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Hemp Fabrics: We Offer Them! But What Are They?

Hemp Fabrics: We Offer Them! But What Are They?

Hemp fabric is one of the most exciting materials that have hit the market. In the age of sustainability, it’s becoming a popular alternative to cotton due to its durability and production process. Hemp cloth is versatile, ideal for use for everything from household textiles to apparel and underwear. FabricSight's hemp fabrics are zero-carbon and have twice the lifespan of cotton.

If you’re looking to make your brand or project eco-friendly, hemp cloth should be at top of your list of fabrics. We’re taking a deep dive into everything you need to know about making hemp clothes, including the most frequently asked questions.

 

What is hemp fabric?

Hemp fabric is a textile made using fibers that come from the Cannabis Sativa plant’s stalks. This durable fabric has been around for thousands of years, but it’s recently risen in popularity as an eco-friendly material. 

 

Over the generations, the Cannabis sativa plant has been bred for two reasons; for cannabinoids and to produce fibers to make hemp cloth. Depending on the cultivation process, hemp fabric can be produced in several colors without needing chemical dyes, including white and grey. Hemp cloth can be dyed either naturally or synthetically.

 

Is hemp better than cotton?

Hemp is often compared to cotton. However, hemp is a much more sustainable choice, as cotton cultivation leads to higher water consumption and more greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

Also, research has shown that hemp fabric uses less land for production than cotton and releases fewer toxins into the environment. It’s considered carbon negative, absorbing more carbon than it produces while also using a limited number of pesticides.

 

What is hemp fabric good for?

Hemp fabric is ideal for making clothing, particularly dresses and everyday apparel. It's a popular choice for t-shirts due to its durability. Compared to other fabrics, hemp t-shirts can retain their shape for a longer time. Hemp cloth is also popular in home decor textiles, including tablecloths and upholstery. 

 

Why is hemp fabric so expensive?

Hemp is more expensive than comparable materials like cotton due to its currently limited production. While cotton is mass-produced, only a limited number of suppliers currently produce hemp cloth. Although it is becoming more popular, it’s still considered a niche fabric, which leads to its higher price tag. 

We offer our hemp fabrics at competitive prices, unleashing the potential of eco-friendly clothing to our customer base. If you want to experiment with hemp cloth, our fabric is an ideal choice.

 

Is hemp fabric breathable?

One reason why hemp clothes are becoming popular is because of their breathability. Hemp fabric is highly absorptive and durable, which regulates your body temperature in both warm and cool months. It’s more breathable than cotton due to its wicking ability. Also it's antibacterial, therefore keeping the garment clean and microbe-free for a longer time. 

 

Is hemp a safe fabric?

Hemp is known to be one of the most environmentally friendly and safe fabrics. Its fibers are breathable and biodegradable while also being hypoallergenic. As the cultivation process doesn’t involve harmful chemicals, hemp clothes are safe to wear – while being kind to your skin and the environment.

 

Is hemp comfortable to wear?

Most hemp cloth is made using female plants, specially cultivated for producing textiles. As a result, their fibers don’t have sticky buds, making them more comfortable to wear. You can expect your hemp clothes to feel softer after every wash.

 

Is hemp a strong material?

Hemp cloth is a durable fabric. As a natural fiber, it will soften with every wash. However, the fibers will not break down. Hemp fabric is stronger than cotton. Its durability is one of its main selling points.

 

Do hemp clothes smell?

Compared to cotton, hemp clothes won’t smell strongly of body odor due to their natural wicking. If you want to smell good all day long, hemp clothes are your perfect choice. The anti-bacterial properties mean that hemp fabric is resistant against mildew and mold, absorbing moisture.

People often ask if the hemp fabrics retain the odor of the plant. Well, they do not.

 

Does hemp wrinkle like linen?

Hemp fabric does not wrinkle like linen. As a natural fabric, hemp will wrinkle more than synthetic fabrics, but it will wrinkle considerably less than linen. Linen fabrics typically wrinkle repeatedly on the same part of the fabric, allowing holes to develop in the fabric. The durability of hemp means that you don’t have to worry about these issues.

 

Does hemp feel like cotton?

Cotton and hemp have a similar feel against the skin, with both getting more comfortable over time with wear and washing. Just like cotton, hemp fabric is lightweight and fast-drying, while offering UV protection. Your hemp clothes will naturally soften, although they will not lose their durability and shape.

 

Do hemp clothes shrink?

Hemp clothes keep their shape better and for longer than other comparable materials. The best way to help your hemp clothes maintain their shape is to wash them in cold water and air dry them. 

 

Washing natural fibers – like hemp fabric – in hot water and using a dryer can result in it becoming slightly misshapen. Hemp cloth is likely to shrink comparably less than other natural fabrics.

 

Is hemp fabric legal?             

Hemp fabric is legal. There is a common misconception that there are questions around the legality of the fabric. It’s legal to use hemp to produce items like clothing. The legalization of hemp in the United States has seen an increase in its production, while other countries allow its production with a license.  

Now that you know everything you need to know about hemp fabric, you’re ready to get started on your next project. As an environmentally sustainable alternative to cotton, hemp fabric is becoming more popular every year. If you want to make clothing that is durable, breathable, and comfortable to wear, look no further than hemp cloth. You can explore our range of carbon-neutral hemp fabrics here.

 

 

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