The Fiber of the Future
Hemp is, overall, the strongest, most durable, longest-lasting natural soft fiber on Earth! With it’s unparalleled strength, resiliency, and anti-fungal/anti-microbial properties, it is the fiber of choice for eco-conscious clothing and apparel. What’s more, it requires no synthetic pesticides or herbicides to grow, making hemp clothing a sustainable and responsible choice for your heath and the health of the environment. In recent years, both consumers and famous fashion designers have recognized the benefits and innovative uses of this miracle fiber.
“I believe that hemp is going to be the fiber of choice in both the home furnishings and fashion industries and I wanted to be one of the first designers to use this fabric in an innovative way. I love the fabric. The plan is for us to eventually introduce 100-percent hemp products.” – Calvin Klein, New York Times, June 1995.
World-famous retailers and fashion designers like Patagonia, Calvin Klein, and Armani have created jeans, shirts, jackets, and outerwear made from hemp, recognizing its versatility and comfort. In the past 15 years, the emergence of companies like Ecolution, Dash Hemp, and a plethora of other hemp clothing companies have increased the market and recognition of hemp, bringing their clothing to the worldwide stage.
Among it’s many phenomenal properties, clothing and apparel fabrics containing at least 50-percent hemp block the sun’s ultraviolet rays more effectively than do other fabrics, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Combined with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, hemp does not trap odor-causing bacteria like cotton or synthetic fibers, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities. It also resists shrinkage and stays true to colors under repeated washings.
With cotton leading the way in the world fabric market, what advantages does hemp possess in a head-to-head comparison?
Instead of Cotton
Our ancestors were well aware that hemp is softer than cotton, warmer than cotton, more water absorbent than cotton, has three times the tensile strength of cotton, and is many times more durable than cotton. Fifty percent of all chemicals used in American agriculture today are used in cotton growing. Hemp requires no synthetic chemicals to grow and has very few weed or insect enemies… except for the U.S. government and the DEA, of course.
Cotton is one of the most environmentally destructive agricultural crops, annually using over 275 million pounds of pesticides in the U.S. alone. This in addition to massive quantities of fertilizers, defoliants, growth regulators, and general biocides such as methyl bromide.
Conventional cotton refers to cotton grown with the aid of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, defoliants, and herbicides. Conventional cotton occupies only 3% of the world's farmland yet demands fully 25% of the world's chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Conventional cotton textile manufacturing involves bleaches, formaldehyde and other chemical finishes. These lead to chemical residues, which may result in skin irritation and respiratory problems. With children, these problems can persist well into their adult years.
Hemp is four times more water absorbent than cotton. Imagine the possibilities with hemp towels, bed sheets, and diapers! Hemp fiber bundles are up to fifteen feet long, while cotton fibers are a mere three-quarters of an inch, which gives hemp eight times the tensile strength and four times the durability of cotton. In regards to fiber yield per acre, one acre of hemp can produce as much usable fiber as 4 acres of trees or two acres of cotton.
With it’s superior yield, sustainability, strength, warmth, and absorbency, hemp outpaces cotton on every level! You’ll be happy to know that not only does hemp fiber create exciting and fashionable clothing, it also makes a great addition to body and personal care items.
Hemp Cosmetics and Personal Care
Since the introduction of The Body Shop’s line of hemp based body lotion, hand creams, soaps, and lip conditioners to the global marketplace, demand for hemp oil has grown rapidly in the past decade.
Revlon’s Absolutely Fabulous line of hemp oil-based lipsticks premiered in major retail chains such as Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Walgreen’s. Alterna, Rachel Perry, Kiss My Face and Jason’s Natural Cosmetics have successful hair and skin care lines made with hemp seed oil. Based on its superior function, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps changed its formula to incorporate hemp oil instead of jojoba oil and has seen a dramatic sales increase as a result.
With its high EFA content, hemp oil naturally rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin, leaving a clean and refreshing feeling. Unlike other oils used in body care products, hemp oil absorbs quickly and cleanly, without leaving a greasy residue on skin. You’ll find it works wonders in moisturizers, sunscreens, lip balms, tattoo balms, and soaps. Hemp oil’s versatility in the personal care market is enhanced by the introduction of advanced processes that allow the oil to blend with water or be turned into gels and solids, enabling its benefits to be incorporated into even more cosmetic formulations.
Hemp oil cosmetic products are now widely distributed, and can be found in many major food retailers including Wild Oats, Whole Foods, Ralph’s, Kroger’s, and Trader Joe’s markets across the U.S.
Put Hemp in Your Closet
With it’s high durability, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, hollow shafts, and superior wearability, hemp clothing provides a flexible, utilitarian and eco-friendly alternative to cotton and other synthetic fibers. Be careful… once you try hemp you may never go back!
For your body and your skin, hemp oil lotions, balms, and moisturizers are nourishing and rejuvenating, giving skin a soft, healthy glow, and a youthful appearance.
No doubt about it… both inside and out, hemp is an amazing and revolutionary addition to a conscious, active, and healthy lifestyle.
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