The power of the yarn #1
Why 100% hemp?
I asked myself this question as most hemp clothing is 55% hemp and 45% cotton or other fibres.
Hemp as you may know is a superior natural fibre, not only in its low impact cultivation but in its qualities as a wearable fabric.
So why undermine these qualities by 45%.
This is due to the following factors:
supply/demand and cost - hemp clothing is still re-emerging from its associated banishment with its close cousin marijuana. Many countries are still in regulatory processes. This has affected the supply and the industry growth contributing to the supply and therefore the cost of good quality hemp. We choose to not to wait for supply and contribute to the demand.
comfort and processing - some manufacturers blend with other fibres to soften hemp. For hemp is known to be stiff and coarse however this is changing rapidly with developing milling and processing techniques and technology. The hemp we use is soft and comfortable and will grow softer as it ages, whilst still maintaining its durability and strength.
I chose to make a 100% hemp work shirt because a good locally made product as a service to people who work with their bodies and hands all day needs integrity and cannot afford the compromise of blending a weaker less sustainable fibre. This has made it slightly more difficult to source and raises the overall cost of the product but it maintains an integrity that is rare in the modern fast fashion climate.
100% hemp gives you a 100% of the hemp qualities and benefits:
Sustainability
Biodegradability
Durability and Strength
Resistance to Mold and UV Light
Breathability
Hypoallergenic
Antibacterial Properties
Low Chemical Use
Soil Enrichment
Versatility
Local Production
Regenerative Agriculture
Reduction of Water Usage
Carbon Sequestration
see journal entry, ‘the power of the yarn: benefits of hemp’, for more.
