Photograph by George Sakkestad
Brothers Jason (left) and Eric Sandstrom wear some of the merchandise made from natural fibers, including hemp.
Natur'wise Mercantile and Hempery, at 37 E. Main Street, is new, but it is reviving an old product of nature, hemp (Cannabis sativa), for men's and women's clothes.
When Levi Strauss opened his gold-rush-era store in San Francisco, he made his first jeans from hemp broadcloth used for boat sails. Natur'wise offers a variety of clothing made from hemp, organic cotton and recycled fabrics.
It's a store that has the environment in mind, according to Jason Sandstrom, partner in the business with his brother Eric.
While living for seven years in Seattle, Jason noticed hemp stores there and became interested in learning about one of the world's oldest plants. Hemp is used for many useful products such as rope and fabrics. One type of hemp produces the leaves and flowers that are crushed for marijuana.
"Hemp growing has been suppressed in the United States," Sandstrom said, "although the ban was lifted during World War II, when hemp fabrics for uniforms and rope for rigging were needed." Now hemp, which is grown all over the world, is being rediscovered as a useful product.
Natur'wise offers clothes for men, women and toddlers, as well as toiletries, toys, lotions, watchbands, stationery produced from hemp, and other items. Not all the apparel contains hemp fibers; there are some clothes of organic and recycled cotton. Everything in the store is made in the United States.
Prices range from 10 cents for envelopes to $9 for hemp-silk socks, $3.95 for lip balm and $275 for a hemp-based dress.
Natur'wise is located in the new Flick Building next door to the historic Beckwith block. Store hours are still flexible.
Natur'wise Mercantile and Hempery, 37 E. Main Street. Hours: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon. 399-5001.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, February 12, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.