Hemp Fibre Explained

In brief: Hemp is a natural bast fibre obtained from the stem of Cannabis sativa L. plants, grown for industrial use with THC content below 0.3 percent. Like linen, the fibres are released through retting and mechanical processing. Hemp needs minimal pesticides, grows densely enough to suppress weeds, and yields more fibre per acre than cotton or flax. It is roughly four times stronger than cotton and becomes softer with every wash without losing strength.

What is hemp fibre?

Hemp is a natural bast fibre taken from the stem of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, cultivated specifically for industrial use with THC content kept below 0.3 percent. Like linen, the usable fibre is released through retting, a controlled breakdown of the woody stem, followed by mechanical processing. As a crop it is notably low impact: it requires minimal pesticides, grows densely enough to suppress weeds naturally, and produces more fibre per acre than either cotton or flax.

Strength and performance

Hemp's headline property is durability. Its tensile strength is approximately four times that of cotton, making it one of the toughest natural apparel fibres available. It also performs well in wear: natural UV resistance, antimicrobial qualities, rapid moisture absorption with around 12 percent regain, and quick drying. According to Patagonia, growing hemp uses 50 percent less water than cotton, adding a strong sustainability case to its practical advantages.

Comfort and blends

The traditional knock against pure hemp is a coarse initial hand feel and higher processing costs. Modern hemp-cotton blends address this directly, combining hemp's exceptional durability with cotton's softness to reduce that roughness. One of hemp's best traits is that it becomes softer with each wash without losing strength, the opposite of most synthetics, which degrade over time. For everyday apparel, hemp blends offer a sustainable alternative to pure cotton with significantly lower environmental impact.

Hemp at OD's Designer Clothing

Sustainable fibre technologies appear across brands in our collection that are committed to reducing environmental impact. Hemp is a clear example of a material whose practical strengths and green credentials reinforce each other. Browse our Sandbanks and lifestyle ranges for pieces using responsible materials.