We researched for two years trying to find the best legging blend that was the most natural and sustainable option out there! We didn't love cotton leggings as we found they stretched out too much and didn't hold their shape. Also, most leggings on the market said they were sustainable but had higher amounts of spandex than we'd like. After trial and error we found to love Hemp Fabric! It had everything we wanted, durability, stretch without extra spandex, moisture wicking the list goes on and on!
It is believed that hemp cultivation started in western Asia and gradually spread worldwide.
The industrial norms for producing this crop are generally guided by organic cultivation to maintain the fiber quality in terms of fineness, strength and color. Hemp fiber cultivation requires about 77.63 percent less cost in fertilization, seeds, field operation, and irrigation costs than cotton, the most recognized natural fiber
Hemp cultivation has become more appealing to farmers than flax because it has a lower chance of crop failure. Hemp fabric can be an excellent choice for workout leggings for several reasons:
1. Durability and Strength:
- Wear and Tear Resistance: Hemp is known for its superior durability compared to many other fabrics. It can withstand the rigors of intense workouts and frequent use without losing its shape or integrity.
- Longevity: The strong fibers in hemp fabric make it less likely to stretch out or become damaged easily, extending the lifespan of your leggings.
2. Breathability and Moisture-Wicking:
- Breathability: Hemp fabric is highly breathable, which helps regulate body temperature during exercise. This can keep you more comfortable during both high-intensity and low-intensity workouts.
- Moisture-Wicking: Hemp has natural moisture-wicking properties that help pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and reducing discomfort.
3. Antimicrobial Properties:
- Odor Resistance: Hemp fabric has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help reduce odor. This is particularly useful for workout leggings, as it helps keep them fresh even after intense exercise sessions.
4. Comfort and Flexibility:
- Softness: Just like our supima cotton shirts, hemp fabric also has such a nice silky touch.
- Stretch: Hemp has a great natural stretch to it and we added the least amount of spandex to our leggings compared to everything on the market right now! Hemp fabric can offer good stretchability and recovery, making it suitable for various types of physical activity.
5. Eco-Friendly:
- Sustainability: Hemp is a highly sustainable crop that requires fewer resources (water, pesticides, and fertilizers) compared to other materials. Choosing hemp leggings supports more environmentally friendly practices.
- Biodegradability: Hemp fabric is biodegradable, which means it has less impact on landfills compared to synthetic fabrics that do not decompose.
In Summary:
Hemp fabric is well-suited for workout leggings due to its durability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and natural antibacterial properties. When combined with other fibers to improve softness and stretch, it provides a balance of comfort and performance while being an environmentally friendly choice.
LEISURE HEMP LEGGINGS
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8911747/
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-hemp-fabric