Bamboo clothing may be the best choice for those wanting a soft, silky fabric that is good for the body and the planet. Bamboo has been growing in popularity over the last few years as people look to move away from fast fashion and to more sustainable choices. Created from bamboo plants' fibers, bamboo brings many benefits - antibacterial, naturally moisture wicking, comfortable and breathable, and an eco-friendly option; there are many reasons to say yes to beautiful bamboo. We take a closer look at why bamboo should become your new favorite fabric.
The Sustainability of Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable plants on the planet, thanks partly to its epic growth rate. Some species can grow several feet a day, with crops reaching full maturity in just a few years. This is a mega-marked difference when you compare bamboo to other crops that can take hundreds of years to grow. It's not just the epic growth rate that makes bamboo so sustainable.
This power plant also needs no pesticides and fertilizers and requires significantly less water than cotton. It's not only in the growing process where bamboo fibre thrives but also when it comes to the end of its life cycle.
Bamboo is naturally biodegradable and will return to the earth in its natural state - even feeding nutrients back to the soil as long as no harmful chemicals have been used in the production process. In a world where synthetic fabrics are making mountains in landfills, opting for biodegradable fabric options can make a difference to the earth.
Comfort and Wearability
Even beyond eco-friendly options, you still want a fabric that will provide exceptional comfort against the skin, which is one of the big benefits of wearing bamboo. Bamboo is known for being super soft and is often compared to silk thanks to its swish feel against the skin. It is known for being a super breathable fabric with natural moisture-wicking qualities, drawing sweat and heat away from the skin. This makes it a great fabric for activewear, sleepwear, and everyday wear for those who want to feel fresh and dry, no matter the climate or how they spend their time.
Health and Skin Benefits
Beyond comfort, bamboo clothes also bring excellent health and skin benefits. Bamboo has natural antibacterial properties, which means it is a great choice for those with skin sensitivities or those who tend to have allergic reactions or issues with certain textiles. The bamboo plant has a substance known as bamboo kun, which prohibits bacterial and fungal growth. When the fibers are spun into bamboo textiles, they still retain this. Bamboo clothes also have UV-protective qualities, as the dense fibers provide extra protection against the sun's harmful rays. Bamboo is soft and comfortable against the skin and boosts health and wellness.
Durability and Maintenance
You want fabrics that are easy to care for and stand the test of time, and bamboo will do just that. Bamboo is a long-lasting and resilient material that won't lose its structural integrity regardless of heavy laundering and long-term wear. When buying clothes, you want clothing that keeps its shape, smoothness, and style. You should still care for your different types of bamboo fabric accordingly. Always check the label and follow specific care instructions to ensure your high-quality bamboo fabric remains in great condition.
Thermal Regulation
Thermal regulation is a big part of why high-quality bamboo fabric is the best material, whether you don it in winter or summer. One of the many benefits of bamboo clothing is that it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. Bamboo has a unique fiber structure that adapts to any given temperature. In the sweltering months, bamboo will use its moisture-wicking properties to draw sweat away from the skin, and its breathable nature will also stop the body from overheating. Bamboo can act like a natural insulator in cold weather, trap the warmth inside, and keep it close to the body. One of the major beneficial properties of bamboo fabric is how it adapts to your own body temperature, making it completely versatile and intelligent.
Eco-Friendly Production Processes
There are different ways of producing bamboo fibers, and depending on which process has been used can have an impact on how eco-friendly the bamboo fibers are. One of the most sustainable ways of turning bamboo from raw material to finished product is the closed-loop process and mechanical processing. This method is more labor-intensive and time-consuming but doesn't use heavy chemical interference. Instead, the bamboo plant is crushed and combed, and the physical process turns it into fibers that can then be spun into a workable textile. This also means that as no toxins are used, the environment is free from harm as no chemicals are running off into the earth and waterways.
The other method for turning bamboo into a fiber, known as bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose, uses chemical interactions. Bamboo production involves using chemicals like sodium hydroxide, caustic soda, and sulfuric acid to break down the bamboo pulp and turn it into something that can be used for a bamboo product. This can be one of the disadvantages of bamboo clothing, as the toxic chemical solutions may contribute to a higher carbon footprint and are less advantageous for the environment.
Challenges and Considerations
While the bamboo fabric has plenty of benefits and is one of the most sustainable materials out there overall, having a positive impact on the planet, it does present some challenges, and considerations must be made. One of the biggest challenges can be the viscose method, which relies on chemical treatments and potentially harmful substances in its production. Many bamboo clothing companies are aware of these drawbacks. As the industry is still relatively new, there will be marked efforts to change and make the manufacturing process more sustainable. For now, those looking to swerve the viscose process can instead look to lyocell-type bamboo fabric or opt for organic bamboo rayon to increase the eco-friendly factor of their clothing choices. The perfect fabric doesn't yet exist in the world, but by working with companies that offer transparency and clarity when it comes to the production of bamboo fabrics - from the bamboo crops right up to the finished piece; this could be a good place to start your journey into the beneficial attributes of bamboo.
Conclusion
A natural renewable resource, a comfortable fabric that offers excellent ventilation, and one of the best sustainable alternatives out there, bamboo fabric has many advantages. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with personal needs and the needs of the planet, the power of bamboo can be a great choice. From bamboo tees to dresses, harem pants and kaftans for women, you can fill your wardrobe with bamboo.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of bamboo fabric
One of the cons of bamboo clothing is that some bamboo fabric manufacturers rely on a chemical process to turn the bamboo into a usable textile. Bamboo may also be more expensive than synthetic or semi-synthetic fibers.
Is bamboo clothing better than cotton
When it comes to bamboo vs cotton, both fabrics bring their own benefits to the table. Bamboo fabric can be a more sustainable choice as it uses less water and no pesticides compared to cotton farming. Bamboo also boasts long, smooth, and super-strong fibers that are highly durable and tend not to pile, tear, or stretch.
Is bamboo healthy to wear
Bamboo body clothing can be healthy for the skin as it has naturally antibacterial benefits and is anti-fungal. It also has strong UV-blocking properties and is good for those with skin allergies or sensitivities. Bamboo is also naturally moisture-wicking which makes it great for activewear, underwear, sleepwear, bamboo socks, and more.
Is bamboo good for making clothes
Bamboo fibers are a great modern day choice for making clothes. Bamboo is sustainable and has many environmental benefits as the plant enjoys optimal growth without the need for excess water or pesticides. It also yields strong, supple, and super soft fibers that are truly a joy to wear. Bamboo fabrics are also naturally anti-bacterial, antifungal, and breathable making it a great choice of material.
