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Founded in 1995, The Hempest began as a small clothing boutique in Boston catering to enviros who wanted to wear organically harvested duds. Being on Newbury Street in Boston, surrounded by the big corporate retailers such as Armani, Gap, and Nike, provided Hempest with a challenge that also proved to be an advantage. This flagship basement store, that has a brightly hued garden growing at its entrance for half of the year, drew people with its ecclectic facade. For tourists who didn’t want to buy the same kitsch they could get anywhere, the store offered a refreshing alternative: clothing produced symbiotically with the earth. For locals who had been yearning for non-synthetics that were not put together in sweat shops in Asia, Hempest provided natural fabrics grown from beneficial plants that were ethically harvested and produced.
Over the past decade, The Hempest has spread from this successful store on Newbury Street to four other locations in Northampton (MA), Burlington (VT), Santa Barbara, and another in the Boston area as well as an online store. The original motivation for the store was to educate people on the benefits of growing and using hemp. As companies such as Of The Earth, moreTrees Clothing and Nibus began to make organic cotton and hemp clothing that people would actually want to wear, the store began to flourish.
I have searched high and low for the uber-hoodie and these guys have it. I recommend the Nibus Zip-Up pictured here (also available for men.) It is super soft, slightly structured, and sustainably crafted. What more could we ask from a hoodie? The hemp skirts and pants are also comfy, with that mid-weight linen feel.
Mitch Rosenfield, the founder of the store notes, “…we want people to relate to their purchases, to realize that they are helping to create the world they desire. If you buy plastic, there will be more plastic in the world. If you buy hemp, then people will grow it. Which future seems greener?”
I LOVE the hempest! I went to the Burlington store for the first time a couple months back and wanted to buy half the store! I settled for a pair of structured-at-the-top, loose legged black pants and they are so comfortable (yet still like ‘real’ pants so I can wear them to work). I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten. Their winter jackets with faux fur on the inside are mind-blowing. My fave label they carry is More Trees.
So they’re sweatshop-free? I was looking for a mention of the fact on their site and couldn’t find anything. Love their clothes when I visited their store, but wanted to double check before I bought anything.
peace,
Mercy
I would contact the store in Boston and see what they have to say. As far as I know, everything they sell is sustainably derived and ethically produced. They carry different lines of clothing and I am sure they have done the research regarding each company’s practices. It would be an interesting conversation if you decide to call. Everyone I spoke to was very nice and had plenty to say about the items they carry.
hey Starre, I noticed you note about moreTrees, and I’m glad to hear you enjoy our line! I’m the designer for moreTrees clothing company, and we’re currently having a 25% off sale at our website. And to address Mercy’s question, though I can’t answer for the Hempest stores, all of the moreTrees clothing is made in America, sweat-free. Thanks for your support! http://www.moretreeshemp.com/
The Hempest stuff is simply the most fashionable around and thankfully no cannabis leaf pictured anywhere! Hemp has to get out of the dope corner in order to cross over, imho.
Btw, above moretreeshemp.com website gave me a virus warning, so beware.
Hi Hempest I’m doing a project in my English class talking about the uses of Hemp I was wondering if you could send me some more information on Hemp I would really appreciate. Thank you so much
Heather
It’s great to know there are people all over the country offering alternative options to typical shopping. Lots of props for making it big in the city. Living on the west coast in the past has provided easier access to these types of stores. It’s so refreshing to hear that things are going well on the east coast. And… the fact that you carry moretrees is awesome! They have been a favorite of mine for years. I’ll be sure to check out one of your stores the next time I make it out east. Thanks again for being committed to doing work like this! It’s so important!!!