4 Reasons Why You'll Want To Wear Hemp

With sustainability at the forefront of so many more conversations in the fashion world, brands are finding new and exciting ways to incorporate more sustainable fabrics and materials into their ranges. 

One fibre that has piqued the interest of the fashion industry in recent times is hemp. Deriving from the fibres of the Cannabis Sativa plant (yes, you guessed it, the same as Marijuana), hemp is essentially a high-yield crop that as a fibre holds exceptional functional and environmental benefits.

Boasting many similar qualities to linen, hemp-blend fabric is:

1. Extremely durable to wear
   Compared to other natural fibres like cotton, hemp is known to have a higher tensile strength, so with good care, you can keep hemp garments around for much longer. The strength and durability of this fabric makes it an excellent choice for long-living wardrobe staples, like the basic tees and shirts we reach for time and time again.
   
2. Lightweight and breathable 
   Hemp produces a highly breathable, lightweight material, much like linen – so that hemp shirt you’ve been eyeing is likely going to be a cool and comfortable choice for the warmer months, as well as a great layering piece throughout the year.
   
3. Versatile 
   Style isn’t compromised when hemp is involved – you’ll find popular brands like Afends and Thrills have worked hemp into their collections seamlessly. Hemp can be blended with other quality fibres to create a superior fabric, so it’s not uncommon to find a blend of hemp with linen or organic cotton to add that extra level of comfort and style.
   
4. Easier on the environment
   Hemp has a minimal impact on the environment thanks to its fast growth, high fibre yield and pest resistance. This natural fibre requires less than a third of water that would otherwise be needed for cotton, whilst yielding 220% more fibre. And because fewer pesticides are required to keep this crop growing, hemp farms can maintain healthy soils resulting in reduced land degradation post harvest. In other words, hemp is considerably better for the environment than other similar fabrics, like conventional cotton or polyester. 

So, how can you incorporate hemp into your regular wardrobe rotation? Simple. We've rounded up our top favourite hemp-based styles, from denim jeans, printed tees, button-up shirts, bucket hats and more.