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With increasing environmental awareness and demand for sustainable clothing, hemp fashion is poised to grow in India over the coming years. Here are some reasons hemp fabric and clothing could soon hit the mainstream.
Hemp was historically grown in India for textiles and ayurvedic medicine but faced legal restrictions over the past few decades due to its association with marijuana. These restrictions have now eased, with the government legalizing hemp cultivation in 1985 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Several states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh have again started licensing hemp cultivation. With more licenses being granted, domestic production of hemp fiber is projected to expand. This homegrown source of hemp fabric will boost the growth of the hemp fashion segment.
The central and state governments are promoting hemp as a cash crop that can provide income for farmers and reduce India’s reliance on imported fabrics. Initiatives like the National Institute for Research on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology working to develop superior hemp varieties also indicate that priority hemp is being given.
Government think tanks have recommended tax incentives, research funding, and infrastructure development to create a thriving domestic hemp industry. With this policy push, hemp fabric could get the stimulus it needs to drive fashion innovation.
One of the main appeals of hemp fabric from an environmental perspective is its low water usage compared to water-intensive crops like cotton, which requires over 2,000 liters of water to produce a kilogram of fabric. Hemp uses less than half that amount.
As water scarcity rises, hemp provides an eco-friendly alternative to natural fiber. Hemp also enriches soil, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. With Indian consumers becoming more sustainability-conscious, hemp fashion aligns well with greener lifestyles.
Today’s hemp fabric blends have a soft hand feel and a range of functional applications. Hemp with linen creates a lightweight, breathable fabric suitable for casual and summer wear. Hemp-silk blends have a luxurious drape for formal dresses and eveningwear.
Hemp’s anti-bacterial qualities are being used to make odor-minimizing activewear. The diversity and versatility make hemp fabrics relevant across the fashion spectrum.
The nascent hemp fabric sector in India has recently attracted investments that can fuel expansion. Startups like B Label have received funding to enhance production capacities. Established companies including Aditya Birla Group have invested in hemp apparel lines.
With other big firms also eyeing the space, capital is coming in to back hemp fashion growth. This investment activity highlights the bullish outlook around hemp’s potential.
For most Indian consumers, cotton and silk dominate perceptions of fabrics. But with prominent brands like Tata launching hemp apparel lines and luxury designers using hemp in their collections, the fiber is gaining broader visibility.
As customers have more exposure to hemp clothing in India and its benefits, the fabric could gain wider mainstream acceptance. High-profile collaborations with influencers and celebrities can further raise hemp’s profile.
Government policies, new product development, technological advances, and market investments all indicate a bright future for hemp fashion in India. In coming years, expect to see more hemp clothing options hitting stores and becoming part of everyday wardrobes across the country. The versatile, eco-friendly fiber is poised to make an impact on the Indian fashion landscape.
