Hemp Vs Cotton - What's the Difference and Which is Better?

Hemp vs Cotton: What’s the Better Choice for You – and the Planet?

When it comes to choosing sustainable fabrics, two materials often come up: hemp and cotton. But while both have their place in the eco-conscious wardrobe, they’re not created equal. At Hempies, we’ve done the research, worn the fabrics, and built our products around what we believe is the superior choice.

Let’s break it down.

Cotton: The Familiar Favourite

Cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibres on the planet. It’s breathable, soft, and versatile – which is why you’ll find it in everything from T-shirts to towels.

But conventional cotton comes with some serious environmental baggage.

The downsides:

• Water guzzler: Cotton is notoriously thirsty. It takes around 2,700 litres of water to make just one cotton T-shirt – that’s enough for one person to drink for two-and-a-half years.

• Chemical heavy: Conventional cotton farming uses vast amounts of pesticides and insecticides, contributing to soil degradation, water pollution, and health issues for farmers.

• Monoculture impact: Cotton is often grown as a monoculture crop, which strips the land of nutrients and reduces biodiversity.

The upside:
Organic cotton is a much better alternative. It’s grown without synthetic chemicals and often with more responsible water use. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Hemp: The Underdog Powerhouse

Hemp is having a well-deserved moment – and for good reason. This ancient fibre has been used for thousands of years and is one of the most sustainable plants on the planet.

Here’s why we love hemp:

• Low water use: Hemp uses significantly less water than cotton. In fact, it can grow with just rainwater in many regions, making it far less demanding on our water systems.

• No need for pesticides: Hemp is naturally pest-resistant and can grow with little to no chemical intervention.

• Soil-friendly: Hemp actually restores the soil it grows in. Its deep roots prevent erosion, and it can even absorb toxins from the earth – a process called phytoremediation.

• Fast-growing: Hemp can reach maturity in as little as 100 days and yields more fibre per acre than cotton.

• Durable and breathable: Hemp fibres are strong and long-lasting. They get softer with every wash, all while maintaining their structure and shape. Plus, they’re naturally antibacterial and breathable – perfect for everyday wear.

The Blend: Hemp + Organic Cotton

While hemp is brilliant on its own, blending it with organic cotton brings out the best in both fibres. You get the durability, breathability, and sustainability of hemp, combined with the added softness and familiarity of cotton.

That’s why many of our products at Hempies – like our hoodies, beanies, and socks – are made using a blend of hemp and GOTS-certified organic cotton. It’s the sweet spot between comfort, style, and sustainability.

Final Thoughts: Hemp Leads the Way

If you’re choosing between conventional cotton and hemp, the answer’s clear – hemp wins on nearly every count. And even when compared to organic cotton, hemp still holds the edge thanks to its resilience, renewability, and low environmental impact.

At Hempies, we believe fashion should feel good – for you and the planet. That’s why we’re proudly building our brand around hemp and hemp blends. Better for the earth, better for your wardrobe.