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Covering up with hemp

Hemp textiles and apparel are one of the most enduring and ancient uses of hemp and one of the most well known.

Well-made hemp garments are known to last for years. Hemp fabric is naturally resistant to UV light, mold and mildew, and if treated, to salt water (for centuries hemp was used for the sails and rigging on ocean-going ships). It also is a very breathable fabric and naturally comfortable.

Compared to cotton, which cannot be grown in Canada, hemp is stronger and requires less toxic chemicals and fresh water to grow and manufacture. In recent years, it has become a popular practise to blend hemp with other fabrics, notably with organic cotton, which adds a stretch to the strength of hemp as well a pleasant softness. Hemp has also been blended with linen with comfortable results.

For these reasons, hemp garments will remain a "traditional" use of hemp fibre in the modern world.

While hemp is grown across Canada, there is currently no domestic manufacturing of hemp fabrics because of technical and trade reasons. Most textiles are imported for China or eastern Europe, and the garments are fabricated domestically. "Dirt to shirt" hemp garment production in Canada may be a feasible ambition, as new technologies are refined and become available, which will optimize the costs of production and as well, produce even better and more desirable fibres.

Hemp textiles and garments are found in casual wear, such as caps, hats, shirts, trousers and sweaters, as well as designer garments, with hemp selected specifically for its exceptional utilities. If made with care and quality, hemp fabric can satisfy the most demanding of manufacturers.