared to cotton.

Is hemp clothing itchy?

Hemp is an organic fabric which means that it is hypo-allergenic. Chances are that it will not cause itchiness.

Hemp versus Cotton

Hemp and cotton have striking similarities. They are breathable, hypoallergenic, warm, versatile, and durable. However they have some differences.

Hemp plants require half the amount of water that is required to cultivate cotton. Hemp plants also take a shorter time to grow. While an acre of hemp produces up to 1500 pounds of fiber, an acre of cotton produces only 500 pounds.

Hemp fabric is stronger and lasts longer without tearing. Given that hemp absorbs more water, hemp apparel takes a longer time to fade. Hemp apparel will have a natural woody aroma that some people don’t appreciate. However, this is likely to appeal to lovers of the environment.

Cotton is also softer on the skin; even though hemp clothing gets softer with every wash.

Hemp and cotton can be blended to produce a robust and long lasting fabric. While the hemp provides strength and durability the cotton will provide extra softness.

We hope that this ultimate guide to hemp apparel has provided you with the information that you were looking for.