Hemp clothing is made from fibres derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). The fibres are processed into yarn and woven or knitted into fabric - typically blended with organic cotton or Tencel for improved drape and softness. Hemp fabric is naturally durable, breathable and resistant to UV damage. It softens with wear rather than degrading, making hemp clothing some of the most long-lasting you can buy.

Hemp is considered one of the most sustainable natural fibres for several reasons. The hemp plant requires very little water compared to conventional cotton - up to four times less. It grows quickly without synthetic pesticides or herbicides. It also improves soil health rather than depleting it. Combined with the fabric's natural durability - which means garments last longer and need replacing less often - hemp clothing carries a significantly lower environmental footprint than most conventional alternatives.

What clothing brands use hemp fabric in Australia?

Afends is one of Australia's longest-standing brands working with hemp as a core material. Hemp has been central to the Afends range since the brand's early days - not as a seasonal sustainability initiative, but as a fundamental fabric choice across dresses, tops, tees, pants, skirts, denim and boardshorts. The women's hemp collection covers a full range of everyday styles in hemp seersucker, hemp denim and hemp blends.

Hemp fabric has a natural texture - slightly more structured than cotton initially, but it softens with each wear and wash. Hemp seersucker has a distinctive puckered texture that allows airflow, making it particularly comfortable in warm weather. Hemp blended with Tencel or organic cotton has a softer hand feel while retaining the durability of hemp. Most people find hemp clothing becomes noticeably softer and more comfortable the more they wear it.

Yes - hemp is one of the better natural fibres for warm weather. It is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and UV-resistant. Hemp seersucker in particular is designed for heat - the puckered weave structure creates airflow across the body, keeping you cooler than a flat-woven fabric. Afends hemp dresses, tops and skirts are cut specifically for Australian summer conditions.