Hemp clothing’s come a long way, baby!
By Lynn Lieu
Hemp, the “miracle fiber,” got its nickname for all of its characteristics that make it perfect for clothing; it’s strong and lightweight, it’s got three times the tensile strength of cotton and lasts longer. It is also weather and mold resistant, making it a great material for outdoor wear. Hemp is also versatile and is easily blended with other materials.
But hemp has also gotten a bad rap over the years for its association with hippie-dippy aesthetics. Lately, the fiber has become part of the sustainable world and making inroads with boutique and couture-type lines. Goodbye, Grateful Dead tie-dyes.
At Mountains of the Moon, hemp-blend dresses aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re actually pretty easy on the eyes, too. The designs are clean and simple and comparable to the likes of American Apparel. The Audrey Dress comes in black or cream and is made of 55 percent hemp, 45 percent organic cotton. It’s perfect as a cocktail dress or for afternoon lunch with its mock wrap feature. The company carries skirts made out of hemp and Tencel, a biodegradable fabric made from wood pulp. The Ellie Skirt is a hand-pleated skirt and perfect for a night out.
Hemp has also invaded women’s accessories from handbags to scarves. At Hemp Elegance, hemp handbags don’t have to mean a rucksack or any kind of “sack” for that matter. The Harmony Hemp Handbag comes in five different colors and comes with a too-cute bow. It’s one of those bags you can throw everything into, from keys and cell phones to notebooks and water bottles. Hemp Elegance also has a variety of scarves. And if you’re looking to keep warm, The Hempest has you covered with chic earmuffs and hats.
The Hempest also offers a variety of clothing for men, from button down (long- and short-sleeved) shirts to jackets. The button down shirts come in a variety of colors. Most are 100 percent hemp, but they also come in blends of hemp and tussah (a form of wild silk). Hemp hoodies are also available from The Hempest in zip up, button down and pullover styles. The Hempest even carries hooded sweatshirts made from recycled hemp. Now that’s double-dipping.
For trendsetters, there’s the Mens Urban Hemp Jacket. The lightweight jacket with a urban feel has tons of pockets and a removable satin lining. If you’re looking for something warmer, Hempest also carries the Holden Hemp Dischord Jacket in black walnut. This waterproof coat is super warm and even crosses over as a ski/snowboard jacket. It’s lightweight and isn’t bulky.
Whether it’s men or women’s clothing, hemp has gone a long way from its tie-dye and Birkenstock days.
