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Hemp is a plant used for consumable and industrial use and has been around for over 10,000 years. Despite this, the US has lost a large chunk of time utilizing these plants for their sustainable multifaceted benefits due to legislative setbacks.
From ancient civilizations using hemp for rope making, originating in China, to today’s uses in trendy clothing, this plant has shown itself as a powerhouse of the agricultural industry, yet is only just beginning to gain traction again in the US.
So, what is hemp?
Derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, hemp is a versatile plant utilized in various industries, from medicinal to clothing, to food consumption. Grown organically in regions like China, hemp serves as a bio-remediator, enriching soil health by removing toxins and replenishing nutrients
Hemp plant fibers serve as durable components in the clothing industry. Visually identical to marijuana, hemp has encountered a large amount of miseducation, which led to tight regulation around the use of hemp. It became illegal under the Controlled Substances Act in the 70s due to its negative associations with marijuana, thus shrinking the US hemp industry, despite very very low levels of THC in hemp.
While globally, especially in China, hemp has maintained high manufacturing levels, a 50-year gap in production in the US industry has created a lag in sustainable innovation and the widespread use of hemp products. Since 2018, when hemp production was legalized again, the billion-dollar industry has expanded into America but is still only implemented on a small scale, with cotton continuing to dominate as the top natural fiber in the fashion industry.
How is hemp fabric part of sustainable fashion?
With minimal environmental impact, hemp cultivation conserves water and land resources, making it an eco-friendly choice. Moreover, its natural resistance to pests reduces the need for pesticides, safeguarding agricultural workers and neighboring crops as well as drinking supplies from chemical contamination. These durable, resistant features of hemp make it a sustainable fiber to work with as it doesn’t require many external inputs that could be environmentally degrading.ย
Moreover, hemp returns between 60-70% of its nutrients to the soil, creating a circular regenerative system of growth and cultivation that maintains soil quality for ongoing seasons, reducing the need for inputs of chemical and artificial nutrients.
While some manufacturers use chemically intensive manufacturing processes, hemp fabric can be produced without the use of any chemicals. When shopping for hemp clothing it is key to look for organic hemp. Do a bit of background reading on the company’s sustainability ethos and suppliers and refer to our shopping guides and brand ratings to ensure you’re including hemp in your wardrobe more sustainably.
In terms of social sustainability, as the industry begins to grow again US farmers can use hemp as a reliable plant to grow, ensuring long-term economic prosperity for local farmers. One downside to this industry is the potential loss of crops if THC levels are over regulatory thresholds, but acknowledging and being aware of this enables farmers to work in line with these regulations to produce sustainable fabric and a sustainable way of living.
What are the benefits of hemp clothing?
The benefits of using hemp in clothing are multifaceted, with hemp fibers renowned for their durability, they are considered one of the strongest natural textile fibers and therefore produce durable, long-lasting clothing, reducing the need for overconsumption and associated environmental consequences. Hemp also presents a great replacement for cotton but hemp requires much less water for production, crucial in times of increasing water scarcity and a growing need to reduce the environmental implications of such high levels of water use in the cotton but also the organic cotton industry.
Hemp plants are also durable themselves, thriving in most conditions, and are able to grow pretty much anywhere. It is a versatile plant that can be grown worldwide in a range of environments as a reliable source of clothing fabric. Hemp fabric has impressive sustainability credentials as hemp requires no chemical pesticides or fertilizers to flourish.
Having explored the backstory and benefits of clothing made from hemp, here are five of the best hemp clothing brands producing hemp garments sustainably, that we would recommend.
The best sustainable hemp shoe brand
8000Kicks
8000Kicks specializes in eco-friendly hemp sneakers and accessories for both men and women with a laser focus on reducing their carbon footprint through the use of the “world’s most sustainable fiber” (hemp). Summer weather means youโll probably want to spend more time outdoors, and good sneakers are essential for getting out and about.ย
8000Kicks’ sustainability ethos is based on reducing the CO2 footprint of their business model, using hemp in all products. Their transparency around production locations and wages enables you to feel comfortable and reassured that you are purchasing shoes from a business committed to environmental but also social and economic sustainability. With factories in China and Portugal, 8000Kicks are committed to a Corporate Social Responsibility Plan, ensuring workers earn living wages and that the hemp produced is carbon neutral, ensured through their global tree planting initiative.
While there is always room for improvement, potentially through the introduction of circular fashion practices like shoe recycling and repair schemes, 8000Kicks demonstrates a great utilization of hemp for footwear.
Learn more about 8000Kick’s stylish and sustainable products here.
Top 4 eco-friendly hemp clothing brands producing natural hemp clothing
1) Toad&Co
Toad&Co, a fashion brand known for its commitment to both style and sustainability, is known for community support and has partnered with a wide range of non-profit organizations supporting the environment and local communities.
The business uses recycled materials including hemp, as well as reselling secondhand items. All of Toad&Co’s clothing is made from at least 80% sustainable fibers, producing eco-friendly clothing that meets Bluesign and OEKO-TEX standards. Their commitment to sustainability has been a longstanding promise of Toad&Co since their founding in 1996. They have been selling sustainable outdoor clothing built on durable hemp and organic cotton blends from 2013 onwards.
