4 Brazilian fashion brands using hemp in their pieces
From sustainability to durability, the benefits of hemp make this fiber shine in the fashion world
Published on 08/15/2021
By Jacqueline Passos
The term hemp is often mistakenly used as a synonym for the word cannabis, but first and foremost, it is important to know that they are different terms. Both hemp and cannabis (or marijuana) are plants of the Cannabis Sativa species. However, they are different varieties and crops used for different purposes. Furthermore, the major difference between these two species is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient that causes psychoactive effects. In the hemp plant, the fraction of THC is very small, reaching a maximum of 0.3%.
Hemp can be used in beverages, creams, shoes, ropes, oils, soap, cement, paper, flour, fuel, battery, and even cars. But an application that is becoming increasingly common for it is the textile industry. More and more the fashion market is being attracted to this plant because of its benefits:
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* Less water consumption: hemp cultivation uses 75% less water compared to cotton;
* More sustainability in the field: the hemp plant is pest-resistant, uses fewer pesticides, has less intensive soil use, and, compared to cotton, achieves double productivity per planted area;
* Greater protection against ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer;
* More sun resistant;
* High resistance: hemp fiber is five times stronger than cotton;
* Greater durability;
* More absorption in the fiber dyeing process.
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However, Brazilian legislation still does not allow hemp cultivation in the country. But, there are already some national brands using the fiber, either through importing the input or judicial authorization. Next, get to know some of them:
4 clothing brands using hemp
1 – Greenco
Brand of women's and men's clothing that supports sustainability and uses recycled and organic cotton fibers, linen, polyester yarns made from recycled PET bottles, and of course, hemp.
2 – Reserva
The men's brand of clothing, footwear, and accessories also bet on a collection using hemp fiber. The pieces are composed of hemp, cotton, and in some cases, polyester. According to the product description: “Hemp fibers have approximately 8 times more tensile strength and are 4 times more durable than cotton fibers. Thus, the pieces will also be and can be used for much longer!” – proving the greater durability mentioned above.
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3 – Ginger
Last year, actress Marina Ruy Barbosa's women's clothing brand also launched a collection with 24 pieces produced – including t-shirts, bodysuits, and tank tops – with hemp. According to the brand, this type of fiber is used to shape the pieces, which are made of knit and hemp.
4 – Weedog
Even pet fashion already has pieces made of hemp, as is the case with the Weedog brand, which supports not only a lower environmental impact but also the style of the little dogs. The company uses recycled polyester, organic cotton, bamboo fibers, and hemp. All to make the animals even more stylish and, of course, sustainable.
Although hemp is an extremely promising fiber for the fashion market, it still faces difficulties in becoming legal in Brazil. However, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel, since PL 399/2015, which releases cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes for legal entities, has already been approved in a special committee in the Chamber and should move on to the plenary. We can only hope that hemp gains the favor of Brazilians.
