Formal Wear

Hemp
Hemp is an environmentally friendly fibre as its manufacture does not require the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers and uses very little water. It has minimal growth requirements and is a renewable resource.

In addition hemp fibre clothing has three times the tensile strength of cotton, and is therefore strong and longlasting.

As an added benefit, hemp fibre clothing is UV and mold-resistant

Possible concerns:

Sometimes hemp is blended with silk to make a softer, more flowing fabric. This of course is not a vegan product.

Hemp that is blended with cotton is less environmentally friendly as cotton consumes far more resources than hemp.

China, the world's leading producer of hemp fabric, uses chemical methods for processing hemp, while producers in Europe have begun using cleaner biologically-based enzyme technology.

Dyes are toxic chemicals, and their use and disposal has harmful effects on the environment. Look for un-dyed hemp clothing.

Ottawa-area retailers of hemp formal wear include: Blouses:
 * Karma Wear

Dresses:
 * Arbour Environmental Shoppe
 * Karma Wear

Non-local Suppliers