What’s The Deal With Hemp As A Futon Mattress Cover?

Hemp comes in various ounce styles - this is a 14 oz. sample - that have different 'tightness' to the fabric. All hemp will feel rougher at first, then soften with use.

Now, because of its popular uses in health, nutrition and its ‘green’ qualities, it’s making a comeback.  Hemp material is making a big impact in the clothing and apparel business.  Because of this, hemp fabric has become much more readily available.  There was a time when hemp would have been much more prohibitively expensive, but not any more.  Some top designers and fashion icons have used hemp in some of their lines over the last several years.  Various celebrities have also been quite vocal about their support of hemp and wear hemp clothing to some award shows.  The obvious standout here is Woody Harrelson who – ahem – may also be indulging in the ‘hemp-related’ smoke-able product.

What makes hemp such a great choice for futon covers?  Basically, it is a plant whose properties allow it to be grown and created into fabric; not a totally foreign idea (hint:  organic futon covers).  Hemp is a quite hearty plant and can tolerate harsher growing conditions, making it less likely to need chemical treatment to produce a profitable yield.  The abundance of organic hemp fabrics are a testament to this.  Hemp is also very durable.  It can take a lot of abuse and still maintain its strength, shape and form.  These qualities make it great for futon slipcovers.

Another quality, just briefly alluded to is hemp’s propensity to be a greener product.  Just mentioned is its heartiness in various growing conditions.  Less chemicals are needed to grow it and thus less is put into the earth.  Another green property is its ability to grow quickly.  Much like bamboo, that can be grown and harvested rather quickly, it is a sustainable resource in some respects.

One unique property of hemp is that it wears a bit like denim.  Like your favorite pair of jeans that get better with age and wear, so goes hemp.  Hemp feels a bit more stiff or ‘abrasive’ at first.  But, with normal wear and use, will soften to a more comfortable feel.  This simple fact alone will cut down on any futon cover repair bills.  Many hemp fabrics will maintain their natural look at market and will have a light caramel or tan color.  The unique properties of hemp fibers give it a more natural and organic feel about them.  Much like their organic cotton fiber friends, hemp fabrics can be laundered similarly.  In fact, if your chair covers (or bed) ever get too ‘ripe’ you, rest assured your futon cover cleaning is a snap.  If the choice is between organic cotton or hemp futon covers for similar colors and uses, you might find hemp to be a great choice.

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