What Are the Benefits of Hemp Fabric?

Hemp is one of the oldest textile fibers in the world, and it is having a comeback as a more sustainable alternative to conventional fabrics. Here are the main benefits of hemp fabric, and how it works with natural dyes.

Benefits of hemp for the environment

• Low water and pesticide needs: hemp grows quickly and usually needs much less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton.
• Good for the soil: it grows in many soil types, its deep roots help protect the soil, and its fallen leaves return nutrients to it.
• Captures carbon: like all fast-growing plants, hemp absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows.
• Biodegradable: pure hemp fabric breaks down naturally at the end of its life.

Benefits of hemp fabric to wear

• Strong and durable: hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers, and it gets softer with every wash without losing its strength.
• Breathable and absorbent: it feels cool and comfortable in warm weather.
• Odor-resistant: hemp naturally resists the build-up of odors.
• Some UV protection: denser hemp fabrics block more sunlight than many lightweight fabrics.

Dyeing hemp with natural dyes

Hemp is a cellulose fiber, like cotton and linen, so it takes natural dyes well when it is prepared properly. Scour it with soda ash, then mordant it with a tannin and alum before dyeing. See how to mordant cotton, linen and hemp and why natural fibers matter for natural dyeing.

Looking for undyed fabric ready to dye? Browse our undyed cotton and linen fabrics, and choose your colors from our natural dyes.