As the slow fashion movement grows, more brands are opting for materials that are environmentally friendly, use less water and energy, and are renewable. Hemp is one such hero fibre.
Hemp is a fast-growing, multi-use, sustainable crop. It is also one of the most durable – three times stronger than cotton – and breathable natural fibres. When compared to cotton – the most commonly used natural fibre – the crop itself requires half the amount of land to cultivate hemp compared to cotton and uses 50% less water than cotton per season. Importantly, it can also be used as an intermediate crop to remediate the soil, keeping it fertile. And, it is absorbent, which allows it to accept dyes readily and retain colour better than other natural fabrics.
These qualities make hemp ideal for brands looking to create long-lasting garments that can be worn across many seasons and many years. Here we spotlight six South African brands creating slow fashion garments using hemp:
HempLove
HempLove, a woman-owned local brand, caters to conscious citizen-consumers who believe in buying quality over quantity, value knowing where their garments come from, appreciate timeless design, and understand that our consumer behaviour has an impact on the planet.
Sustainability and transparency are essential components of the brand. Their textiles and trims are carefully sourced. Suppliers are vetted to ensure they source textiles from ethical companies. HempLove is transparent about their processes, from raw material sourcing to the finished product. HempLove is on a mission to unify sustainability with ethics, and advocate for fair treatment of people and natural resources.
With slower production schedules, small batch collections and little to zero waste design, they strive to promote a conscious lifestyle through high-end quality fashion that is good for our planet. All garments are made from hemp and natural fibres and all buttons are made from river shells. And they incorporate natural dyeing techniques into their limited edition ranges.
- Price range: R650 – R2 500
- To learn more about HempLove, click here.
Hempt
Hempt is a lifestyle brand that was established to maximise the benefits of industrial hemp by featuring the fibre in their product lines, to enlighten people regarding the benefits of hemp fibre. The brand infuses passion for fashion with sustainability to create timeless pieces while encouraging the buyer to not conform to society’s norms.
Before you discover that their garments are sustainably manufactured using the finest of fibres, you will be drawn to the brand’s high-quality, minimalistic pieces.
- Price range: R380 – R1 200
- To learn more about HEMPT, click here.
Sage & Sunday
Sage & Sunday believes that a good life is made from simple things – and that clothing is an extension of your lifestyle. The brand celebrates sustainability, craftsmanship and beauty. They believe in the power of good design, ethically-made products and a clean, green environment. Their clothing is locally made using only the most durable hemp linen fabrics and cruelty-free cork leathers.
They aim to show that fashion doesn’t have to come at the expense of others or the environment and to inspire and empower people to live more consciously. They believe in a future with integrity, where all living things are treated fairly and respectfully.
- Price range: R500 – R2 000
- To learn more about Sage & Sunday, click here.
Suthe
Suthe is a slow fashion brand based in Gqeberha. Suthe stands for “Standing Up To Heal Earth”. The brand offers made-to-order items which are created using 100% pure hemp fabric, with labels made from organic cotton and swing tags created from recycled paper with basil seeds embedded in them for buyers to plant their own plants afterwards. Suthe focuses on using natural sources to create items which will last season after season in your wardrobe.
- Price range: R370 – R1 100
- To learn more about Suthe, click here.
Titch
Titch was developed out of a hobby for personal sewing, starting with leather accessories and growing naturally into clothing. The brand was born out of founder Aimee Glisson’s love for all things simple and natural and continues to grow and develop organically.
They encourage a philosophy of less is more, and focus on trans-seasonal, staple items that can be worn year after year. They only use only natural fibres that are kind to both the earth and the wearer.
Titch aims to blend comfort and style, to break the barrier between leisure and luxury. They keep their design simple and timeless, ensuring their longevity, without falling for the temptation to buy more.
- Price range: R485 – R1 200
- To learn more about Titch, click here.
Y Knott Gear
Started almost two years ago, Y Knott Gear make “Clothing made with justice and job creation in mind.” The brand specialises in hemp and 100% cotton baby and kids clothing. Their mission is to design a brand of comfy clothes for young earth-loving adventurers, to create a “feel good” purchase for parents by using eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing processes, and to fund the vulnerable in our local communities.
They use eco-friendly fabrics, sourced from companies committed to sustainability, ecological integrity, and ethical manufacturing processes. A percentage of their profits go towards charities supporting vulnerable children in local communities.
- Price range: R160 – R450
- To learn more about Y Knott Gear, click here.
A few tips for caring for your hemp clothing
Unlike other fibres, washing hemp clothes improves their comfort and overall quality, due to hemp fibres retaining moisture and growing softer after each wash.
Here are a few tips that the brands shared on how to care for your hemp garments:
- You do not need to wash your garment after every wear – only when visibly dirty;
- Don’t use any harsh chemicals or detergents;
- Cool wash and air dry in the shade. Always wash coloured hemp fabrics in cold water to preserve the colour;
- Hemp creases easily so you’ll need to iron it after each wash. If the clothes are coloured, iron the underside only to avoid discolouration;
- To avoid shrinkage, do not tumble dry.
- Images supplied. Cover image: HempLove
