Skip to content 
| Fabric name | Hemp |
| Fabric also known as | Industrial hemp |
| Fabric composition | Fibers from stems of the Cannabis sativa plant |
| Fabric possible thread count variations | 250-300 |
| Fabric breathabilityn | Very breathable |
| Moisture-wicking abilities | High |
| Heat retention abilities | Low |
| Stretchability (give) | Medium |
| Prone to pilling/bubbling | Low |
| Country where fabric was first produced | Asia and the Middle East |
| Biggest exporting/producing country today | China |
| Recommended washing temperatures | Warm |
| Commonly used in | T-shirts, dresses, hoodies, underwear, socks, other forms of apparel, and household textiles |
Hemp fabric is quickly becoming a staple in sustainable fashion due to its eco-friendly properties and versatility in apparel manufacturing.
In this blog, we explore hemp fabric’s unique characteristics, how it’s made, and its benefits for the environment and the textile industry.
What is Hemp Fabric?
Hemp fabric is a natural textile made from the fibers of the Cannabis sativa plant, which has been used in the textile industry for centuries. Known for its strength, breathability, and durability, hemp offers a sustainable alternative to other natural fibers. The plant grows quickly with minimal water and without the need for synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Hemp fibers primarily consist of cellulose, which gives them high absorbency, making them comfortable in warm weather and suitable for various applications, including clothing and home textiles.
Origin and Source of Hemp Fibers
Hemp is grown in temperate regions around the world, with major producers including China, France, and Canada. The plant is harvested primarily for its stalks, from which the fibers are extracted. The process of separating the fibers from the stalks, known as retting, has become more efficient with modern technology. Hemp fibers are long, strong, and resistant to rot, which contributes to their widespread use in textiles.
Historical Significance and Modern Usage
Hemp has been used in textiles for thousands of years, with early evidence of hemp fiber use dating back to ancient China and Egypt. Over time, hemp became a critical part of global trade, particularly valued for its strength in rope-making and sailcloth. Today, hemp remains a key material in sustainable fashion and is commonly found in casual wear, outerwear, and home furnishings. Its durability and eco-friendly nature have increased its popularity in the textile industry, especially as consumers and manufacturers focus more on sustainability.
Hemp Fabric Today
The production of hemp fabric has evolved significantly with advances in technology and sustainability practices. Organic hemp farming has become more prominent, aiming to reduce environmental impacts by eliminating the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Global hemp production is concentrated in countries like China, which leads in large-scale manufacturing, followed by France and Canada. Innovations in processing techniques have improved the softness and versatility of hemp fabric, making it more suitable for a wider range of garments and home textiles.
At Modaknits, we prioritize sourcing high-quality, sustainably produced hemp fabrics to create garments that balance comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility.
What Makes Hemp Fabric Unique?
Key Characteristics and Qualities:
- Sustainability: Hemp is one of the most eco-friendly fabrics, growing rapidly with minimal water and no need for harmful pesticides.
- Strength and Durability: Hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers, resistant to wear, tear, and pilling, making it ideal for long-lasting garments.
- Breathability: Hemp fabric is naturally breathable, allowing air circulation for comfort in warm and cool climates.
- Moisture-Wicking: Hemp efficiently absorbs moisture, keeping the wearer cool and dry, making it perfect for activewear.
- Biodegradability: As a natural fiber, hemp is fully biodegradable, making it a top choice for sustainable fashion.
Comparison with Other Fabrics:
- Hemp vs. Cotton: While cotton is softer, hemp is more durable and environmentally friendly due to lower water usage and pesticide requirements.
- Hemp vs. Linen: Both are breathable, but hemp tends to be more durable and less prone to wrinkling.
- Hemp vs. Polyester: Polyester is quick-drying but lacks the breathability and eco-friendliness of hemp.
Hemp’s unique combination of strength, breathability, and sustainability makes it a standout material in both apparel and home textiles.
How is Hemp Fabric Made?
Production Process
- Harvesting: Hemp stalks are harvested when the plant reaches maturity, as the fibers are primarily found in the stalks.
- Retting: The stalks undergo retting, a process where water or dew softens the plant material, breaking down the bonds between the fibers and the stem.
- Decortication: The outer layer of the hemp stalk is removed to separate the inner fibers for fabric production.
- Spinning: Cleaned fibers are spun into yarn, determining the final texture and quality of the fabric.
- Weaving/Knitting: The yarn is woven for structured fabric or knitted for stretchier, softer textiles.
- Finishing: Hemp fabric may undergo treatments like dyeing or softening for enhanced texture, color, or water resistance.
Regions Known for Hemp Production
- China: Leading the world in hemp production, China supplies a large amount of hemp fiber for textiles, with efficient large-scale operations.
- France: France produces high-quality hemp, primarily for textiles, food, and other products, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
- Canada: Known for its environmentally friendly hemp farming practices, Canada produces hemp primarily for industrial and textile uses.
These regions are central to global hemp production, ensuring a steady supply of fabric for a range of textile applications.
What Are the Types of Hemp Fabric?
Hemp fabric comes in a range of types, each offering specific characteristics suited to various uses:
- Organic Hemp: This eco-friendly fabric is produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, making it a sustainable and durable option for environmentally conscious fashion. Organic hemp retains its natural strength and texture, often used for high-quality clothing and textiles.
