Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, the production of hemp has been legalized and is now distinguished from other cannabis plants. Not only does that mean that hemp farmers are offered more protections under the Federal Crop Insurance Act, but it also offers an exciting opportunity for companies in the hemp apparel industry.
Hemp is still defined as a cannabis plant but cannot contain any more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As such, the plant cannot cause any psychoactive experiences in those who consume it and its compounds.
But hemp is a lot more than just a plant to consume. The plant has a long history of being used for industrial purposes, and these days, consumers can find plenty of products made from hemp, including clothing and shoes.
Hemp: An Ideal Textile For Sneakers and Clothing
There are plenty of materials currently used in the production of clothing and footwear, some better than others. But there are plenty of characteristics about hemp that makes it an ideal material for the use of clothing and shoe production:
- Hypoallergenic. The non-allergenic properties of hemp mean it will not irritate the skin.
- Thermo-regulating. Your feet won’t sweat as easily thanks to the ability of hemp to thermo-regulate.
- Anti-bacterial. Shoes tend to smell and hold onto odors. But when made from hemp, the anti-bacterial nature of the fabric means any foul smells won’t be held as readily as other fabrics, particularly synthetic materials.
- Strength. Hemp fibers are known to be very extremely strong, which can help footwear last longer.
Those who appreciate the earth-friendly nature of hemp to be used in clothing and sneakers will also find hemp an attractive fabric. More specifically, hemp possesses the following traits:
- Sustainable. There’s no need for the use of harmful pesticides or herbicides to grow hemp, making it a sustainable crop.
- Organic. Hemp is grown and produced in such a way that makes it an organic fiber.
- Easily decomposed. Since hemp is a natural material, it leaves behind very little in the way of a carbon footprint compared to man-made materials.
Hemp-Based Clothing and Footwear Brands
Here are just some of the hemp-based clothing and footwear brands available:
- Sanuk
- Virblatt
- Bohemia
- Jungmaven
- Rawganique
- Patagonia Hemp Clothing Collection
- Recreator
- Hempy’s
- Tact & Stone
- Valani
- Outerknown
Consumers looking for an organic, natural textile that’s sustainable and not harmful to the environment will find hemp-based clothing and footwear an attractive alternative to other fabrics, particularly synthetic ones.
Image source: StockSnap from Pixabay
