Over the last few years, clothes made from hemp fibre fabric have become increasingly popular. This is all due to their sustainability and to consumers’ renewed awareness about environmental issues.
This growth is confirmed by a report by Expert Market Research dedicated to the global hemp clothing market, which reached a value of nearly $3.19 billion in 2023. And it is set to grow even more: forecasts indicate about $26.66 billion by 2032.
In short, hemp fibre appears destined to play a key role in the future of fashion. But why?
Hemp fibre fabrics are more sustainable
The main reason hemp fibre is a sustainable material can be found in the plant’s characteristics. Hemp is a hardy plant that is easily grown because it adapts well to many different climates, requires less pesticides as it is harmed less by plant diseases, enriches the soil in which it grows, and consumes little water.
In addition, the hemp plant is notable for its remarkably fast growth, just 3-4 months, and a significantly higher yield compared to other plants grown for the textile industry. On an equal amount of soil, hemp produces approximately 250% more fibre than cotton and 600% more than flax.
All the properties of hemp fibre fabrics
Just like the plant it comes from; hemp fibre fabric is very hard-wearing and is used to make robust and durable garments. It also has an excellent ability to absorb colour and retain it over time. This means that hemp fibre clothing deteriorates more slowly and counteracts the tendency of overconsumption.
Hemp fibre clothes also have many other characteristics that make them preferable to others made of different materials:
- antifungal properties
- antibacterial properties
- high breathability
- fast drying
After processing, hemp fibre fabric tends to have a slightly rough texture, which is why some brands like to mix softer fibres such as cotton or silk. However, pure hemp fibre softens with washing and use and gradually improves its usability.
Legal barriers to be overcome
The growth of the hemp fibre market is not without its pitfalls and the biggest issue is legal barriers.
In some countries, cultivation is banned due to the similarity between hemp and cannabis. Botanically speaking, the two plants belong to the same family but, unlike cannabis, the concentration of psychotropic substances in hemp remains below the legal threshold.
This distinction is not always adequate to legitimise the cultivation of one variety while still banning the other, and this is what the future of hemp fibre clothing depends on.
Hemp cultivation as an opportunity for the territory
Hemp cultivation is good for the earth but also for the territories. It would boost the local economy in many areas. It could promote not only thriving agriculture but also an ecosystem of businesses necessary for the textile chain, which would benefit the entire community.
We are deeply sensitive to this issue because M&A Export is based in Ivrea, in the Canavese area, which traditionally lived for a long time on the cultivation of plants for weaving, especially cotton and hemp. Enhancing the area’s vocation once again would mean restoring its vitality and laying the foundations for a genuine recovery, which, after the end of the Olivetti era, has yet to take place.
Conclusions
Sustainability in fashion, as we have repeatedly mentioned, is a goal to be achieved collectively. It requires the commitment of many different stakeholders, including institutions, so we must hope for more forward-thinking legislation. In the meantime, we will continue doing what we do.
At M&A Export, we support the circularity of fashion economy and are committed to increasing the lifespan of products in order to reduce textile waste. If you are a brand manufacturer of clothing or accessories, find out how we can help you. And if you need a partner to help you solve your unsold stock problem, don’t hesitate to contact us.
