Minawear founder and designer Mina Hegaard hates to wear pants. That is a strong statement coming from a designer of mostly pants. “Sensitive skin is an issue and I did not realize until my 20’s when I found myself with a full body case of eczema that landed me in the ER that polyester clothing is a major contributing factor to the escalation of this horribly uncomfortable rash. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it needs to breathe the doctor informed me. Along with putting Crisco on it (gross no I did not) he told me I could not wear wool or plastic clothing anymore. There went half my closet.”
Living in the chilly climate of Humboldt County made it difficult to switch to wearing only shorts, so Hegaard split back to Southern California where she grew up, and discovered hemp as a textile in Venice Beach. Hemp is grown organically, and has natural wicking and anti-microbial properties, making it ideal for garments for folks with sensitive skin.
The Minawear philosophy embodies living lightly on the planet, seeking organic alternatives to the chemical lifestyle, and keeping the body active and enjoying nature. The styles created are easy to move in, flattering to all body shapes, versatile, and the materials always include organic hemp. With seventeen years in business, the loyal following of men and women that developed continues to request the same basic versatile styles in different colors each season.
Along with vivid and unusual colors, Minawear is known for the unique tie-dyes that are hand produced by Mina in Texas on the many styles including t-shirts, pants, dresses, hats and tank tops. Recently added are designs by eco-activist Julia Butterfly Hill, that depict her beloved tree Luna, that she saved from destruction with an epic two year long tree sit in Humboldt County.
Hemp is a natural alternative to high tech manmade polyester “technical” fabrics that breathe. The woody hollow fibers of hemp allow for temperature control of the garment, keeping your body from getting the chills when you sweat, as well as breathing to allow for air flow and cooling when necessary. Hemp also has memory which helps maintain the shape of the garment instead of bagging out like 100% cotton does. The Minawear specialty blend of hemp and organic cotton is easy care, cool wash and tumble dry, and wrinkles fall away.
Over the years the designs have been engineered to accommodate many different needs like no side seam pants, and the removable elastic and drawstring combination. The elastic is easily replaceable and alterable if necessary. People who lose or gain weight find the designs versatile enough to wear through many sizes including pregnancy. The material has forgiveness and relaxes to fit your individual shape. Minawear designs are perfect for travel, yoga, meditation and dance. And people who hate to wear pants.
Minawear has been spotted on celebrities over the years on film, TV, and the stage. To view images of Christian Slater, Woody Harrelson, Merle Haggard and more, go to www.minawear.com and click on celebrities.