Toad&Co’s Hemp Daybreaker Cardigan in yellow is made from an 80% organic cotton and 20% hemp blend. It has a relaxed fit with a v-neck and button front. This cardigan measures 21.5″ in length and adds a vibrant pop of color to any ensemble. This eye-catching piece is perfect for transitioning outfits into spring wear, whether you’re layering up for chilly mornings or accessorizing for a casual evening out.
See our brand rating to learn more about the ethics of Toad&Co.
2) Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch provides sustainable men’s clothing. Their brand offers a range of outerwear, shirts, t-shirts, denim and chinos. Their business model prioritizes longevity, priding themselves on their tough clothing that lasts.
Taylor Stitch is also big on transparency, sharing their suppliers of raw material and environmental certifications detailing the use of recycled and regenerative fibers, of which hemp is one. As part of a circular fashion model, they use a made-to-order system, reducing overproduction and therefore deadstock material that would otherwise end up in landfill, as well as adopting ReStitch, an initiative to repair old clothing to new!
Taylor Stitch’s Cotton Hemp Hoodie in Faded Brick is crafted from a blend of 70% organic cotton and 30% hemp and is a great piece to elevate your spring wardrobe. With its faded brick hue reminiscent of warm spring sunsets, this hoodie adds a touch of rustic charm to any ensemble. Designed with functionality in mind, this hoodie features a classic hood and kangaroo front pockets, perfect for stashing essentials during your springtime adventures. Its relaxed silhouette makes layering effortless, whether you’re pairing it with jeans for a laid-back weekend look or throwing it over a tee for added warmth during cool evenings.
Read our guide and review to learn more about Taylor Stitch.
3) Patagonia
For our fifth and final brand, Patagonia has been a key pioneer in implementing hemp into its sustainable clothing brand, offering a range of sustainable clothing for outdoor enthusiasts. Patagonia’s hemp is a product of partnering with Hemp Fortex, a Chinese company producing hemp with environmentally friendly production.
Patagonia has been a longstanding sustainable fashion brand but since the reintroduction of hemp plants in the US, post-2018 legalization, their work has extended to encouraging domestic production of hemp, as part of their ‘bring hemp home’ project in Colorado, USA. Through reconnecting with domestic farmers, Patagonia can set a sustainable example of a supply chain that starts with local farmers and local knowledge, reducing CO2 emissions through reduced air miles of fibers and fabric for manufacture. They are also supporting local farmers and thus Colorado communities, in more sustainable ways, ensured by the durability and rising demand of organic hemp clothing, but also a wide range of other hemp products.
Their Men’s Back Step Shirt is a perfect example. Crafted from 55% lightweight, breathable hemp, and 45% organic cotton, it’s the perfect piece for warmer days spent surfing, skating, trekking, or picnicking. Pair it with shorts for a casual beach look or dress it up with trousers for a night out.
Check out our article to learn more about Patagonia’s sustainability.
In addition to this, Patagonia has also produced educational content on the source of their hemp clothing in an engaging and insightful video. Check it out here:
4) Tentree
Tentree, based in Canada, is focused on making an active, positive impact on the environment. They only source eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and hemp, with a business model based on planting 10 trees for every garment purchased globally. Their goal is to reach 1 billion trees by 2030, through the sale of ethically manufactured men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Just to give you an idea of how much of a positive impact they are making, to date they have planted over 105 million trees, but feel free to check their stats out for yourself.
As previously suggested, Tentree has implemented a recycling scheme for customers through their partnership with SuperCircle. This means customers can send back old clothes and they will help keep them in use, gaining them an excellent rating in our sustainability criteria.
Their use of materials spans from TENCEL, a wood pulp fiber, to organic cotton, recycled polyester, and hemp, all chemical-free and sustainable in their own right. Tentree’s use of hemp boils down to its regenerative nature, restoring the quality of soil to avoid degradation through resistance to unwanted pests, returning large levels of nutrients back to the soil necessary for future food security.
Their hemp stretch straight-leg pant is crafted from a blend of 53% hemp, 44% cotton, and 3% spandex. Available in oatmeal and black, this standout piece can be worn in the office or for casual outings. The high-waisted pant flatters all figures and pairs effortlessly with various tops, making it a wardrobe staple for any eco-conscious fashionista.
To explore more of Tentree’s sustainability check out our brand rating.
Where to learn about more hemp clothing companies
Found a brand that uses hemp but not sure about their sustainability? Many brand’s websites often contain ‘about us’ or ‘sustainability’ sections and if you do some digging you should hopefully come across some insightful, educational, and reassuring practices.
The brands we have discussed in this article are all Eco-Stylist Certified for transparency, fair labor, and sustainably made. You can learn more about that in our brand guide, where you’ll also discover more of the best sustainable brands.
And for more hemp clothing check out our guide: 5 Brands with Hemp T-Shirts.
Grace is graduating from the University of Sheffield this summer after studying Geography. She loves all things sustainability and fashion, spending her time making and up-cycling clothes. She also has a new found love for writing and a passion to help make positive change in the world.
