Hemp clothing combines one of the world’s oldest textile fibres with the comfort and versatility expected from modern clothing. Made using fibres from the stalk of the industrial hemp plant, today’s hemp fabrics can be soft, breathable and suitable for everything from everyday basics like t-shirts, underwear and dresses, to bedlinen, workwear and school uniforms.
Naturally strong, moisture-wicking and thermoregulating, hemp offers breathable, year-round comfort. It also becomes softer and more relaxed with continued washing and wear, without losing the durability for which the fibre is known.
So, how does a hemp plant become fabric? What does hemp clothing feel like, and what makes it a more sustainable choice?
This complete guide explores how hemp clothing is made, why it performs so well and what to consider when choosing hemp for your wardrobe.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant cultivated for practical uses including textiles, food, building materials and paper.
Industrial hemp is different from the varieties of cannabis grown for medicinal or recreational purposes. It contains no, or only very low levels of, the psychoactive compound THC and does not produce an intoxicating effect.
For clothing, the valuable part of the plant is its long outer stalk fibre, known as bast fibre. These long and strong natural fibres can be processed, spun into yarn and woven or knitted into fabric.
Does hemp have anything to do with marijuana?
Hemp and what is sometimes called marijuana both belong to the Cannabis sativa species, but they are different cultivars selected and grown for very different purposes.
Some within the hemp and cannabis industries prefer not to use the term “marijuana” because of its inaccurate and inappropriate historical associations. Whatever terminology is used, industrial hemp should not be confused with cannabis cultivated primarily for medicinal use or intoxicating effects.
Different industrial hemp cultivars are grown for fibre, hurd or seed. Cultivars grown for fibre and hurd are generally planted close together, encouraging the plants to grow tall, straight and with few branches. Some fibre cultivars can grow several metres tall.The long bast fibres found around the outside of the stem are used to make textiles, while the woody centre—known as hurd—is used for products such as hempcrete, insulation and paper. When hemp is grown specifically for clothing, straight and slender stems help produce long, consistent fibres. Other industrial hemp cultivars are grown for their seeds, which are used for food and oil.
By comparison, cannabis cultivated primarily for its flowers—including medicinal varieties—is generally grown farther apart and encouraged to develop a shorter, bushier and more highly branched shape. Unlike fibre hemp, these plants are cultivated to maximise flower production rather than produce long, straight stems. These are typical growing characteristics rather than an absolute way to identify a plant, as height and shape vary between cultivars and growing conditions.
Industrial hemp contains only very low levels of THC and does not produce an intoxicating effect. Medicinal cannabis can contain varying levels of THC and other naturally occurring compounds, depending on its intended use, while cannabis grown for intoxicating effects is typically selected for much higher THC levels. In Australia, industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis are regulated separately and grown under different licensing arrangements.
Hemp clothing cannot make you feel “high” and does not smell like cannabis. Once hemp fibre has been processed and made into fabric, it is simply a natural textile—much like linen made from flax or cotton fabric made from the cotton plant.
Its useful fibre, woody core and seeds make hemp an exceptionally versatile crop with literally thousands of applications across textiles, food, paper and construction.
How is hemp fabric made?
Turning a hemp plant into clothing involves several stages.
1. Growing and harvesting
Hemp is grown as a tall, densely planted crop. For textile production, the stalks are harvested when the fibres have reached the appropriate maturity.
2. Retting
After harvesting, the stalks undergo a process called retting. This helps loosen the long outer fibres from the woody centre of the stem.
Retting can be achieved in different ways, including naturally through moisture and microorganisms or with controlled industrial processes.
3. Separating and cleaning the fibres
Mechanical processing separates the usable bast fibres from the woody parts of the stalk. The fibres are then cleaned and prepared for textile production.
4. Softening and spinning
Hemp fibres are refined and softened before being spun into yarn. The method used at this stage has a major influence on how the finished material feels.
5. Knitting or weaving
The yarn can then be knitted into soft jersey fabrics or woven into structured fabrics, depending on the type of garment being produced.
It may be used on its own or blended with another fibre, such as organic cotton, to create a particular balance of softness, structure, drape and durability.
What does hemp clothing feel like?
Modern hemp clothing feels very different from the rough rope or hessian-like material people sometimes imagine.
The exact feel depends on the way the fibre has been processed, the fabric construction and whether the hemp has been blended with another natural fibre.
A lightweight hemp and organic cotton jersey can feel soft, breathable and comfortable against the skin. A woven hemp fabric may initially feel more structured, similar to linen, but generally relaxes and softens with washing and wear.
Hemp fabric often has a subtle natural texture rather than the perfectly uniform surface of a synthetic fabric. This texture is part of its character and does not mean the garment is rough.
