New organic cotton and hemp fabrics

Organic cotton and hemp blends

Recently, we have added several fabrics to our collection that are made of 100% hemp or a blend of hemp and organic cotton. Admittedly, we are true hemp fans.
Why is hemp often blended with (organic) cotton? There are several reasons for this:

1. THE FEEL OF THE MATERIAL. Cotton is a very soft fibre, offering exceptional wearing comfort and feeling pleasant against the skin. Hemp, on the other hand, is a much stiffer fibre and feels somewhat rougher when worn directly on the skin. By blending the two fibres, the fabric remains soft while still maintaining a firm ‘grip.’
   
   
2. THE APPEARANCE OF THE FIBRE. Cotton is a very uniform and fine fibre that is easy to spin. Hemp, however, consists of fibres with a naturally irregular structure; short hemp fibres cannot be spun alone but can be combined with cotton. Even in a blend, hemp retains its unique, slightly rugged texture.
   
   
3. THE PRICE OF RAW MATERIALS. Due to the larger scale of cultivation and a more extensive industry, organic cotton is a relatively inexpensive raw material. Hemp, on the other hand, has a higher price due to the processing required for the fibre and the small-scale nature of its global cultivation. Less than five percent of newly produced textile fibres each year are hemp.
   
   
4. ELASTICITY. Cotton has some natural elasticity, whereas hemp has very little. A certain degree of elasticity is required when processing yarns of cotton and hemp, particularly in knitting, where the yarn forms numerous loops. An elastic fibre like cotton is easier to knit than a stiff fibre like hemp. When a higher percentage of hemp is used, the risk of errors in knitted fabrics increases.

Navy Blue Sweat Fabric ET_H182

A non-brushed, sturdy sweat fabric made of 70% organic cotton and 30% hemp grown in Europe. A lively and durable fabric with a pleasant feel. Visit the fabric page to read more or order a sample.

Organic cotton and hemp single jersey ET_H180

Single jersey is the typical fabric used for T-shirts, but also for blouses and shirts. This new quality consists of 70% organic cotton and 30% hemp. The fabric is produced in Western Turkey at a factory we have been working with for twenty years. The cotton is sourced locally, while the hemp is grown in France. At the spinning mill, a blend was created that, compared to 100% cotton fabric, offers more texture. It is available in white, linen color (dyed), and navy blue.

Medium weight organic cotton and hemp single jersey ET_H194

The organic cotton/hemp composition is the same as the fabric mentioned above (ET_H180), but with a weight of 200 g/m2, this single jersey is slightly heavier and could be considered more luxurious. This fabric is available in off-white and black.

Twill fabric of organic cotton and hemp ET_H200

A classic, made from modern materials. Gabardine was developed in the 19th century to achieve the highest possible water resistance. Characteristic features include the clearly visible diagonal lines in the weave and its diverse applications. Gabardine is the fabric of trench coats, jackets, trousers, caps, bags, and more. In the blend of organic cotton and hemp, it is available in white and black.

Organic cotton and hemp rib fabric with stretch ET_H196

A solid rib fabric, not only for making cuffs as well as form-fitting shirts, skirts, and other garments. This blend of organic cotton and hemp also contains 4% elastane. This gives the fabric extra weight, shape retention, and stretch. It is available in black and white.

Organic cotton and hemp rib fabric with stretch ET_H292

With a weight of 390 g/m2, this is a fairly heavy rib fabric. Compared to other rib fabrics, it contains more hemp (52%) but also more elastane (6%). This fabric is made in China from locally grown hemp and Indian organic cotton. It is only available in white.

Why more hemp?

It is widely recognized that hemp can be grown in an environmentally friendly manner—without the use of pesticides (agricultural chemicals)—and that the crop is not particularly demanding in terms of irrigation (water usage), soil type, and climate. The plant thrives in various regions, including Europe. Because hemp grows quickly (it can reach up to four meters in just a few months), it is also considered a champion in CO₂ storage.

Due to its eco-friendly cultivation, hemp can be classified as a ‘low-impact fiber’ — a material whose production has a minimal environmental footprint. This is an important reason to use hemp in textiles. All clothing and fabrics made from or containing hemp consequently have a lower impact, even if they are not made of 100% hemp.

Additionally, hemp is an exceptionally strong fiber, although its strength depends largely on the treatments it undergoes during textile production. While hemp is not indestructible, as sometimes claimed, textiles made from it are generally durable and long-lasting. Even in blends with cotton, hemp enhances the strength of the fabric, particularly in woven textiles.

• Hemp is a ‘low-impact’ material
• Hemp is a strong fiber that contributes to the durability of textiles
• Hemp feels pleasant and can be worn directly on the skin
• Hemp is a perfect summer material; it naturally feels cool
• Hemp is a breathable fiber: body heat and perspiration moisture are easily transferred to the environment
• Hemp has excellent antibacterial properties, meaning it stays fresh for longer
• Hemp is one of the strongest plant-based fibers available
• Hemp does not contain microplastics