Textile hemp is making a big comeback . Having disappeared from the radar for decades , eclipsed by cotton and synthetic fibers , it is now regaining the spotlight it deserves. Eco-friendly , durable , and downright timeless , this ancient material ticks all the boxes for more responsible fashion.
At Lucid, we no longer see it as a fiber, but as a symbol of an alternative to polluting textiles and a real lever for a meaningful circular economy . And honestly, when we dug into the subject, we wondered why we weren't already seeing it everywhere.
So, we'll tell you everything: how hemp is transformed into textiles, why its environmental impact is much lighter than that of cotton, and how its historical heritage can inspire the fashion of today and tomorrow 👇
What is hemp fabric?
Hemp fabric is obtained from the stems of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Unlike cotton, it does not require intensive irrigation, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers to grow. The extracted fiber is then transformed into yarn, and then into textiles, known for their strength, comfort, and natural antibacterial properties .
Today, hemp is seen as one of the most promising materials for sustainable and ethical fashion .
Don't worry, this one has nothing to do with the recreational version: it contains less than 0.2% THC.
The process of transforming textile hemp
Hemp isn't "plug and play": it requires a small process to transform the stem into fabric. But the good news is, it's a pretty eco-friendly process.
The transformation of hemp into textiles is based on several key stages:
- Harvesting : The stems are cut before flowering, to preserve the length of the fibers.
- Retting : This biological process separates the fibers from the stem using humidity, open air or in a controlled manner.
- Scutching and combing : The fibers are then separated from the woody part (hemp shiv) and combed to obtain long, uniform fibers.
- Spinning : Long and short fibers are transformed into yarn. Recent mechanization makes this once complex process easier.
- Weaving and knitting : Yarn is used to create a wide variety of fabrics, from sturdy denim to lightweight canvas.
Source: Hemp Color
The ecological benefits of hemp
Cotton has long been king, but it has one huge flaw: it drinks way too much. And that's not even mentioning the mountain of pesticides used to grow it. If you want to learn more, we wrote an article on organic cotton .
Hemp, on the other hand, does much better:
- Low water consumption : up to 10 times less than cotton.
- No or very few pesticides : hemp is naturally resistant to diseases and weeds.
- Soil improvement : its deep roots promote soil aeration and biodiversity.
- Carbon storage potential : Hemp captures large amounts of CO₂ during its growth.
- Circular economy : every part of the plant can be recycled (textile fibers, insulation, bioplastics, food).
These qualities make it a key raw material for a sustainable and ethical textile industry .
Hemp through history
It has accompanied humanity for millennia:
- Antiquity : Used in Asia for ropes and clothing.
- Middle Ages : in Europe, it is the main fiber for sails, ropes and canvas.
- 19th century : competed with cotton, easier to industrialize.
- 20th century : Marginalized because of association with recreational cannabis.
Today, faced with climatic and social challenges, the revival of textile hemp reflects an urgent need to return to sustainable and local materials .
What clothes can be made from hemp?
Thanks to technical advances, hemp textiles are no longer rough or rigid:
- Durable jeans and pants .
- Soft and breathable shirts and t-shirts .
- Sturdy jackets and coats .
- Lingerie and sportswear , thanks to its thermoregulating properties.
- Accessories : bags, hats, shoes.
In addition, blends with organic cotton or linen allow for the creation of soft fabrics, adapted to current trends.
Properties and maintenance of hemp textiles
Hemp clothing truly has unique qualities that make it particularly suitable for everyday wear. Naturally antibacterial and antifungal , it helps maintain a feeling of freshness and hygiene, even after several hours of wear. Its fiber is thermoregulatory : it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, making it a comfortable ally all year round.
In addition to being breathable and absorbent, hemp textiles are exceptionally strong , with a durability far superior to that of cotton, and they have the particularity of softening over time , while retaining their robustness.
Care is super simple: wash at a low temperature (30°C) and air dry. Clothes that last and become even more comfortable to wear over the years.
Hemp vs Flax: What are the differences and similarities?
At Lucid , we love exploring all the natural materials that help create more responsible fashion . Hemp and linen are often compared , and not without reason: they are two European fibers, ancient , durable and ecological . But while they share many qualities, each has its own little character.
Linen is known for its finesse and natural softness . It grows mainly in the north of France and Belgium and benefits from a highly structured and industrialized sector. The fiber is pleasant to the touch , light and fluid , which makes it an ideal material for summer clothing or delicate pieces . Linen also has the advantage of aging gracefully : the more you wear it, the more comfortable and pleasant it becomes on the skin.
Hemp , on the other hand, is the tougher of the duo. Its cultivation is less demanding : it can grow in poorer soils and requires even less water and inputs than flax , which already requires little. Initially, its texture is more rustic than that of flax, but it softens with each wash and retains exceptional strength . Its deep roots and rapid growth allow it to capture more CO₂ , which reinforces its positive impact on the environment.
Linen and hemp complement each other more than they compete. Together, they offer a credible and much more sustainable alternative to conventional textiles. If you want to learn more about linen, we wrote an article about it .
Conclusion: textile hemp, a pillar of sustainable fashion
Textile hemp is not just a rediscovered ancient material: it represents a future solution for more ethical and planet-friendly fashion. Resistant, ecological and versatile, it fits perfectly into a vision of a circular economy .
At Lucid , we believe in this potential and aim to integrate hemp into our sustainable materials soon.
👉 If you want to see our linen clothing for women and men , don't hesitate to click on the links.
Sources
- Hemp Color. (nd). The real made in France. Hemp Color. Retrieved from https://www.couleur-chanvre.com/le-vrai-made-in-france/pgw-54
- Organic Flax & Hemp. (nd). Organic hemp . Retrieved from https://linetchanvrebio.org/index.php/le-chanvre-bio
- Nuntisunya. (nd). Textile hemp . Retrieved from https://www.nuntisunya.com/hemp-textile
- Sillon Belge. (2024, February 24). Textile hemp, the little brother of linen... or almost . Retrieved from https://www.sillonbelge.be/12388/article/2024-02-24/le-chanvre-textile-le-petit-frere-du-lin-ou-presque
- Valbiom. (nd). Long-fiber hemp: a material of the future for the textile industry . Retrieved from https://www.valbiom.be/actualites/le-chanvre-fibres-longues-un-materiau-avenir-pour-industrie-textile
