Hemp vs Cotton: The Fabric Face-Off - Which would you choose?
Posted by ABISHEK SHRESTHA
Hemp and cotton are two of the most popular natural fabrics in the world. Both have been used for centuries, but when it comes to choosing between them, which one should you pick? Let’s break it down in a simple way, in this blog, we’ll explore key factors — from environmental impact to comfort and style.
Environmental Impacts
When it comes to environmental impact, hemp stands out as the greener choice.
Water Use: Hemp needs about 50–60% less water than cotton and has a water footprint that is roughly 60% lower, while its irrigation needs are about 84% less and its reliance on irrigated water about 91% less than conventional cotton farming.
Pesticides: Hemp naturally fights off pests, so farmers use little to no chemicals. Cotton, on the other hand, uses about 10–16% of the world’s pesticides and 25% of insecticides, leading to soil pollution and harming biodiversity
Land & Yield: Hemp yields 200–250% more fiber per acre than cotton, making it much more productive in smaller areas
Carbon Capture: Hemp captures more carbon during growth—about 1.6 tons CO₂ per ton of fiber—helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, whereas cotton’s carbon footprint remains much higher due to intensive inputs and energy use.
(Sources: J. Averink)
Durability and Performance
Hemp fibers are known for their exceptional strength and durability, often cited as being three to four times stronger than cotton, according to Effort Eco-Essentials. This translates to clothing that can withstand more rigorous use and last longer. While cotton is a relatively durable natural fiber, it is more susceptible to damage from wear and tear, pilling, and shrinking compared to hemp.
Hemp: Stronger and longer-lasting — it’s 3–4× tougher than cotton. It’s breathable, wicks away moisture, resists bacteria, and protects from UV rays. Plus, it gets softer with every wash without losing strength.
Cotton: Also soft and breathable, but more likely to shrink, wrinkle, or lose shape over time.
Farming and Production
Hemp is a fast-growing plant — ready to harvest in just 60–90 days. It grows in many climates, needs little water and requires no pesticides or herbicides — its dense, leafy canopy naturally blocks sunlight to weeds and deters pests, acting as its own built-in pest control. Farmers often plant hemp seeds in rows close together to produce long fibers, and once mature, the crop can even improve soil health through its fast root growth and ability to pull toxins from the soil.
Cotton takes longer to grow and needs more water, sunlight, and chemicals to protect against pests. Some programs like the Better Cotton Initiative are helping reduce cotton’s impact, but it still demands more resources than hemp. Here’s the bar chart comparing global fiber production in 2024.
(Sources: Alchempro, astute Analytica)
Market Trends and Sustainability Potential
In recent years, hemp is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative, especially among younger eco-conscious shoppers. New innovations like “cottonized” hemp make it easier for brands to use it in existing production lines.
Cotton is still the world’s favorite fiber and remains the dominant fiber worldwide, but it’s under pressure to become more sustainable — with more organic, recycled, and water-efficient options now available. Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) now represents about 22% of global cotton production and promotes sustainable practices like efficient irrigation and reduced chemical use that have already cut water use by up to 40% and pesticide use by more than half in some regions.
Final Thought
Both hemp and cotton have their place, but if sustainability is your top priority, hemp takes the lead. Cotton offers familiarity and global availability, while hemp gives you durability, eco-friendliness, and a smaller footprint.
As more people care about sustainability, hemp has the potential to grow even more in the future. Choosing between the two depends on what matters most, familiar comfort or eco-friendly impact.
(Sources: Research And Markets, Markets And Markets)
