When it comes to the textile world, we are all looking for the best quality fabrics we can find. A good fabric ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, quality, and durability, but also being a sustainable and eco-friendly material. At the top of the charts are bamboo and organic cotton. Both are popular choices for the eco-conscious consumer, with one coming from the bamboo plant and the other from the cotton plant. But which is best? If you had to choose between bamboo fibers and organic cotton, which makes the grade? We take a closer look at both these brilliant fabrics and find out which one is going for gold in the eco-friendly Olympics.
Understanding Organic Cotton and Bamboo
What is Organic Cotton?
Organic cotton comes from the cotton plant. Unlike regular cotton, it is grown without the use of fertilizers or heavy pesticides. Instead, the growing process would include more natural processes like crop rotation, composting, and biological methods that keep pests at bay and allow for good soil nutrition. Any steps in turning the cotton from a plant to a usable resource would also follow a protocol that prioritizes organic methods.
Organic cotton tends to be grown in the same areas as conventional cotton, as this is where the plant thrives best. Turkey, the United States, India, and China are all places where organic cotton can be found. Organic cotton is also on the up as more consumers are seeking natural fibers that are both kind to the skin and kind to the planet.
What is Bamboo?
Bamboo is an amazing renewable resource that has also enjoyed a big boom in textiles and fabric production. Bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of the bamboo plant and undergoes a process that turns it into a usable material. There are two ways of producing bamboo fabric—one is chemical, and the other is more natural and manual. The former is known as bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose, and the latter is known as bamboo lyocell.
Bamboo clothing is considered one of the best eco-friendly choices in many ways because of its fast-growing nature, the fact it requires no pesticides or fertilizers, and because it also helps with carbon equestrian and brings nutrients to the soil.
Production Processes and Environmental Impact
How Organic Cotton is Produced
To grow organic cotton, you must adopt organic practices right from the start. Organic means little to no chemical intervention, and therefore, the cultivation process will rely on natural pest control and crop rotation to keep the soil healthy. Crop rotation prevents the soil from being stripped of nutrients and reduces the risk of pest and disease buildups that become attracted to the cotton plant. Organic cotton also uses less water than regular cotton. As cotton can be a very thirsty plant, this means you are already making a more eco-friendly choice by choosing organic over regular cotton. It uses less water as part of the sustainable process and will utilize drop techniques and rainwater harvesting instead of relying on local water resources.
Organic cotton will be grown similarly to regular cotton in that the cotton will be harvested from the plant by a machine before being placed in a cotton gin to separate the bolls and seeds and remove any unwanted dirt. Then, the cotton will be carded and turned into long-strand fibers, which will then be turned into yarn. This whole process will be done with machinery.
How Bamboo Turns into Fabric
As mentioned, there are two main methods for turning bamboo from pulp to fabric: chemical and mechanical. To create bamboo lyocell (the more eco-friendly option), a machine extracts the fibers from the bamboo plant through a mechanical crushing and combing process. The fibers are then spun into yarn and woven into usable fabric. This method, combined with bamboo's environmental benefits, makes it a great sustainable option.
The other method is chemical, and this is what is commonly used to make bamboo rayon (also known as bamboo viscose). In this method, the bamboo is broken down into pulp using sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide to extract cellulose fibers. These fibers will then be spun into yarn and woven into the silky soft fabric we know as bamboo. While this method results in super silky bamboo textiles, it also raises concerns due to the harsh chemicals that could have a negative impact on the environment.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Benefits of Organic Cotton
- Organic cotton is free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for workers, wearers, and the environment.
- Organic cotton is known for its high-quality fibers that can stand the test of time and constantly reduce the need to replace clothing, bedding, and other textiles.
- Organic cotton also feels great against the skin (and is good for those with sensitive skin) and has a more luxurious feel than other fabrics, especially synthetic fabrics.
- Organic cotton is also a solid choice for the environment as it uses less water than conventional cotton, encourages crop rotation, and uses natural pesticides and eco-friendly farming methods, leading to healthier soil and better biodiversity.
