Bamboo Fabric vs. Traditional Clothing: What’s Best for Your Skin?

Bamboo clothing has been labeled as soft and breathable, perfect for sensitive skin. It has also been marketed as sustainable and eco-friendly, with natural antibacterial properties and UV protection. This may make it sound like an ideal fabric, especially if you've been searching for gentler materials for you or your loved ones. But how much of it is true?

What is bamboo fabric?

Bamboo fabrics are derived from the bamboo plant, a perennial member of the grass family. The plant can thrive in many climates, growing and regenerating rapidly with little or no pesticide use. It's also lightweight and strong, with natural antimicrobial traits.

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What is bamboo fabric

A versatile plant with many uses, it's no wonder that bamboo can also be turned into fabric. It has been used for clothing, bedding, towels, mats, and surgical wear. There are two main ways to process bamboo into fabric:

  • Mechanical processing involves crushing bamboo and treating it with enzymes to separate the fibers. The fibers are then mechanically combed out and spun into yarn. Under a microscope, the fiber will be recognizable as bamboo. This method may be considered more eco-friendly but costly and labor-intensive.
  • Chemical processing. Bamboo is crushed, turned into cellulose, and subjected to strong chemicals. It is then reconverted into cellulose bamboo fiber and spun into yarn. The result is essentially rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber. This process is simpler and cheaper than mechanical processing, but it often uses caustic chemicals and releases harmful environmental byproducts.

Types of bamboo fabric

Bamboo fabrics have different characteristics depending on how they are made. They may also be blended with other types of material, such as cotton and spandex.

Some of the most common types of bamboo fabric are:

  • Bamboo linen. Also known as 'fine bamboo,' this fabric is manufactured through mechanical processing. These natural bamboo fibers generally have greater strength and durability, but the material may feel coarse and stiff compared to other types of bamboo fabric.
  • Bamboo rayon or viscose. The terms 'rayon' and 'viscose' are often used interchangeably, although viscose is a type of rayon. Collectively, they may also be called 'regenerated bamboo.' These fabrics are usually soft and silky. They are frequently marketed as having the natural benefits of bamboo, even though the final product often has no traces of the original plant.
  • Bamboo lyocell. Lyocell is a special type of rayon fabric that also uses chemical processing. The difference is that the bamboo fibers are extracted through a closed-loop process, which recycles the chemicals and may reduce pollutant emissions to the atmosphere. Compared to rayon or viscose, lyocell may wear out faster. It is also more expensive to produce.

Bamboo versus traditional fabrics

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How does bamboo compare to traditional clothing fabrics like cotton or other synthetics? The answer depends on factors such as the fabric's type, quality, and weave. Bamboo fibers are also affected by the age and cellulose concentration of the plant, as well as the method of extraction and processing.

Bamboo vs. cotton clothing

Cotton is often compared to bamboo. Considering the above factors, some fabrics derived from bamboo can be softer than cotton. With proper care, some may also be more durable. Conversely, cotton fabrics can be cheaper than bamboo-derived fabrics, depending on the type and manufacturing process.

One study compared the performance of three fabrics in a warm environment: 100% regenerated bamboo, 100% cotton, and a 50:50 regenerated bamboo and cotton blend. The results suggested that 100% regenerated bamboo material could perform better than the other two fabrics because it can reduce heat storage and garment thickness while maintaining comfort.

Bamboo vs. synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics come from chemically produced fibers instead of natural sources. These include polyester, nylon, and microfiber. Each has different characteristics, but they are usually cheaper than fabrics derived from bamboo.

Traditional synthetic products are also generally non-biodegradable, meaning they can take years to decompose. Some are also known to release microplastics during washing. On the other hand, organic, natural bamboo fibers are biodegradable. Regenerated bamboo fabrics, with added chemicals, are less environmentally friendly and take longer to break down.

Some studies compare bamboo with specific synthetic textiles. In a 2023 study that compared bamboo and polyester textiles, researchers compared durability based on color fading, loose thread, and shrinkage through wash and dry tests. They did not find a significant difference between the two fabrics. Limitations included using only one brand of washer and dryer, variations in room lighting, and response bias. Furthermore, the textiles used were shirts labeled as 100% bamboo and 100% polyester, but other characteristics were not specified.

Benefits of bamboo fabric

Bamboo fabric has been marketed for several benefits, including breathability, softness, UV protection, and natural antibiotic properties. However, as previously described, these characteristics also depend on the type of bamboo fabric and processing.

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Benefits of bamboo fabric

Breathable and moisture-wicking

The hollow cross-sections, grooves, and micro-cracks in bamboo fiber clothing may contribute to its breathability and moisture-regulating properties. This can also make the material feel more relaxed than other fabrics, such as polyester.

Soft and comfortable

Chemically processed bamboo fabric is known for being soft and comfortable. Natural bamboo fibers are coarse because the mechanically extracted fibers come in different lengths. When the fibers are chemically processed, however, they can have longer lengths with predetermined diameters, making them feel softer.