Hemp is often described as a fabric that “wears in, not out.” With continued washing and wear, the fibres relax and the garment develops a softer, more comfortable and lived-in feel while retaining the natural strength for which hemp is known.
Is hemp clothing comfortable?
Well-made hemp clothing is extremely comfortable.
Hemp fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally thermoregulating. Its fibres absorb and release moisture while allowing air to move through the fabric, helping prevent heat and perspiration from becoming trapped against the skin.
Together, these natural properties allow hemp to work in sync with your body, supporting its natural temperature regulation and helping you remain comfortable as conditions change throughout the day. This makes hemp clothing particularly well suited to warm conditions and everyday layering.
Unlike plastic-based synthetic fibres, hemp does not rely on petroleum-derived material to provide its core fabric properties. A well-designed hemp garment can feel breathable and comfortable without the clammy sensation some people experience when wearing polyester. Hemp’s ability to absorb moisture also makes it less prone to static cling than many synthetic fabrics.
Fabric weight and construction still influence how a garment feels. A lightweight hemp jersey t-shirt will feel different from a heavy woven hemp jacket, just as cotton voile feels different from cotton denim.
Is hemp clothing soft?
One of the appealing characteristics of hemp fabric is that it becomes softer and more relaxed through washing and wear.
A new hemp garment may feel slightly crisp or structured at first. As the fibres move and relax, the fabric develops a softer, more lived-in feel while retaining its natural strength and character. This is why hemp is often described as a fabric that “wears in, not out.” Whether brand new or well worn, quality hemp fabric can have a naturally luxurious hand feel—the way the material feels to the touch.
Once worn, hemp’s softness, breathability and moisture-management properties help it sit comfortably and unobtrusively against the skin. Rather than feeling clingy or restrictive, it can become almost unnoticeable on the body.
These qualities make hemp especially suitable for frequently worn wardrobe staples. The more the garment becomes part of your everyday wardrobe, the more comfortable and uniquely yours it can feel.
Is hemp clothing durable?
Yes. Durability is one of hemp’s most valued qualities. Its naturally strong fibres have been used for centuries to make hard-wearing textiles, including rope and ship sails.
In clothing, this strength helps create garments that can withstand regular wear while maintaining their shape and integrity. Hemp fabric also softens over time without losing its distinctive strength, allowing garments to become even more comfortable as they are worn.
When thoughtfully designed and well made, hemp clothing is a lasting alternative to short-lived, disposable fashion. Following the garment’s care instructions will help preserve its colour, fit and fabric quality for years to come.
Is hemp clothing good for hot weather?
Hemp clothing is particularly well suited to warm climates, making it an ideal choice for Australian conditions.
Hemp fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally thermoregulating. Hemp can absorb moisture equivalent to up to 20% of its own weight while still feeling dry to the touch. This is particularly important for fabric worn against the skin, as perspiration can be quickly absorbed and released rather than remaining trapped against the body.
Because moisture is absorbed and released efficiently, less perspiration remains against the skin or within the fabric. This helps limit the damp conditions in which odour-causing bacteria thrive, keeping hemp clothing feeling fresher and more comfortable for longer.
Unlike synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, which can retain body oils and odour-causing bacteria within the yarn, hemp readily absorbs water. This allows water and detergent to penetrate the fibres during washing, helping release perspiration, oils and bacteria more effectively.
Hemp is also naturally antimicrobial, helping limit the growth of odour-causing bacteria without relying on chemical sprays or fabric treatments. Combined with its breathable, moisture-wicking and thermoregulating qualities, this makes hemp clothing ideal for hot weather—promoting airflow and moving perspiration away from the skin to help you feel cooler, drier, fresher and more comfortable throughout the day.
Is hemp used on its own or blended with other fibres?
Hemp can be used as a pure fibre or blended with other natural fibres to create different textures, weights and finishes.
At Hemp Clothing Australia, many of our garments are made from 100% pure hemp. Pure hemp fabric showcases the fibre’s natural strength, breathability and distinctive texture, while becoming softer and more relaxed with continued wear.
We also use carefully selected blends of hemp with organic cotton or tencel. Organic cotton can provide additional softness and help create a smooth, comfortable jersey, while tencel can add fluidity and drape. Hemp brings durability, breathability and natural character to each blend.
Whether we choose pure hemp or a blend, the fabric is selected to suit the garment and create clothing that is comfortable, practical and made for everyday wear.
Is hemp clothing sustainable?
Hemp is widely recognised as a sustainable natural fibre and offers several environmental advantages as both a crop and a textile.