Benefits of Bamboo Fabric
- Bamboo fabric is silky soft and naturally luxurious to the touch, making it a truly comfortable textile no matter if you are wearing harem pants, t-shirts, underwear, kaftans for women, and more.
- Bamboo fabric has natural moisture-wicking properties and is highly breathable, making it a good option for sleepwear, activewear, underwear, and bedding. This material will keep you cool and dry no matter what.
- Bamboo fabric is naturally antimicrobial, which means it inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria. This makes it a great option for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Bamboo is a highly sustainable crop as it grows faster than any other plant on the planet. It also assists with healthy soil regeneration and carbon sequestering and uses much less water than cotton.
Downsides to Consider
- Organic cotton can be more expensive to produce and yield less than conventional cotton. This can mean higher labor costs and more intensive labor, which leads to higher price points for organic cotton.
- One of bamboo's downsides can be the risk of greenwashing. Some methods of turning bamboo into fabric require chemicals, which, understandably, raises environmental concerns. If improper waste disposal is done, toxic chemicals could run into the surrounding natural environment and waterways.
Certification and Standards
It's always worth checking labels when buying cotton or bamboo linens to see if your product adheres to standards set out by certification boards. One of the ones you can look for when buying cotton is the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). This ensures that your cotton products meet stringent guidelines set out to ensure that the cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and uses methods that don't cause undue harm to the environment. Not only do these certifications help with environmental protection, but they also influence consumer trust as you know you are buying the real deal.
Bamboo fabrics have yet to meet the same certification standards as cotton, which can make purchasing a little more complex. However, you can still look for certifications and labels such as the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests for harmful substances in the fabric. Also, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification helps you choose sustainably sourced bamboo.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, organic cotton tends to be priced a little higher than bamboo. This is because organic cotton has such a labor-intensive production method. Bamboo lyocell also has a higher production cost than bamboo viscose or rayon products, so you may also find variations in how bamboo is priced. When it comes to financial decisions, it's always worth balancing cost with quality, and this means checking for higher thread counts, ensuring certifications and standards are met, and looking for the best you can find within your own unique price bracket.
Making the Right Choice for You
Whether you choose organic cotton or bamboo really depends on your own set of personal priorities. For some people, having a totally organic product that will stand the test of time is more important than choosing something based on sheer comfort alone. However, if you are a hot sleeper or someone who really requires a moisture-wicking material, bamboo can be a better choice. Making the right decision is often about making an informed decision, so make sure you ask brands about their production processes and environmental practices so you can make decisions that align with your personal beliefs and goals.
Conclusion
Both organic cotton and bamboo are beautiful choices for those who want a more sustainable solution when it comes to their fabric choices. Organic cotton is always a better choice than conventional cotton production, and bamboo fabric is a sustainable resource with many health and environmental benefits, too. Choosing which is best means weighing up what is important to you. If you really want to skip the risk of any chemical intervention, then organic cotton or bamboo lyocell is an excellent choice.
FAQs
Which is better organic cotton or bamboo
When it comes to bamboo Vs cotton, which is better really depends on your priorities, as both have pros and cons. Organic cotton is strong and durable and is made without chemicals. Bamboo has a silkier feel and is good for those who require moisture-wicking properties and have sensitive skin.
Is bamboo better than cotton for skin
Bamboo can be considered a better skin care choice. Bamboo fibers are naturally antimicrobial and can reduce bacterial and fungal growth.
Why choose bamboo over cotton
You may want to choose bamboo over cotton due to its moisture-wicking properties, the fact that it requires less water to grow than conventional cotton, the fact that it has many benefits for the environment, and the fact that it has a silky, soft feel against the skin.
Is bamboo as safe as cotton
Bamboo is considered a safe fabric, so it's popular for bedding, babies, and even underwear. However, some bamboo fabrics are made with chemical intervention, which can cause potential problems for the environment.
