Hemp fabrics are an ancient textile, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, which is not only eco friendly but also versatile and durable. Hemp has been used for thousands of years for making garments, ropes, sails and much more across various civilizations but has barely been used in the west in the last hundred years due to regulatory issues and the use of synthetic fibers. Different to the west and other developed countries, the use of and knowledge about hemp has been well preserved in remote areas like the Himalayas in Nepal where our hemp comes from.
Benefits of the hemp plant:
1. LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Unlike cotton, which requires significant amounts of water and pesticides, hemp grows with little water and almost no pesticides. It thrives in diverse soil conditions and can be cultivated in a variety of climates, making it an ideal crop for sustainable farming.
2. SOIL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT
The deep roots prevent soil erosion and help in nutrient retention. Hemp also has the natural ability to detoxify the soil in a process known as phytoremediation, means it can be used to clean up polluted areas, making it a boon for agriculture.
3. CARBON CONVERSION
Hemp absorbs more CO2 per hectare than most crops, making it highly effective in transforming carbon to oxygen especially when cultivated around urban areas.
Benefits of Hemp Fabrics
1.DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY
Hemp fibers are incredibly strong and durable, which means that hemp fabrics are long-lasting. Clothes and products made from hemp can withstand more wear and tear compared to those made from other materials. This durability translates into less frequent replacements and ultimately less waste.
2.BREATHABILITY AND COMFORT
Hemp fabrics are breathable and possess excellent thermoregulating properties. They keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making them suitable for all seasons. Additionally, hemp softens with each wash without losing its strength, providing comfort over time.
3.ANTI-MICROBIAL AND HYPOALLERGENIC
Hemp fabrics have natural anti-microbial properties, which make them resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. This quality is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Wearing hemp clothing can reduce skin irritations and infections, contributing to overall skin health.
4.BIODEGRADABILITY
At the end of their life cycle, hemp fabrics are biodegradable. Unlike synthetic fabrics that take hundreds of years to decompose, hemp breaks down naturally, leaving no toxic residues behind. This characteristic makes hemp an excellent choice for those looking to wear conscious.
Hemp fabrics are a good way to harmonize modern living with mother earth.
As you might have read already in our product description: our hemp products are made in a small family business run by two very kind brothers and four evenly kindhearted tailors in Kathmandu-Nepal.
Our hand loomed pure hemp fabrics are from the beautiful and rural district „Humla“ of Nepal, whereas our hemp/cotton mix fabrics with its typical traditional Nepali patterns we source from yet another small fabric manufacture close to Kathmandu.
Hope you enjoyed this article and feel invited to get a deeper insight into our beautiful fair trade brand/project through other articles or our social medias.
Namaste