- Blended Hemp: Hemp is frequently blended with materials like cotton, polyester, or spandex to improve softness, flexibility, and comfort. This blend is commonly used for casual wear, T-shirts, and athletic apparel, providing the strength of hemp with added softness from other fibers.
- Hemp Linen: This variety is coarser and highly durable, making it ideal for heavier applications like upholstery, bags, and home textiles. Hemp linen is strong and breathable, suitable for long-lasting products that need extra resilience.
Each type of hemp fabric offers distinct advantages, ensuring hemp remains a versatile and sustainable option in the textile industry.
How is Hemp Fabric Used in Textiles?
Hemp fabric’s versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of apparel and textile applications:
Casual and Everyday Wear:
Due to its breathability and strength, hemp is perfect for T-shirts, casual dresses, and loungewear. It keeps the wearer comfortable in warm climates while being highly durable.
Outerwear:
Hemp’s insulation properties make it ideal for jackets and coats, providing warmth and durability without compromising breathability.
Accessories:
Hemp is often used for bags, hats, and shoes, where durability and eco-friendly materials are important.
Home Textiles:
Hemp’s strength makes it popular in home textiles like curtains, upholstery, and tablecloths. Its eco-friendliness also contributes to its growing demand in sustainable home products.
Hemp fabric’s adaptability ensures it remains a preferred choice in apparel manufacturing and home textiles due to its balance of sustainability, durability, and comfort.
How Much Does Hemp Fabric Cost?
The cost of hemp fabric depends on the quality, type, and production region. Below is a detailed overview of typical prices:
Hemp Fabric Costs in the United States
- Standard Hemp Fabric: Prices typically range from $10 to $30 per meter, depending on the weave and quality.
- Organic Hemp: Generally priced higher, around $20 to $40 per meter, due to sustainable farming practices.
- Blended Hemp Fabrics: These blends, with cotton or other fibers, range between $15 and $35 per meter.
Hemp Fabric Costs in China
- Standard Hemp Fabric: Hemp fabric in China is more affordable, ranging from $5 to $15 per meter, due to large-scale production.
- Organic Hemp: Prices range from $12 to $25 per meter for organic hemp fabrics.
- Blended Hemp Fabrics: Blended hemp costs between $10 and $25 per meter.
Factors Influencing Hemp Fabric Prices
- Type of Hemp: Organic hemp and blends often command higher prices due to better farming practices and enhanced fabric qualities.
- Specialized Treatments: Additional treatments like dyeing or softening can raise the final cost.
- Production Region: Labor and production efficiency play a significant role, with lower costs in China due to large-scale manufacturing.
Comparing Costs: U.S. vs. China
Prices for hemp fabric are typically 30% to 50% lower in China compared to the United States. This difference is primarily due to lower production costs and economies of scale. Brands sourcing hemp from China can maintain high quality while reducing overall expenses.
At Modaknits, we source premium hemp fabrics from trusted suppliers in China to ensure cost-effective production without compromising quality.ed suppliers in China to offer our clients a cost-effective yet high-quality option for garment manufacturing.
How Does Hemp Fabric Impact the Environment?
Hemp fabric is widely recognized for its minimal environmental footprint, thanks to sustainable farming methods and its natural biodegradability. Here’s a breakdown of its environmental benefits:
Water Usage
Hemp requires significantly less water compared to crops like cotton, making it more eco-friendly, particularly in water-scarce regions.
Pesticide and Chemical Use
Hemp grows naturally without the need for harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which helps prevent soil and water contamination.
Soil Health
The deep root systems of hemp plants help prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure. Hemp can also be used in crop rotations to maintain soil fertility.
Fabric made from hemp . Cannabis fiber and leaf
Energy Consumption and Emissions
The energy used in processing hemp is lower than many synthetic fabrics, and innovations in sustainable manufacturing further reduce its carbon footprint.
Biodegradability and Waste
Hemp fabric is fully biodegradable, decomposing naturally over time and reducing landfill waste. This makes it a more sustainable option compared to synthetic fibers like polyester.
At Modaknits, we are committed to sourcing eco-friendly hemp fabrics to ensure that our products contribute to environmental sustainability while maintaining high performance and durability.sourcing hemp fabrics from eco-friendly suppliers.
Our hemp products are designed to balance environmental responsibility with durability, ensuring a positive impact on both fashion and the planet.
Ensuring Hemp Fabric Quality and Certification
At Modaknits, we ensure that the hemp fabric used in our garment production adheres to the highest quality and sustainability standards. Here’s how we achieve that:
Key Quality Indicators
- Fiber Durability and Texture: Hemp is known for its strength, making it ideal for long-lasting apparel, while maintaining comfort.
- Breathability: Hemp’s natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties are essential in our quality control.
Certifications and Sustainability
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Guarantees organic production and ethical processing.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Ensures the fabric is free from harmful substances.
- Fair-Trade Certification: Verifies ethical sourcing and fair labor conditions.
By working with certified suppliers, Modaknits guarantees hemp garments meet the highest environmental and ethical standards, aligning with global sustainability trends.
For more information about our fabrics or to explore our product catalog, please contact us.
