comfort and service life of Durable Face masks
Cotton. A soft fabric that is comfortable from the start. After the first few washes, it only gets softer. Until the fibres break and it becomes increasingly abrasive.
Hemp. Hemp fibres are stronger than cotton fibres. At first, fabric made of hemp feels rougher. After each round of washing, it becomes softer and similar to cotton.
Conclusion: Cotton is more comfortable the first few times, hemp fibre is more comfortable in the long run.
Moisture wicking and breathable qualities
Cotton. On a sunny day, grab a cotton t-shirt because it feels airy. It breathes well, is moisture-wicking and also odour-wicking, so odours are not so likely to linger in the fabric.
Hemp. Equally breathable and moisture-wicking, it is a draw. It does have antibacterial properties that cotton does not.
Conclusion: when used correctly, there is no difference as antibacterial properties do not matter in daily washing.
Ecological factors
Cotton. It takes at least 6,000 litres of water to get a kilo of cotton. That's with the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Organic is better, but requires even more water. This is a big problem; cotton is the most polluting agricultural product in the world.
Hemp. For hemp, it requires less than half the water. It grows faster and yields twice as much fibre. It is also an easy plant. No pesticides are needed in cultivation.
Conclusion: no doubt here, hemp is by far the friendliest option for people and the environment.