It’s no secret that holiday clothing needs to do a lot. From scorching days exploring new towns to lingering beach days, they’re with you from dusk till dawn. They need to stay lightweight, breathe as you wander sun-drenched shores, and survive when you throw them into a suitcase. Hemp fabric is all of these things and more.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp fibre is a natural plant material taken from the outer stalk of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Like flax, used to make linen, hemp is a natural bast fibre, meaning it comes from the plant’s stem. Environmentally friendly, it’s also one of the toughest natural plant fibres out there, making hemp clothing extremely durable.
What Kind of Fabric Is Hemp?
Hemp is actually very similar in character to linen; however, it’s up to 8 times as strong!
The key characteristics of hemp garments are they’re:
- lightweight
- breathable
- strong
- naturally textured
- comfortable in warm weather
- softens with washing
- naturally prone to some creasing
Model wears Men's Olive Green Andros Hemp Shirt.
Where Did Hemp Clothes Originate?
Although hemp clothing has boomed in popularity in recent years, people wore it as far back as 10,000 years ago. Evidence shows people used hemp fibres to make textiles as early as 8000 BCE. This happened in Ancient China and Mesopotamia.
Why Is Hemp Good for Clothing?
People have used hemp as a textile for centuries for good reason. Naturally breathable, lightweight and strong, hemp fabric has all the qualities you want from a warm-weather wardrobe, with a relaxed character.
1. Breathable
Breathable fabrics are key for staying cool in hot weather. Hemp allows air to move through the fabric, helping you stay comfortable on island adventures.
2. Lightweight & Comfortable
Hemp's lightweight nature keeps you cool and comfortable and makes it great for holiday packing. Just like linen, hemp looks better with light creasing. It’s perfect to wear straight from a suitcase to give a laid-back, relaxed vibe.
3. Softer With Time
Hemp clothing becomes more comfortable with every wear. Wearing and washing the clothes relaxes the rigid structure of the fabric, creating more of a drape and a cotton-soft feel.
Is Hemp Better Than Cotton?
Hemp is often compared with cotton. Both are regarded as sustainable fabrics, and both feel right at home in warm weather, from lazy beach days to long lunches in the sunshine. Cotton remains a brilliant natural fabric. Hemp simply offers a different combination of durability, breathability and environmental potential.
So is hemp better? Take a look at our handy table below, and you can decide for yourself.
|
Hemp |
Cotton |
|
| Breathability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Durability | Very High | High |
| Feel | Naturally textured, softens over time | Soft from the outset |
| Warm-weather wear | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water requirements | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Wrinkling | Yes | Yes |
| Biodegradability | Natural fibre, biodegradable | Natural fibre, biodegradable |
Model wears Men's Midnight Blue Andros Hemp Shirt and Men's Stone Nassau Linen Jacket.
How Long Will Hemp Clothes Last?
A good holiday shirt should be in it for the long haul. Hemp is a great sustainable clothing option as it’s made to last. With its exceptionally strong natural fibre, its durability means that hemp clothes can stay in rotation can stay in rotation season after season and holiday after holiday.
Of course, proper care matters. Wash at cooler temperatures (we recommend 30 degrees) and try to dry away from direct sunlight or tumble drying. Following these simple tips can extend its life further.
From the first coffee on the terrace to the last cocktail at sunset, a good holiday shirt should be ready for whatever the day brings. Lightweight, breathable and made for a little rumpling, our hemp shirts are designed to travel well and wear even better. Browse our full range of high-quality hemp shirts for men, ready for your next resort getaway.
