The True Sustainable Fabric: Hemp

“Hemp will be the future of all mankind, or there won't be a future.” 

― Jack Herer

 

Even as the world is changing at a fast pace, there is a desire to slow things down. Hemp fabric is carving a niche for itself in the fashion industry. It is a dream fabric, it creates something beautiful yet sustainable. Hemp is often considered an environmental super fibre. 

It is made from the fibres of herbaceous plant species, cannabis sativa. It’s a high-yield crop that produces significantly more fibre per acre than either cotton or flax. According to few sources, hemp can produce 250% more fibre than cotton and 600% more fibre than flax with the same amount of land.  

What’s so special about Hemp?

Keeping the current dire situation of our environment in mind, hemp fibre is an eco-conscious winner as its production is a highly sustainable process. It is organically cultivated, and it actually absorbs CO2 from the air making it a carbon negative crop. It can also be easily blended with other fibres and doesn't strip the soil of nutrients. In fact, hemp returns 60-70% of all nutrients back into the soil. In comparison to cotton, it can be produced with half the amount of water and has three times the tensile strength of cotton. 

Hemp fibre also has some incredible properties: it conducts heat, dyes well, resists mildew, blocks ultraviolet light and has natural anti-bacterial properties. It also get better with every wash making clothes more long lasting.

Where does Sui’s Hemp come from?

We source hemp fibre from the Bombay Hemp Company, (BOHECO). They strongly believe in Hemp’s innate power to build a better future. BOHECO has created an ecosystem for the hemp industry in India to reap the most benefits out of this promising textile.

How have we used Hemp in our collection?

We have used this fabric to craft casual tops, gilets, trousers, jackets and dresses which are herbal-dyed and embroidered with nature-inspired motifs from Byron Bay. This comfortable, easily wearable and sustainable fabric are herbal dyed in earthy colours. The outfits have classy silhouettes, which can be worn for a relaxed day and a smart look.

Some of the must-haves from this edit are: The Cape top, our Beach Me hemp gilet, our Sundown Knit dress, The Bay Vibes hemp trousers and our Sunshine Hemp dress.

How do you care for the fabric?

Use cold water when laundering hemp fabrics. Typically, hemp fabric isn’t always colourfast. For that reason, wash dark colours separately. Allow hemp to air dry. Using a dryer can cause wrinkles and make it shrink.

 

Hemp has the power to be the game changer for sustainable fabrics and sustainable fashion. It is naturally resistant to mould and ultraviolet light. Its porous nature allows it in being more absorbent, which means it’s perfect for tropical climates. Not only that, the fabric is also perfect for all seasons, as it‘ll keep you warm in winters and cool in summers.

In a world of synthetic fabrics, Hemp seems to be the answer to a question that is commonly asked - How do we become more sustainable in our choices? Choose wisely, choose responsibly. Make eco-choices for your wardrobe and the betterment of our planet. Flow in sync, and be one with nature.

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