Why Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Hemp Trousers Are Growing In Popularity

The Rise of Sustainable Hemp Trousers

In recent years, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of fast fashion. This has led to growing demand for eco-friendly clothing options made from sustainable materials. One fabric that is gaining popularity is hemp, a highly renewable and biodegradable fiber crop that requires few pesticides and leaves the soil in good condition after harvest.

Why Choose Hemp Trousers

Hemp is often praised as one of the most sustainable fabrics on the planet. Here are some key reasons why hemp trousers are an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers:

• Hemp is very rugged and durable - hemp fabric can last for many years with proper care
• Hemp is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it suitable for trousers and pants
• Hemp requires 50% less water to grow than cotton
• Hemp plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen
• Hemp fabric gets softer with washing, gaining character over time

The Manufacturing Process

Transforming the hemp plant into a woven fabric is an extensive process. First, the inner woody core of the hemp stalks is broken down through a process called decortication. This separates the outer long fibers from the inner core. The fibers then go through an extensive cleaning process to remove any debris before being spun into yarns and woven or knitted into fabrics. This natural fiber fabric is then dyed using low-impact dyes and cut and sewn into hemp clothing like trousers and pants.

Popular Brands Offering Hemp Trousers

Many apparel companies now offer stylish and durable hemp trousers for men and women. Some of the most popular brands to consider include:

• Patagonia - Outdoor brand with hemp blends that are bluesign® approved for sustainability
• Eileen Fisher - Boho and minimalist designs focused on natural fibers
• Outerknown - Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater with a strong sustainability mission
• Levi's - Iconic denim company now offering organic cotton and hemp blend pants
• prAna - Yoga and activewear brand with stretchy hemp blends

Caring for Your Hemp Trousers

The natural fibers in hemp fabric make clothes prone to shrinking if they are exposed to hot water or high heat. To get the most wear out of your sustainable hemp trousers, follow these care tips:

• Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry instead of putting them in the dryer
• Steam iron on a medium setting if needed to remove wrinkles
• Don't bleach hemp fabric
• Have stains professionally cleaned instead of doing spot treatments
• Hand wash if possible and lay flat to dry

Extending the Life of Your Hemp Trousers

With proper care, high-quality hemp trousers should last 5-10 years or longer. Here are some additional suggestions for making your pair of hemp trousers last:

• Always check the pockets before washing
• Use garment bags when traveling to prevent over-wrinkling
• Spot clean stains promptly with natural detergent
• Have repairs done professionally to avoid visible mending
• Give trousers a break between wears to allow the fabric to rest

Hemp Trousers for a Sustainable Future

Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly discovering the many advantages of durable, comfortable, and sustainable hemp trousers. As more apparel brands expand their use of hemp fabric in trousers and other garments, it will help drive future progress toward more responsible fashion industry practices.

By supporting labels that offer quality hemp trousers and educating ourselves on how to properly care for them, we can keep these items in use far longer. This reduces waste going to landfills and the total resources needed to clothe our population while allowing us to enjoy functional, good-looking garments.

FAQs

Why is hemp more sustainable than cotton?

Hemp is more sustainable than cotton in a few key ways. Hemp plants grow very dense, crowding out weeds, so they require less herbicide use. Hemp also grows faster than cotton and thrives in a wider variety of soils and climates, making it suitable for more regions. Additionally, hemp needs much less water to grow than cotton.

What is the difference between hemp and denim?

Denim refers to the woven twill textile that gets its signature blue color from indigo dye. This sturdy cotton fabric is used to make classic jeans and jackets. Hemp textiles have an earthier tan/natural color and are made from the fibers of the Cannabis sativa plant stalks. Hemp is more breathable, durable, and sustainable than conventional denim.

Can you machine wash hemp clothing?

Hemp fabric can shrink easily when agitated and exposed to heat. It is best to wash hemp trousers by hand or on a delicate cycle in cold water. Machine drying should always be avoided. For best results, reshape while damp and allow hemp trousers to air dry fully before wearing again to prevent shrinkage issues.

Does hemp clothing smell?

100% hemp garments have an earthy, natural smell initially. With washing, this fades. Pre-washed hemp trousers sold by major retailers will have a very subtle odor. If cared for properly, hemp trousers are no more prone to odors than other fabrics like denim jeans after regular wear.