Is Hemp Being Used As Fabric?
Yes. In fact, hemp fabric is disrupting a giant industry. Strangely, the pandemic has helped spur a glorious movement in eco-conscious design. The environmental and societal repercussions of not being mindful of labor, fabric, eco products, etc. have become more obvious in this time of isolation and re-evaluation. The fashion industry is known for fleeting tastes and massive waste, but more and more companies have started utilizing natural fabrics like hemp to create planet-friendly trends. Consumers are demanding it, and this seed-to-stitch fashion moment is here to stay. It’s hemp’s time to shine!
Hemp was most likely the first plant in human history to be cultivated specifically for use as a textile fiber. According to research done by MIT, archaeologists believe its cultivation dates back to 8,000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq and Iran). As it turns out, hemp is also hypoallergenic, lightweight, and stronger than cotton. It’s UV-resistant, and thermal-regulating (so the fabric works with you). And it’s a bio-remediator, meaning it removes harmful toxins from the soil, while enriching it with nitrogen. It thrives in poor soils and hard water and grows quickly like, well, a weed.
Hemp Clothing & Fashion
In 1937 the Marijuana Tax Act prohibited hemp cultivation in the U.S.. Several generations later, the 2014 Farm Bill legalized hemp pilot projects across the country for food-grade seed, fiber, paper, and medicinal oil. Several designers and fashion houses have incorporated hemp cloth, because of its environmental benefits and cost benefits. We’re seeing a fundamental shift in the approach to style. These big retailers, for example, all have hemp lines now: Levi’s Wellthread Collection, Patagonia Hemp Clothing Collection, and Tact & Stone.
We scoured the web, read consumer reviews, and tried on some hemp threads ourselves to select these hemp-made clothing lines. They exude fresh, fashionable sensibilities and don’t compromise fit or luxury.
Hemp Clothing Brands We Like
1. Hempy’s
Hempy’s takes an active stand against wasteful goods when surfer and founder Albert Lewis created a modest surf wax bag made of hemp. His commitment to creating a brand line that consciously makes renewable and sustainably sourced clothing and accessories grew into a full product line. Their hand-crafted California-made hemp products have been instrumental in growing the conscious-consumer movement. Break up with fast-fashion, and check out their curated collections of hemp jeans and socks, body care, accessories, cord and twine, and more. Hempy’s is a gateway to the hemp lifestyle. Our favorite Hempy’s picks are their Vintage Beanie Collection and their Athletic Socks.
Image Source: Hempy’s
2. JUNGMAVEN Hemp Clothing Line
JUNGMAVEN was founded by designer Robert Jungmann and born out of a passion to put a stop to, “clear-cutting practices that devastate the planet.” Creating high-quality hemp clothing was his solution. It began with his first hemp tee and from there the product line grew.
JUNGMAVEN is a clothing line devoted to the surf style of relaxed, everyday wear for men, women, and kids as well as a home and accessories line that have regenerative properties that heal the planet and are durable, utilizing fashion as a form of responsible activism. Our favorite pick is their Sunrise Lorel Tee, an awesome remnant of 1970s fashion.
Image Source: Jungmaven
3. Recreator Hemp Apparel
Recreator Hemp Apparel has made a name for itself in the hemp-fashion marketplace. They saw the curve early and sourced hemp from China (where overregulation hasn’t hindered hemp production) before the Farm Bill passed. All their clothing is designed and sewn in downtown Los Angeles. The line consists of hemp-made streetwear from joggers to fleece sweatshirts made for men, women, kids, an ample line of unisex apparel, and they even sell cottonized hemp fibers for textile use.
Our favorite pick is their UX R Varsity Hemp Joggers, they are the perfect wardrobe staple.
Image Source: Recreator
4. Md Bespoke
Md Bespoke, created by Marlon Durrant, is a Toronto-based custom bespoke clothing company that makes high-end hemp suits and tailored shirts for men. Think: James Bond, with a touch of naturalist design. Durrant says, “My clients are well-versed in the eco-movement and demand sustainability in many areas, including their style. Hemp-blended menswear gives them the next best thing in a bespoke tailor, and satisfies their need for sustainability.”
Durrant’s Tailor Made Box is his most popular item. The boxes range from 3–14 custom made shirts (Boxes start at $475 per shirt and price lowers as quantity increases). Durrant’s attention to detail is why his suits are the sophisticated statement piece you need. Contact Durrant for tailored custom orders.
Image Source: Md Bespoke
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