Is Hemp Clothing Worth It? Why It's a Smart Long-Term Buy

Hemp clothing is worth it as a long-term buy because the fiber is among the toughest plant fibers out there, resists mold and odor, breathes well and holds up wash after wash, so a good hemp shirt or pair of jeans simply lasts longer. It's also one of the lower-impact textile crops, which is why big names like Levi's, Nike and H&M have started using it. It's part of a bigger story: the legal cannabis business is booming, and beyond medical and recreational use, the plant is becoming a source of materials that are shaking up several industries.

One of the biggest is hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant that's really taking off. Unlike other varieties, hemp doesn't get you high, but its fiber is highly prized in the textile industry. The plant has been a loyal sidekick to humanity for thousands of years, thanks to fabric qualities many people consider better than cotton's.

What is hemp?

Industrial hemp, a botanical variety of the cannabis plant, contains only trace amounts of THC, which makes it a legal raw material for a huge range of products around the world. Today you can find everything from hemp foods to hemp fabrics. Hemp cloth, made from the stalks of cannabis plants, goes back thousands of years in Asia and the Middle East.

Hemp clothing is made from the outer layer of the stalks, which yields rope-like fibers. Those fibers are stripped and processed into yarn, which is then woven into fabric.

Once the process is done, hemp clothing has a texture similar to cotton, making it a durable, versatile option for all kinds of textile uses.

How does hemp clothing help the environment?

The companies leading the new hemp business are setting trends in the textile industry. One of them is Hemp Textiles, a division of Canadian conglomerate Flora Growth Corp, which is also known for cannabis-based medicines, foods and cosmetics. With medical cannabis farms in Santander, Colombia, the company has branched out into hemp-based textiles.

For now they have to import hemp fabric because there aren't enough local crops in several countries, but Hemp Textiles already plans to build production elsewhere. Nicolás Vásquez, the company's manager, says they've started manufacturing in Bogotá, focusing first on loungewear. That collection, sold under the Stardog Loungewear brand, has been especially popular with US shoppers, who are known for paying up for high-quality clothes.

What's happening with hemp clothing in Colombia?

Aiming for a million dollars in sales in its first year, the company is adapting hemp crops to Colombian conditions to build a complete production chain. Meanwhile, loungewear was growing about 25% in the US at the time, even as overall apparel sales fell by 50%.

Interest in hemp clothing isn't limited to up-and-coming makers; it's caught the attention of major brands too. Levi's, for example, launched a line made with a fabric called cottonized hemp, which is extra soft.

Nike has highlighted hemp's superior absorbency and strength in products like its sneakers, while Giorgio Armani has praised the material's soft, flexible feel. Even the H&M chain has released a collection using natural fiber made from hemp crop leftovers.

What are the benefits of wearing hemp clothing?

Natural pest resistance

Hemp stands out as a natural botanical resource with insect- and pest-repelling properties. That makes it a great pick for people looking for products free of pesticides and harsh chemicals. Its tough outer layer is the part of the plant used for fabric.

Exceptional durability

Hemp fiber is considered one of the strongest plant fibers on the market and gives fabrics exceptional durability. It's often said to be up to four times stronger than other natural fibers, so it can take more pressure and tension. If you need to make a strong, long-lasting rope from natural materials, for example, hemp is the go-to.

Mold resistance and long life

Hemp fibers are known for their impressive resistance to mold, which makes them highly durable compared with other natural fibers. Their toughness makes them less prone to wear and tear, so anything you make with hemp fabric lasts longer.

100% natural

Hemp is a variety of cannabis, a plant that grows naturally. With a legal THC content of 0.3% or less, it's a natural alternative for people who prefer materials without chemicals or additives. If you're after eco-friendly, sustainable products, hemp is a smart pick.

Absorbent and breathable

Hemp clothing is great at wicking moisture, which makes it ideal for breathable garments. Once processed, it feels a lot like cotton, so it's comfortable and keeps you cool.

No funky smells

Hemp clothing is a natural fix for bad odors. Because it breathes and absorbs moisture, it's less likely to hang on to funk, which makes it an excellent choice for everyday clothes.

Since it resists buildup of dirt and sweat, hemp fabric stays fresh longer, so you don't need to wash it as often. That makes it easier to care for and also cuts environmental impact by running the washing machine less, a big source of energy and water use.

Sustainable and renewable

Hemp is a highly sustainable, renewable option for making textiles. As a natural plant that's easy to grow, it's an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic, man-made materials.

Growing it takes fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other textile crops, which helps keep its environmental footprint small. Hemp is also highly renewable and grows in a range of climates, allowing for a steady, abundant supply of hemp fabric to replace non-renewable materials.

Antimicrobial properties

Hemp yarn offers extra health and environmental perks thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Secondary metabolites in hemp help keep bacterial growth in check, keeping the fabric hygienic.

With growing concern about bacteria, fabrics with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties like hemp are a smart way to keep your clothes healthy and fresh.

Low environmental impact

Producing hemp fabric has a smaller environmental impact than many other textiles. From the field to the finished product, hemp takes fewer resources and less labor, which means a lower ecological footprint. That efficiency helps conserve natural resources and protects the environment over the long run.