The new premium collection features four fabric constructions combining hemp with Tencel, cotton and bamboo, alongside pure hemp, targeting formal and smart-casual wear.
Raymond Lifestyle Limited has introduced a new collection of hemp shirting fabrics to India’s premium fabric market. The collection draws on the company’s experience in fibre engineering, fabric design and finishing to bring hemp into a broader range of premium shirting applications.
Although hemp has been used in textiles for centuries, it has had a limited presence in India’s premium shirting segment. Raymond’s latest collection aims to expand its use through different fabric constructions designed to meet varied requirements for comfort, appearance and performance.
Four Hemp Fabric Constructions
The collection comprises four constructions: pure hemp, hemp blended with Tencel, hemp with cotton, and hemp with bamboo. Each offers distinct characteristics for different apparel applications.
- Pure Hemp: Designed to offer breathability, durability and bright colours, with the fabric becoming softer through repeated washing.
- Hemp with Tencel: Combines hemp with Tencel to provide improved drape and a soft, next-to-skin feel.
- Hemp with Cotton: Brings together hemp and cotton for familiar comfort and everyday breathability.
- Hemp with Bamboo: Designed to offer moisture-wicking properties and a smooth, luxurious hand feel.
By offering multiple constructions rather than a single hemp fabric, Raymond aims to make the material suitable for formal shirts and smart-casual dressing across different occasions.
Sustainability and Fibre Innovation
Commenting on the launch, Anupam Dikshit, Chief Business Officer – Shirting Business, Raymond Lifestyle Limited, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in textile material selection and manufacturing.
“Sustainability in textiles is no longer a matter of positioning. Garment brands have moved from voluntary sustainability commitments to material-mix targets and in Raymond, as a leader in the fabric industry, there is an increased commitment towards sustainability for conservation of resources and protection of the environment,” Dikshit said.
He added that hemp requires significantly less water than conventional cotton and can grow rapidly without depending on pesticides or fertilisers, making it relevant to discussions about resource use in textile production.
Dikshit also emphasised the company’s focus on innovation, quality and sustainability, noting that Raymond supplies fabrics to international and domestic fashion brands as well as India’s premium fabric market.
Hemp for Premium and Everyday Shirting
The company said domestic and international apparel brands are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, including the fibres used in their products and the manufacturing practices behind them.
Hemp’s breathable structure can support thermal comfort in warm conditions, while its durability makes it relevant to apparel designed for repeated use. The collection also incorporates value-added blends intended to broaden its appeal to consumers, including younger buyers.
According to Raymond, the new range is available in contemporary colours, patterns and designs and has recently been introduced through trade channels.
Expanding Sustainable Fabric Choices
The launch adds another fibre option to India’s premium shirting fabric market, where material selection increasingly involves considerations such as comfort, durability, appearance and resource use.
Through its four hemp constructions, Raymond Lifestyle is positioning the fibre for a wider variety of shirt designs and end uses, extending its application beyond a single niche category.