Is Hemp Fabric Expensive? Why Is It So Expensive?

Hemp fabric is a natural fabric, but it is often expensive. Here are the reasons why hemp fabric is so expensive.

One of the most environmentally friendly fashions, hemp clothing is quickly gaining popularity in the textile and apparel sectors. Without the use of fertilizers or pesticides, manufacturers grow hemp organically. People view hemp clothing as an environmentally friendly option.

So is hemp fabric expensive and why? Due to its processing procedures, limitations when compared to other fabrics, scarcity, and low demand, natural hemp fabric is quite pricey.

Here is detailed information about the high price of hemp fabric.

Is Hemp Fabric Expensive?

One of the greenest fibers available, hemp is a great option for eco-friendly clothing. They produce lovely, breathable clothing that is also environmentally friendly.

Hemp fabric’s primary flaw is its high price. Given its low demand, constrained supply, expensive production, and unfavorable reputation, hemp is much more expensive than cotton.

Although hemp clothing is sustainable and ethical, it can be challenging for most ethical shoppers to find. Even though eco-friendliness is becoming more and more popular in the fashion industry, hemp remains an expensive fiber.

Reasons Hemp Clothing is So Expensive

This section will look at why hemp clothing is so expensive as well as the industry’s prospects going forward.

Low Production of Hemp Fibers

Natural hemp fibers from hemp plants, a renewable and natural resource, are used to make organic hemp clothing. This plant flourishes on various types of soil in climatically moderated nations. Italy, China, and North Korea are a few of the nations that produce the most hemp worldwide.

There are few farms that grow industrial hemp, and the market is still very small. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that, in contrast, the world’s hemp fiber production increased to 60,657 tons in 2018.

While this appears impressive, it pales in comparison to other textiles like cotton, which is produced in 30.3 million tons, and flax fibers, which produced in 868,000 tons.

Due to the continued scarcity of hemp fiber, hemp clothing costs will eventually increase.

Hemp is An Organic Fair-trade Fiber

Even more so than cotton, hemp fabric is produced by manufacturers using natural fibers that are largely organically grown. Additionally, hemp grows very quickly while requiring little to no chemicals, water, or land.

Organizations must issue an organic certification before vendors can sell hemp clothing that is organic. Hemp must be examined for quality and environmental friendliness to make sure it complies with all regulations.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), The European Union, ECOCERT, and The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) are a few of the organizations that offer hemp certifications.

As with other sustainable textiles, this series of steps drives up the cost of hemp. In addition, consumers, brands, and fashion designers do not generally accept hemp as a viable textile.

Bad Reputation Surrounding Hemp Clothes

Hemp has developed slowly as a result of the previous protracted ban. Hemp continues to have a negative reputation among consumers even after it was made legal in 2014. Talking about organic hemp clothing continues to be a challenge for many. Why is this so?

Hemp is a cannabis plant that is grown in two ways, as was previously mentioned. One of which has no THC. Making organic hemp clothing for consumers involves using this non-psychoactive variation.

However, it can be challenging for people to tell the difference between hemp and the psychoactive drug, marijuana. The demand for hemp decreased as soon as marijuana was made illegal in 1937. Hemp has been stigmatized as illegal due to this misconception.

The hemp industry’s expansion has also been slowed by it. As a result, the price of organic hemp fabric increased due to a decrease in demand.

High Demand for Cotton over Hemp

More durable than cotton fibers, organic hemp is a very sustainable fabric option. And unlike cotton, hemp grows more quickly. Compared to hemp, the cotton industry consumes more natural resources. Additionally, conventional cotton has some negative effects on the environment and society.

Cotton clothing is cozier for consumers. But despite the apparent benefits of hemp, people do not always choose it. Since cotton clothing is less expensive and more widely available, they would prefer to purchase it. Due to a decrease in demand, prices for hemp clothing have risen.

Not Many Consumers Buy Hemp Clothing

There is little demand for the hemp industry. Only a few brands produce hemp clothing, and hemp fiber production is still quite low. Hemp continues to be expensive as a result.

The demand and supply for hemp clothing must both rise in order for the cost of hemp clothing to decline. People must purchase more hemp clothing.

If more people purchase organic hemp clothing and demand rises, hemp businesses will increase supply to keep up. In the end, this will lower the cost of a single hemp garment.

Pros and Cons of Hemp Clothing

With the exception of its high cost, let’s examine the pros and cons of hemp fabric.

Pros of Hemp Clothing

• Hemp is super eco-friendly– As it controls weeds on its own, this amazing plant doesn’t require pesticides or herbicides. In a sense, hemp is self-sufficient because it produces oxygen and manages erosion. In comparison to cotton, it uses a lot less water. There is also very little waste because the plant stalk can be used to make fiber and the seeds can be compressed to make oil and supplements. Everybody benefits, so everything works out!
• It is durable– Lightweight and absorbent clothing made of hemp. More durable than cotton or other fabrics, it will last longer. Furthermore, the hemp fabric is breathable and perfect for those uncomfortable, hot days!
• Hemp fabric can withstand different weathers– Sunlight’s UV rays cannot pass through hemp because of its high thread count.
• Hemp fabric can be combined with other materials– A variety of advantages can be obtained by combining hemp with other materials. Hemp is still biodegradable when combined with other natural fibers.

Cons of Hemp Clothing

• Hemp clothes crease very fast– Hemp creases and wrinkles quickly like other natural fibers, so wearing it to a crucial interview is probably not a good idea! Additionally, pure hemp clothing requires special maintenance to keep it strong and itchy.
• It doesn’t have a rich color– It cannot be dyed as vividly as your regular clothing because it is a natural alternative. It will, nevertheless, look adorable and natural. Hemp is incredibly difficult to dye.
• It needs special attention– You cannot wash hemp clothing in a washing machine. Before long, it will become outdated. It is necessary to hand wash and air dry hemp clothing in cold water.
• Hemp still has a bad reputation– Although it’s legal to grow hemp in the US and other states, it’s difficult to distinguish hemp from cannabis. This also applies to law enforcement! The promotion of hemp clothing is therefore difficult. This will alter in due course.

Final Words: Expensive Hemp Fabric

Overall, a number of elements, including the price of raw materials, manufacturing processes, rules, and consumer demand, can be blamed for the higher price of hemp clothing.

This might alter, though, as the demand for hemp clothing rises. One of the world’s most environmentally friendly fabrics, hemp is adaptable, strong, and long-lasting.

FAQs