by Kathy Fallon

for Assorted Ideas, Large & Small

Hemp: Clothes Without the Downside

It’s not just another day in the life of a hemp advocate. Protecting the environment is, without question, one of the most significant reasons to wear hemp clothing. Here are some real-life benefits that happen when people choose to invest in environmentally friendly products.

Hemp fiber is made from the stalks of cannabis plants grown primarily in the Eastern parts of Asia. It is a strong, durable and natural fiber that can be made into clothing, rope and other products. Hemp continues to grow in popularity because it has few competitors when it comes to softness and durability (especially when compared with cotton).

The process of growing hemp requires no pesticides, creates minimal waste and reduces carbon emissions – making it a favorite of green enthusiasts. If that wasn’t enough, hemp textiles create less waste during the manufacturing process and require no bleaching, so they are often made with recycled materials.

Hemp is considered to be one of the planet’s best plants because it can grow in many climates without pesticides or herbicides. Hemp requires very little water to grow and in fact, is an excellent crop for cleaning soil in contaminated areas. Also, hemp needs very little fertilizing and does not deplete the soil in which it grows.

Hemp fiber is known to be extremely resistant to mildew and rot, making hemp clothing particularly popular in humid climates such as Florida or the mid-Atlantic states.  

By now, you might be asking yourself – “where can I find some hemp clothing?” Fair question. You may already know that hemp is one of the oldest crops used for making textiles and it has been cultivated around the world dating back to at least 8000 BC. But still, many companies sell underwear, socks, jeans, t-shirts and more made from hemp.

If you are looking for a place to start, consider these popular brands which offer an assortment of hemp clothing.

While you are shopping around, don’t forget that hemp clothing offers more than just comfort and durability – it also protects the environment!