Years ago the mention of hemp clothing may have created visions of something akin to a burlap sack, but as production techniques have been refined and fashion designers have gotten more bold, hemp fashion is now a commonplace choice. Not only does the fabric bring about a ton of health benefits, but you may even see it start to compete with other materials in terms of price and availability.
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill and the ability of every state in the nation to now grow hemp legally, we’re about to start seeing a lot more of it. What exactly makes this material so great, and what does contemporary hemp fashion look like? We’re glad you asked.
Benefits Galore
The idea of your clothing actually contributing to your well-being might seem a bit weird, but it’s been shown time and time again that hemp rules when it comes to saving the planet and your body.
Clothing made from more traditional fabrics goes through a shedding process each time it is washed, contributing bits of micro-plastic into the sea. Hemp clothing is roughly 2.5 times stronger than synthetic fibers and even if it does shed a bit, it’s completely biodegradable.
Aside from looking fly, hemp material can be used in an abundance of applications where limiting the spread of bacteria is a must. Hospital items including sheets, scrubs, and even cloth furniture in waiting rooms can all be manufactured from hemp, a product that is antibacterial in nature. A wise choice for those who are allergic to latex, this plant can be utilized in a mind-blowing number of ways.
Hemp Fashion: From Hippy to Hip
If you’re afraid to transition to hemp because of crunchy hippie stereotypes, you’ll be pleased to learn that today’s hemp fashion has evolved. While arguably still in its infancy, there are many hemp apparel brands making big strides to grow the hemp clothing industry. Here are eight innovative hemp fashion brands moving the industry forward.
Hempy’s
Created by surfer Albert Lewis in 1995, Hempy’s combine the power of hemp with today’s technology and scientific knowledge to make hemp t-shirts, jeans, board shorts, men’s vests, hemp belts, hats and beanies, as well as accessories and skin care.
HoodLamb
Describing themselves as hemp tailors, Amsterdam-based HoodLamb started in the mid-1990s with the aim of creating a warm, durable jacket that looked great and was designed from natural fabrics. Each garment in made of their unique hemp fabric blends, combining age old traditions of hemp tailoring with a modern approach to style and fit.
Jungmaven
Rob Jungmann built Jungmaven on simplicity and sustainability, creating garments that are structured yet relaxed, breathable, soft and go with anything. In 2010, Rob launched HEMP 2020, a campaign to raise awareness around the positive environmental impacts of hemp farming. He sees hemp’s potential to mitigate climate change as one of the greatest opportunities of our generation.
Nomads Hemp Wear
For the past 14 years, Nomads Hemp Wear has created eco-fashion that’s durable, comfortable, and stylish. They blend a love for the earth with an urban sensibility, creating festival friendly, fair-trade clothing for men and women.
Seeker
LA-based Seeker creates minimalistic, gender neutral clothes from richly textured organic hemp and cotton, with occasional touches of silk and cashmere.
Reactor
Recreator was founded in 2012 with the intention of maximizing the beneficial effects of industrial hemp, whether you’re cruising the city or exploring the open trail. The durability of hemp — and cool tees — makes Reactor a favorite for skateboarders. They also supply hemp sweats, tank tops, leggings, hoodies, hemp hats, bandanas, etc.
THTC
Planted by the Lawson brothers back in 1999, THTC — and its hemp — was watered with urban music and fed with a love of life and street culture. The company has since grown into an influential global street-wear brand with credible, urban street-wear.
WAMA
Hemp is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and super soft and breathable, therefore the best application for hemp fabric would be hemp underwear. And that’s how WAMA, the pioneering hemp underwear company, was born.
As hemp becomes a more readily available resource, keep your eyes out for even more hemp clothing crafted from this amazing material. Comfortable, sustainable, and fashionable, hemp truly is the fabric of the future.
