Why Wear Hemp Clothing?
Hemp clothing offers distinct advantages in comfort and durability and significant benefits for the economic and environmental sustainability of our planet.
Hemp's health benefits.
* It absorbs and releases perspiration quickly and breathes well
* It absorbs dye easily and retains color well
* It holds up to repeated washings and never needs dry cleaning
* It is naturally anti-microbial
* It is resistant to mold and mildew
* Hemp fabric gets softer, the more it's washed and worn
Hemp's positive environmental influence
Hemp grows rapidly and requires little water and no pesticides or herbicides. Its deep roots anchor and aerate the soil in which it's grown. Hemp produces more fiber per acre than trees, cotton or flax (linen).
Hemp is much kinder to the Earth than conventionally grown cotton. Like hemp, cotton is a natural fiber, but growing it accounts for a significant portion of the pesticides and insecticides sprayed on the world's crops. In this way, cotton has negative impacts on health, water and worker safety. (See Organic Trade Association.)
Growing demand
The Hemp Industries Association estimates that the North American retail market for hemp textiles and clothing exceeded $ 100 million in 2007 and is growing around 10% per year. As hemp clothing becomes more mainstream, customers can choose it for health, environmental and aesthetic reasons. It's a win-win for consumers and for the Earth!
How to care for your hemp apparel
Hemp clothing is easy to care for and tolerates hot water temperatures well. (Wash cold to minimize impacts on the environment.) If your hemp garment has been pre-shrunk, a hot dryer will not harm it. It can be air dried quickly.
If you get a food or dirt stain, put some laundry soap on the spot and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. That is usually sufficient to remove the spot. Hemp does not need dry cleaning.
Depending upon its fabrication, your hemp clothing may need to be touched up with a hot iron. As the hemp grows softer with laundering and wear, ironing becomes less and less critical.