Hemp: The future of sustainable fashion

 At Magbago, we are committed to leading this change by incorporating one of the most sustainable fibers known to humanity – HEMP. 

Once overshadowed by its psychoactive sibling, hemp is making a strong comeback, proving to be an incredibly versatile and environmentally friendly material. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of hemp in textile production and how Magbago is harnessing this remarkable fiber in our latest collection.

The versatility of hemp

Hemp, derived from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, has been cultivated for thousands of years. Historically used for ropes, sails, and industrial materials, modern technology has transformed hemp into a versatile and appealing fiber for fashion. Hemp fibers are strong yet flexible, making them ideal for a variety of textiles. They can be softened and dyed easily, resulting in fabrics that are not only durable but also stylish and comfortable.

Environmental benefits of hemp fabric

 Hemp is an incredibly sustainable crop that thrives with minimal resources, requiring little water and naturally resisting pests. Its deep root system prevents soil erosion, improves soil quality, and acts as a bio-accumulator, cleaning the soil for future crops. Hemp also sequesters large amounts of CO2, helping combat climate change. Additionally, hemp is biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. Choosing hemp supports environmental sustainability through reduced resource usage, soil health improvement, carbon sequestration, and biodegradability.

Benefits of wearing hemp chloting

Hemp clothing offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for any wardrobe. The fibers are breathable and moisture-wicking, ensuring comfort in both summer and winter. Additionally, hemp is naturally resistant to bacterial and fungal growth, keeping your clothes fresh for longer periods.
Known for its strength and longevity, hemp clothing becomes softer with each wash while retaining its shape and integrity. This means that your Magbago hemp garments will not only look great but also feel comfortable for years to come. Another advantage is its natural UV protection, as hemp blocks more UV rays than other fabrics, providing extra defense against the sun’s harmful effects.
Despite these benefits, hemp clothing faces some misconceptions. Many people believe hemp has a rough texture, but modern processing techniques have created fabrics that are incredibly soft and comfortable. There is also a misconception that hemp offers limited style options. In reality, hemp can be blended with other fibers like cotton, silk, or wool to create a variety of textures and styles, suitable for both casual and formal wear. Furthermore, advances in dyeing techniques mean that hemp fabrics now come in a wide range of vibrant colors, not just earthy tones.
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

From lightweight summer dresses to cozy winter wear, our hemp garments are designed for comfort, durability, and style.

Magbago- Harmony blouse (knitted hemp fabric)

 

Hemp fiber production

For thousands of years, cannabis has been grown and processed worldwide to produce high-quality natural fiber with various everyday applications. This includes using the same crops for medicine, food, fiber, and oil.

Harvesting and Retting process

The quality of hemp fiber largely depends on whether the crop was grown specifically for textiles or for dual purposes, which include fiber and seed for food and biofuels. Hemp grown for fiber is usually harvested 70-90 days after seeding, early in the flowering stage, resulting in higher quality fiber. Dual-purpose hemp, harvested later, typically provides fiber for pulp, paper, and non-woven products due to its higher lignin content.

After harvesting, the plants are cut just above the soil and left to dry. The retting process follows, where moisture and microbes break down the chemical bonds in the hemp stem, making it easier to separate the fiber from the woody core. Retting can be done in the field, through water immersion, or by using enzymes.

Fibre separation

The separated stalks undergo “breaking,” where they are passed through rollers to crush the woody core and release the fibers. This process has been simplified by machines called decorticators. The resulting fibers are categorized as either short fibers (tow) or long fibers (line fiber). Line fibers, which can be up to 5 meters long, are cleaned, carded, cut, and bailed for further processing and spinning. Tow fibers are compressed and bailed for use in stuffing or coarse yarn spinning.

Applications and benefits

Hemp fabrics, similar in texture to linen, are comfortable and durable. Although hemp clothing can be more expensive, increased cultivation and processing are expected to reduce costs over time.

If not for the cotton industry’s influence and the unfair demonizing of industrial hemp in the early 20th century, we would see more hemp clothing today, benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Hemp is not just a trend – it is a sustainable and stylish choice that aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility. Magbago is championing a greener and more sustainable fashion industry by incorporating hemp into our collections. 

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