Why hemp

Why hemp is the fabric of the future

Hemp is breathable and light, keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, and is one of the most sustainable fibres on earth.

Why hemp is the fabric of the future
4Ɨless water than cotton
2Ɨfibre per hectare
60–90%soil nutrients returned
Hemp is not marijuana

What is hemp

Hemp is not marijuana

Industrial hemp comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana comes from a different variety, Cannabis indica, which has far higher levels of THC.

Hemp fibre comes from the stalk. It is a bast fibre, like flax (linen) and jute. Wearing it is completely safe, and it will never make you feel intoxicated.

A fibre that built the world

History

A fibre that built the world

Hemp has been woven for thousands of years and is mentioned in the Atharva Veda. Columbus's ships sailed with hemp sails and ropes. Washington and Jefferson grew it, Betsy Ross's flag is said to have been sewn from it, and the first Levi's jeans were made of hemp canvas.

Properties

What hemp does for you

01Strong and durableHemp doesn't wear out, it wears in. It gets softer with every wash.
02BreathableAbsorbs moisture and dries quickly, so you stay fresh all day.
03Climate responsiveCool in summer, warm in winter.
04Naturally protectiveAntimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and resists UV and moths.
05Holds its colourFades less than other natural fibres.
06Easy careMachine wash. Pre-washed, so it won't shrink.

Hemp vs cotton

HempCotton
Water needed4Ɨ lessVery high
PesticidesLittle or noneHeavy use
Fibre per hectareAbout doubleBaseline
SoilReturns 60–90% of nutrients, controls erosionDepletes soil
With every washGets softerWears thin
Better for the planet, from seed to shirt

Sustainability

Better for the planet, from seed to shirt

Hemp grows fast and densely, with little water, so it needs almost no herbicides. Its deep roots hold the soil together and return most of the nutrients the plant takes. One hectare gives roughly twice the fibre that cotton does.

Choosing hemp is one of the easiest ways to make your wardrobe kinder to the planet. Read our story →

Feel the difference yourself

Free shipping, pre-washed garments, and no-questions-asked returns.