Hemp is one of the oldest and strongest natural fibers. Its existence dates back as far as 2000 B.C. Our first American flag was sewn from hemp fabric, and many of the first wagons headed West were covered with hemp canvases. Hemp fiber is harvested from the large annual plant, Cannabis Sativa. This industrial hemp has negligible alkaloid content and cannot be used to make drugs. There are countless other uses for the hemp plant, from paper to food products.

 

Hemp is one of the easiest and most abundant crops to grow. It is resistant to insects, making pesticides unnecessary. It grows so vigorously that fertilizers are not needed. And, if that were not enough, hemp produces at least three times more fiber per acre than cotton plants.

 

Hemp fabric has many wonderful qualities. Hemp’s breathable, porous nature allows trapped air to be warmed by the body, making these garments naturally warmer in colder weather. Yet this same breathability as well as natural absorbency allows it to be very comfortable during hot summers. Hemp clothing is also very durable and weather resistant, due to hemp's UV and mold-resistant qualities. In addition, hemp fabric softens and gains a nice drape with each wash—it wears well! These and other attributes make hemp clothing an excellent eco-friendly choice.

 

Today, hemp is harvested throughout Europe, Russia, China, and Canada. In the United States, each year brings us closer to the legalization of hemp farming. As our society comes to terms with the downside of tobacco, farmers who grow tobacco want—and need—another option. Growing industrial hemp would provide a viable and profitable alternative for thousands of American farmers. We are excited about the possibility of making more eco-friendly apparel from this natural fiber as well as helping to save farmland.