Hemp is fast-growing, produces a high yield of usable fibre and can be cultivated with comparatively low agricultural inputs. Its dense growth naturally helps suppress weeds, reducing reliance on herbicides, while its deep root system can support soil structure and make it a valuable rotational crop.
Hemp also has potential as a remedial crop. Research has explored its use in phytoremediation—a process in which plants help draw certain contaminants from damaged or polluted soil. When allowed to flower, hemp can also provide bees with an abundant pollen source containing proteins and lipids important to their nutrition.
As a plant-based fibre, hemp is both renewable and biodegradable under suitable conditions. It also produces exceptionally strong fabric, helping garments withstand regular wear and remain in use for longer. This durability is an important part of sustainability, as clothing that is worn and enjoyed for years reduces the need for frequent replacement.
Choosing hemp clothing supports a shift away from fossil-fuel-derived synthetic fabrics and towards renewable, natural materials. When combined with considered production, quality construction and proper garment care, hemp provides a more responsible foundation for an everyday wardrobe.
Does hemp clothing contain microplastics?
Hemp is a plant-based cellulose fibre, not a plastic. Hemp fibre itself does not contain or shed microplastics or nanoplastics. Fabric made entirely from hemp and other plant-based fibres does not release plastic particles from its fabric.
Synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane are made from plastic-based polymers, derived from fossil fuels. These fabrics can release microplastics and nanoplastics during manufacturing, everyday wear and washing. Microplastics can be released throughout the garment’s life.
A fabric made entirely from hemp or other plant-based fibres does not shed plastic from its main fabric. However, when any plant-based fibre is blended with a synthetic yarn (i.e., cotton and polyester blend), the synthetic component will still release microplastics.
At Hemp Clothing Australia, we prioritise 100% hemp and plant-based blends using fibres such as organic cotton and tencel. We avoid synthetic yarns wherever possible and use them only when they provide a necessary function. One example is the small percentage of elastane used in our socks to provide additional stretch and shape retention, while the overwhelming majority of the fabric remains plant-based.
Is hemp fabric biodegradable?
Hemp is a natural, plant-based fibre that can biodegrade under suitable environmental conditions. Unlike fossil-fuel-derived synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon and acrylic, hemp does not remain in the environment as persistent plastic pollution.
Whether a finished garment can fully biodegrade depends on its complete composition. Pure hemp fabric and natural-fibre blends can break down naturally, but components such as thread, fastenings and labels must also be considered. At Hemp Clothing Australia, we pay attention to these smaller details by using corozo buttons—made from tagua palm seeds—instead of plastic buttons, along with natural cotton labelling.
Biodegradability is an important advantage, but hemp clothing is also valued for its longevity. The best outcome is to keep each garment in use for as long as possible through careful washing, repairing, rewearing or passing it on.
Once a hemp garment can no longer be worn, repaired or passed on, it can biodegrade rather than persist as plastic waste.
Does hemp clothing wrinkle?
Hemp can crease, particularly when used in woven fabric. This is also common with other natural fibres such as linen and cotton.
Knitted hemp jersey, such as the fabric commonly used for t-shirts, has a softer, more relaxed appearance and generally shows fewer creases. Blending hemp with organic cotton can also influence the fabric’s drape, softness and ability to recover after wear.
Many creases will naturally relax when the garment is hung after washing or before wearing. For a smoother finish, hemp responds beautifully to light steaming or a warm iron—particularly woven hemp, which can be pressed for a crisp, polished appearance.
For many people, gentle creasing is part of hemp’s natural character rather than a flaw. Because different yarn blends and fabric constructions behave differently, we carefully select fabrics for their drape, recovery and performance over time.
Does hemp clothing shrink?
Hemp clothing is machine washable and easy to care for at home. All Hemp Clothing Australia garments are pre-shrunk during manufacturing to minimise further shrinkage after purchase. Pre-shrinking is not standard across every clothing brand, so it is worth checking when purchasing natural-fibre garments.
Like most natural-fibre clothing, hemp can still shrink if exposed to excessive heat during washing or drying. Our care labels generally recommend a cold machine wash for the best long-term performance. Although some hemp garments may tolerate washing at 40°C, repeated warmer washing can accelerate colour fading and fabric wear. Always follow the care instructions provided with the individual garment.
When cared for correctly, your hemp clothing should retain its intended fit, shape and fabric quality. Gentle laundering will also help protect its colour and extend its wearable life.
To care for your hemp clothing:
- Machine wash in cool or cold water
- Use a gentle washing cycle
- Choose a mild detergent
- Avoid bleach and harsh cleaning products
- Reshape the garment while damp if needed
- Line dry in the shade where possible
- Avoid high-temperature tumble drying
- Use a warm iron only if required
These simple care practices help maintain the garment’s size, colour and structure while also reducing the energy used during laundering.
