Hemp

Hemp

The use of sustainable and environmentally friendly fabric is increasingly growing in popularity, this is now including the very strong and durable fibre, hemp. Hemp is a retained from the plant species 'Cannibis Sativa' (The Eco Market 2012). The natural fibres that come from this plants stalk; the bast and the hurds, are those that are used in the making of hemp fabric (natural fibres N.D.).The production of these natural fibres was traditionally a process that involved strenuous labour, but as technology has progressed and science has developed, a fibre seperation process including ultrasound has come about (Natural Fibres N.D.). After they are seperated, they are spun or weaved to become what we know as hemp; an environmentally sustainable fabric.  Included in this fabric is lignin; a component of the hemp that creates a woody and rough texture (Wise Geek 2012). 

Modern science has brought a way to soak the fabric in a mixture that releases the lingin, whislt leaving the durability and stregnth of the hemp on its own (Hemp Traders 2012). The point that hemp is now at is that it is still a heavy duty option, with the extra that it is increasingly softer. This is one of the many superior properties hemp fabric offers. Another is that it holds it shape extremerly well, and does not wear out- it wears in. The more the hemp clothing is worn, the more it softens and the more comfort it will give when wearing it (Hemp Traders 2012). Due to it being from a plant, it is naturally resistant to mould and ultraviolet light, and is water  absorbant (Hemp Traders). Hemp is a breathble fabric, and therefore is helpful in keeping cool in warmer climates and warm in cooler climates (Hemp Traders 2012).  Hemp is also very helpful in killing bacteria, and the fabric made from it are non-irritating to the skin, and hypo allergenic (The Eco Market 2012). 

It has many environmental advantages, making it an easy choice for an eco-friendly  alternative. One of these is that the plant crop grows at an extremerly fast rate, therefore the source is ongoing. It works with the all climates, and leaves the soil in excellent condition (HempTraders 2012). Hemp takes just under 100 days to be cultivated, and is a renewable resource (The eco Market 2012).

To create a cutting edge design, or any type of garment, requires a good base material. All of the properties of hemp are the main required points needed to create a sound structured and amazing looking garment. Using the stregnth and texture of this fabric can boost any plain design into something brilliant.