Why Hemp and Merino knitwear?

Why Hemp and Merino?

With the rise of fast fashion, high-quality Merino has too often been blended with synthetic fibres to achieve drape, shape, or durability. At Hemprino, we believe nature provides everything we need. We set out to find a natural way to strengthen and stabilise Merino without losing its softness - and we found the answer in Hemp.

Hemprino combines two of nature’s best fibres, Merino and Hemp, to create a fabric that is soft, breathable, and strong.

Merino provides warmth, softness, and natural odour resistance.
Hemp adds durability, structure, and breathability.

The result is knitwear that feels gentle on sensitive skin yet stands up to daily wear. If you’ve found other woollens too delicate or itchy, Hemprino is your natural upgrade - luxuriously soft, incredibly durable, and perfect for all seasons.

Our Merino Wool

Our family has been growing ultra-fine Merino wool for more than 100 years on our New Zealand farm. Over that time, Merino has become one of the world’s most sought-after natural fibres - loved for its warmth, breathability, and luxurious softness against the skin.

Traditionally used for base and mid-layer garments, Merino’s ability to regulate temperature makes it ideal for year-round comfort.

Our Story

Discover Hemp.

Hemp is one of the world’s most sustainable and versatile natural fibres. It grows quickly, produces high yields per hectare, and requires minimal water or chemicals - making it an environmental super-fibre.

According to the Made-By Environmental Benchmark for Fibres, hemp ranks among the most sustainable fibres on earth. It performs exceptionally across key measures including greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water consumption, and land impact.

Hemp also improves the health of the soil it grows in. It replenishes nutrients, absorbs carbon, and can be planted repeatedly in the same ground - making it a powerful rotation crop that restores ecosystems.

Hemp has been used in textiles for thousands of years, with evidence of hemp cloth dating back to 5000 BC in China. Even the sails on Christopher Columbus’s ships were made from hemp. Today, its strength, breathability, and natural softness make it a perfect partner for Merino.

While hemp and marijuana both come from the Cannabis sativa plant, hemp contains only trace amounts of THC and cannot produce a psychoactive effect. Hemp seed oil is widely used in wellness and skincare for its nourishing, moisturising properties.