New miracle fiber my ass: industrial hemp is said to have been used 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. The fiber was first used in clothing in ancient times (800 BC to 600 AD). Its use in sportswear, on the other hand, is a novelty, but it has huge potential to largely replace synthetic fibers.

As a natural fiber, hemp is both sustainable and functional. As a pioneer plant, it grows practically everywhere and quickly. Crucially, it requires much less water to grow than cotton. The resistant plant does not need pesticides either.
Another advantage: the fiber abrasion during washing does not harm the environment and therefore does not cause microplastics (the concentration of plastic in water that is invisible to the naked eye) like petroleum-based textile fibers.

On the technical side, hemp fibers also have a lot going for them. They are naturally sweat- and odor-inhibiting, have very good moisture-regulating properties and dry quickly. They also have a cooling effect, are abrasion and dirt resistant and have an antibacterial effect.

Hemp pioneer Maloja

Although the fiber is on the rise, it is still rarely found in technical sportswear, let alone mountain bike clothing. With Maloja, a renowned outdoor clothing label is now dancing on the hemp rope. In its "Laya" collection for 2020, the ancient natural fiber is used as a blended fabric in some pieces.

According to Maloja, today's opportunities to combine different materials make the use of hemp particularly exciting. Following its first use in some items in Maloja's climbing and bouldering line last season, this was a focus for further developments in the new collection.

Hemp is combined with organic cotton, recycled polyester, silk and yak wool. The brand uses hemp in its own "Hemp Stretch" and "HempDry" fabrics in highly functional clothing, for example in the "MürM." bike longsleeve for men and the "LüsaiM." 3/4-sleeve shirt for women.

www.maloja.de

More than just smoke

Hemp had almost disappeared as a crop in the western world and was long dismissed as an intoxicant. It was not only the success of synthetic fibers that had pushed industrial hemp out of our consciousness in recent decades. Its cultivation has been considerably hindered, especially in the western world.

In China, on the other hand, people knew that hemp was far more than just some funny smoke. The industrial use of the cannabis plant was never banned there. As a result, the Far Eastern country currently accounts for over 50 percent of global hemp production.

It is therefore also worthwhile to increasingly rely on sustainable natural fibers such as hemp in our climes. Whether it's hemp or another natural fiber doesn't matter to the wearers of such clothing, as long as it works and is comfortable to wear.The interest in avoiding synthetic fibers is certainly there. However, it is now up to the manufacturers of bike clothing to ensure the supply of sustainably produced and environmentally friendly clothing.