It may surprise you to know that hemp production was once a lucrative industry here in the States (the first American flag was actually made of hemp fabric), and it’s been known to produce a tough, durable material that’s noticeably stronger than cotton. Due to laws and regulations, production peaked in the mid-1800s and fizzled out by the turn of the century. However, the material has been making a comeback over the last couple of decades, with brands like Patagonia embracing the utility of hemp fabric, as they’ve done with their latest drop of hemp workwear, showcasing the latest Iron Forge Hemp from the label. 

One of the highlights from this drop, besides Patagonia’s new Iron Forge Hemp fabric (which is 25% more abrasion-resistant than cotton canvas), are the canvas pants made of the very same material. The Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants are constructed with 55% industrial hemp and 45% cotton/polyester, and feature doubled knees with openings so you can add kneepads. The Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Bib Overalls are made with the same material blend (as is the rest of the new apparel) and also come with doubled knees with space for kneepads, along with a utility pocket and hammer loop.

As for the other highlights in this collection update, the overalls come in an insulated option (using 60-g Thermogreen) if you’re looking for more warmth, and there are a few jackets, like the Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Hooded Jacket (which features antique brass hardware, 100-g Thermogreen insulation, and handwarmer pockets), which are built to take a beating. 

The Patagonia Hemp Tough Workwear collection featuring the latest Iron Forge Hemp is available now, starting at $75 for the Iron Forge Hemp 5-Pocket Pants and going up to $239 for the Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Hooded Jacket.