Most clothing enthusiasts become confused regarding the hemp vs. cotton comparison. Since both of these are environmentally friendly fabrics, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is, “Hemp vs. Cotton”—which will be more appropriate? Which one to choose, especially when they are looking for environmentally friendly fabrics?
It has always been a challenge to dress in a fashionable and comfortable way while being eco-aware at the same time. Which fabrics are the best? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Hemp and cotton are now staples of the eco-fashion industry. That’s why we have created this hemp vs. cotton comparison with all its pros and cons.
Hemp vs. Cotton In Term Of Environmental Sustainability
Which is actually better for the environment, hemp or cotton? Especially with the rise of organic cotton, people thought cotton to be an environmentally damaging fabric to grow.
Organic Cotton vs. Conventional Cotton
Due to the high demand for conventional cotton and the fact that it is frequently sprayed with harsh chemicals, cotton is one of the crops with the highest chemical use. There is no use of any pesticides or fertilizers for growing organic cotton. And the quantity of water is also cut in half in its production process. They do it by rotating the fields each year to allow the soil to recuperate and become more fertile. In addition, organic cotton is also a wonderful way to reduce the number of hazardous chemicals that harm the environment in farming areas.
Hemp vs. Cotton Natural Fiber In Terms of Durability
One of the strongest garment materials on the market is cotton. It gets softer the more you wash it. So you can wear your favorite cotton dress or t-shirt for years. However, it is prone to some damage. Over time, cotton thins down and becomes more prone to tearing.
Hemp fabrics are used to make sturdy ropes for the construction industry. While this implies that hemp cloth is not necessarily as soft as cotton at first, it also means that it gets softer with use. Clothing manufactured from hemp tends to be durable and tear-resistant because hemp fibers do have a high tensile strength.
Hemp vs Cotton In Terms Of Breathability
Both hemp and organic cotton are breathable materials, so it’s been highly controversial which is better. In general, a lightweight cotton t-shirt will be more breathable on a hot day. But hemp also possesses some incredible qualities. It is antimicrobial and naturally wicks away moisture! Since hemp is frequently blended with other fabrics, this will truly make all the difference when it comes to a thicker weave of cotton. Then it is difficult to identify which is more breathable.
The Pros and Cons of Hemp vs. Cotton
After learning more about hemp and cotton, let’s review their advantages and disadvantages so you can decide which is best for your sustainable wardrobe. Let’s review the advantages of hemp cloth over the cotton fabric, as well as some drawbacks.
There are many things to think about while purchasing hemp fabric! It’s also critical to consider the fabric’s origins and the treatment of the hemp farmers.
The Pros of Hemp Fabric:
- Minimal water usage.
- Natural pest resistance prevents the need for insecticides.
- It absorbs moisture.
- It is a strong fiber with high tensile strength.
- It blends well with other fabrics.
- Easy to grow and long-lasting
The Cons of Hemp:
- It is more costly than cotton.
- It is creasing prone.
- It requires specific technology to produce.
- Due to a lack of knowledge about the hemp plant, it is frequently mistaken for marijuana.
The Top 4 Eco-friendly Hemp Clothing Brands
Valani’s Fashion with Tencel and Hemp Fabrics
The hemp blend collection by Valani is fashionable and trendy. They show that you can be both environmentally conscious and on-trend. Hemp and Tencel are combined to create this line. This line uses entirely sustainable semi-synthetic fabric, which is entirely sustainable for this line. Everyone may find something in this selection to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Modern skirts, slacks, and tops priced between $98 and $248 are available in Valani’s hemp clothes for ladies.
Patagonia’s Sustainable Outdoor Clothing
Patagonia is all about the great outdoors, and it doesn’t simply dress you for it—it also works to defend it. Hemp clothing is part of Patagonia’s ongoing commitment to zero waste, lower emissions, and sustainable products. For both men and women, Patagonia’s hemp collection offers a wide range of clothing options, including shirts, shorts, hats, and overalls.