Is hemp suitable for sensitive skin?
Hemp and other natural fibres can be an excellent option for people with sensitive skin. Hemp fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally thermoregulating, helping reduce the heat, dampness and clammy feeling that can cause discomfort.
Its fibres soften with washing and wear, creating a comfortable fabric that feels gentle against the skin. Unlike synthetic fabrics, hemp does not contain plastic fibres or trap heat and perspiration as readily. These qualities can make hemp clothing particularly appealing to people who are sensitive to fabric texture, overheating or moisture against their skin.
At Hemp Clothing Australia, we also use skin-safe fibre-reactive dyes and avoid PFAS, Teflon and other unnecessary surface coatings.
Many of our jersey, pique, fleece and headwear fabrics have been independently tested by ARPANSA and received a UPF50+ rating—the highest classification, providing Excellent Protection from ultraviolet radiation where the fabric covers the skin. These results were achieved through the fabrics themselves, without chemical sprays or added UPF coatings.
For people with sensitive skin, it is worth considering both what clothing is made from and what treatments have been applied to its surface. Individual skin and sensory preferences can still vary, so choose the fabric weight, texture and garment fit that feel most comfortable for the wearer.
Why does hemp clothing sometimes cost more?
Hemp clothing may cost more than mass-produced synthetic or conventional cotton clothing because the hemp textile supply chain remains comparatively specialised.
The global hemp industry is growing, but its production volumes and processing infrastructure are still much smaller than those established for cotton and synthetic fibres. With fewer growers, fibre processors, yarn producers and fabric manufacturers, the cost of producing quality hemp textiles can be higher.
The final price of hemp and other natural-fibre clothing can reflect:
- Smaller-scale fibre production
- Specialised harvesting and fibre processing
- Higher-quality natural materials
- Responsible manufacturing practices
- Lower production volumes
- Garment construction and finishing
- The cost of creating clothing intended for repeated wear
At Hemp Clothing Australia, fabric quality and garment performance come first. We choose the best hemp fabrics we can and then work to create a fair, sustainable price for our customers rather than designing each product around the lowest possible production cost.
The initial purchase price is only one way to assess value. Cost per wear (CPW) often provides a more useful comparison.
For example, a $100 garment worn 100 times costs $1 per wear. A $30 garment worn only five times costs $6 per wear. A lower-priced garment that quickly loses its shape, develops damage or is rarely worn may ultimately provide less value than a quality piece worn regularly for years.
Price is paid at the time of purchase, but value is revealed through how well a garment performs over time. We focus on making clothing that can be worn repeatedly, helping bring its cost per wear as low as possible.
Buying fewer, high-quality garments that you genuinely enjoy wearing is more economical, less wasteful and more satisfying than repeatedly replacing low quality clothing that does not last.
Why choose hemp clothing?
Hemp clothing brings together comfort, durability and sustainability in a fabric designed for everyday life.
- Made from a renewable, plant-based fibre
- Breathable, moisture-wicking and thermoregulating
- Comfortable in both warm and cool conditions
- Naturally strong and suitable for regular wear
- Becomes softer and more relaxed over time
- Helps reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-derived synthetic fibres
- Does not shed plastic microfibres from the hemp fabric
- Naturally biodegradable under suitable conditions
- Works beautifully as a pure fabric or blended with fibres such as organic cotton and tencel.
- Offers a distinctive texture and natural appearance
Hemp proves that clothing does not have to choose between comfort, performance and environmental responsibility. It creates durable, easy-to-wear garments that feel good against the skin and offer a more considered alternative for your wardrobe.
Experience hemp clothing for yourself
At Hemp Clothing Australia, we design comfortable, durable natural-fibre clothing for everyday wear. Our collection includes 100% pure hemp garments, along with carefully selected blends.
Whether you are choosing your first hemp t-shirt, searching for a breathable summer dress or gradually building a more natural wardrobe, hemp is a fabric worth getting to know.
Choosing hemp is a simple way to bring more renewable, plant-based fibres into your wardrobe while reducing your reliance on synthetic materials.
Explore our hemp clothing and accessories collection and experience the natural comfort of hemp for yourself. If you have questions about our fabrics, sizing or styles, our team is available to help both before and after your purchase.
As a family-owned and operated business, we believe shopping online should still feel personal. We fulfil every order from our own warehouse in Adelaide, keeping our team closely connected to our products and customers. This allows us to provide responsive support, straightforward shipping and easy exchanges so you can shop with confidence.
