Part 2 - HEMP, a Material for All Seasons!

Hemp Properties

Thanks to a technological breakthrough in 1980s, hemp was finally introduced as a modern textile that could be used in wardrobe design and fashion. It turns out that some acids can help break up the toughness of the hemp fabric, making it much more malleable, allowing it to be used for countless products including apparel, accessories, shoes, furniture, and home furnishings.
As a fabric, hemp provides all the warmth and softness of other natural textiles, but with superior durability that is seldom found in other materials. Hemp fiber is also one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers. Products made from hemp will outlast products made with other materials by many years.

Hemp seems to have been around as a material for cloth since we first settled down and started cultivating plants. Hemp has been discovered in tombs dating back to 8,000 B.C.E. Christopher Columbus sailed to America on ships rigged with hemp. Hemp was grown extensively in colonial America by its founding fathers including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Betsy Ross even sewed the first American flag from hemp.

Hemp, as a fabric provides superior strength

Not only is hemp strong, but it also holds its shape, stretching less than any other natural fiber. This prevents hemp garments and shoes from stretching out or becoming distorted by use over time. Hemp may be known for its strength and durability, but its comfort and style are second to none.

Hemp fiber provides durability and comfort

Hemp, a medicinal material

Okay, some of you might have thought about smoking when you read the title, but actually, since ancient times, hemp cloth was famous for its natural medicinal properties including as an antiseptic, antibacterial, wound healer, and analgesic.

Hemp fiber is a natural healer

Hemp fabric is breathable and provides temperature and energy balance. It does not cause allergies or irritations and, depending in how it is used, can eliminate bad breath! How is that for a super fabric!

In Part 3 of our story about hemp we will look into one specific wardrobe accessory that has been revolutionized by the use of hemp, shoes!