Toad & Co’s Organic Cotton Hemp Blend
Another business that genuinely cares about the environment is Toad & Co. They demonstrate this by the apparel they sell. Basically, they mix hemp with other materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and more, to make durable, fashionable clothing that naturally wicks moisture and is healthy for the environment. They offer alternatives for both men and women in their hemp clothing range. It includes overalls, pants, dresses, t-shirts, and more. Their hemp-blend clothing is priced between $40 and $120.
United By Blue’s Hemp Clothes
When it comes to hemp, United by Blue has really done their homework. They combine their hemp with a variety of other materials to create unique looks while remaining as environmentally friendly as possible. They have made hemp a pillar of their collections because they recognize that it is a product that is simple to grow and makes little waste. Learn about hemp-made button-downs, shorts, t-shirts, and socks. Their hemp line has things for both men and women that cost $20 to $128. United By Blue also organizes neighborhood clean-ups to remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold.
Is Cotton Better Than Hemp?
There are several factors to consider when researching cotton, particularly the differences between conventional and organic. Due to the absence of hazardous chemicals, organic food will always be a more environmentally friendly option. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of cotton as well as several companies that make organic cotton clothes and use sustainable methods throughout their entire business strategy.
Pros of Cotton
- The cost of conventional cotton is very low.
- Breathable
- The sustainability of organic cotton
- Soft and firm
- Simple to clean
Cons of Cotton
- It is not as durable as hemp.
- It takes more water for its production, especially if it’s non-organic.
- Lacks good stretch.
- It takes a long time to develop.
- Each year, crops must be rotated.
4 Eco-friendly Organic Cotton Clothing Brands
Pact’s Organic Cotton Basis
PACT offers a wide range of organic cotton clothes, including incredibly soft underwear, athleisure, and dresses. They have effectively demonstrated cotton’s versatility and its ability to be environmentally friendly. They are committed to promoting a circular apparel economy with considerate packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, and a give-back program where you may donate your gently used goods. Affordable organic cotton is available from PACT for $40 to $90.
The Good Tee’s Fair Trade Organic Cotton Clothing
From the farmers who provide their organic cotton to the manufacturers of their soft and comfortable tees, The Good Tee has promoted ethical work. They provide clothes that are both well-made and long-lasting, are certified Fair Trade, and are completely transparent about every step of their supply chain. Every member of the family, including adults, children, newborns, and ladies, all can dress in organic cotton at The Good Tee! Their clothing costs between $17 and $60.
Known Supply’s Organic Cotton Clothing is ethically made
When purchasing from KNOWN Supply, the label clearly states who created the item. This business uses environmentally friendly organic cotton to lower barriers between producers and consumers. Their organic cotton clothing for men and women has an accessible pricing point for organic materials, ranging from $30 to $60.
Organic Basics’ High-Quality Organic Cotton Clothes
An ethical company called Organic Basics produces high-quality apparel and underwear. This brand uses organic cotton as well as natural, renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, and/or low-impact materials. Organic Basics collaborates with manufacturing facilities that respect transparency and strive for sustainability. Find organic clothing for $40 to $160.
A Few More Debates On Hemp Vs. Cotton
- Consider the environmental impact of shipping the materials used to create the garments and the carbon footprint of where they come from. The majority of hemp is grown in China. Organic cotton is typically grown in India, but USA-grown cotton is pretty readily available.
- As a matter of fact, take a look at the sourcing…were hemp or organic cotton farmers treated fairly?
- Which fabric do you prefer? Which is more comfortable?
Both of these natural materials are more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibers. We don’t see a clear winner. Both hemp and organic cotton are great sustainable fabrics. Eco-friendly clothing can be challenging, but brands like these make it easier.
Apart from these brands, if you are thinking of starting your own brand with such environmentally friendly materials, Beautiful Connection Group will be the best choice for you, without a doubt! Beautiful Connection Group is one of the best clothing manufacturers in the USA. They provide any type of customized women’s clothing with any type of fabric as per their clients’ preferences. You can check out their website for further information. They provide the best quality for the best budget. They make customized clothes wholesale.