UV protective

Bamboo fabrics have been used to make ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing. Some have additional UV chemical finishes, while others do not. The amount of UV protection may also change over time.

In a 2023 study, researchers examined seven garments claiming UV protection. Of the seven garments, two brands had bamboo-derived material, specifically viscose from bamboo. The first one (Brand A) had nano zinc as additional UV protection, with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) claim of 50+. The second one (Brand B) had no additional UV treatments and had a UPF claim of 20+. After 50 washes, both brands maintained UPF claims, although Brand A had a UPF reduction of 78%.

Antibacterial properties

Antibacterial clothing is designed to prevent bacteria present in the skin from attaching to fabric, reducing potential body odor and maintaining hygiene. Bamboo clothing has been marketed as naturally antibacterial, but according to the Federal Trade Commission, this may be misleading. The most common bamboo fabric is made from regenerated bamboo fibers that undergo chemical processing. There is no reliable evidence that regenerated bamboo fibers are 'naturally antibacterial.'

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Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin

If you or a loved one has sensitive skin, such as eczema, you may have heard that bamboo is one of the recommended types of material for clothing. This is because fabric derived from bamboo is often soft and breathable, with temperature-regulating qualities. For those prone to skin irritation, a softer and cooler material may be beneficial. However, remember that soft bamboo fabric is often processed through harsh chemicals, so it may or may not cause a skin reaction.

Potential drawbacks of bamboo fabric

Bamboo fabric may be slower to dry because it's highly absorbent. Certain types may also wrinkle more easily. Because of its manufacturing, it may also be more expensive than other fabrics. Furthermore, sustainability and environmental concerns exist, even though it may be marketed as 'green.'

How to care for bamboo clothing

Because bamboo fabric can come in different blends, it's best to check the care label and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

In general, use cold to warm water to wash the clothes. Avoid hot water, which can cause the garment to shrink. For sensitive skin, avoid harsh detergents.

Handwash and air-dry, or choose a gentle cycle in the washer and low heat in the dryer. When ironing, use the low setting to prevent the fibers from burning.

Is bamboo fabric eco-friendly?

Bamboo cultivation can have positive and negative impacts on the environment. There are also concerns regarding chemical processing and ethical considerations.

Environmental impacts of bamboo growth

Bamboo has been promoted as a sustainable resource because it grows and matures quickly. Bamboo cultivation may require less water, pesticides, and fertilizers than cotton cultivation. Additionally, bamboo forests have the potential for carbon storage and sequestration. Bamboo plants have also been used for windbreaks and erosion control.

Conversely, certain species of bamboo have been recognized as invasive. Because they are resilient and grow quickly, they can crowd out and displace native plants. They can also create dense shade, making it hard for other plants to survive.

There's also a phenomenon called 'mass flowering.' During mass flowering, a bamboo forest will produce many seeds. Then, the bamboo forest will die. The timing can vary and fluctuate between species, from 10 to 150+ years. This phenomenon has been associated with rodent outbreaks and famine, impacting livelihood.

Chemical processing concerns

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urges consumers to be mindful when purchasing 'bamboo' products chemically processed into rayon or viscose. As previously discussed throughout this article, these end products may not have the marketed benefits of natural bamboo. Furthermore, the use of environmentally toxic chemicals and the emission of pollutants hardly makes them 'green.' This may also lead to ethical concerns regarding safe work environments for workers.

According to the FTC, only products directly made from bamboo fibers may be labeled 'bamboo.' If the textile fibers were sourced from bamboo but chemically processed into rayon, they should be labeled as 'rayon (or viscose) made from bamboo.' In 2022, the Department of Justice penalized retailers for deceptive claims about products allegedly made of bamboo, resulting in combined penalties of $5.5 million.

The future of sustainable bamboo fabric

Recent innovations in the bamboo textile industry have included greener processing, such as the closed-loop process used for lyocell. Manufacturers are also encouraged to use sustainable farming and harvesting practices.

Companies can apply for certifications, such as OEKO-TEX and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), that can help consumers identify safer, sustainable, and ethical products.

  1. OEKO-TEX has several labels. STANDARD 100 tests the product against a list of harmful substances that could be harmful to human and environmental health. MADE IN GREEN goes a step further, making sure that the product is made in safe, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible workplaces. To verify the validity of an OEKO-TEX certification, you can use their Label Check tool.
  2. GOTS certification verifies that the product is certified organic (at least 70%) and sustainable in every processing step. It also has due diligence, human rights, and social criteria, such as gender equality and the prohibition of forced labor. Accredited third-party certification bodies do onsite inspections. You can verify a GOTS certification through their Certified Suppliers Database.

Is bamboo fabric right for you?

Ultimately, you'll have to make the final decision. Fabrics derived from bamboo can be soft, breathable, and moisture-regulating. However, remember that not all bamboo fabrics are the same. The quality, manufacturing process, fabric blends, and clothing care may differ. Dig a little deeper if the product is advertised as eco-friendly and naturally antibacterial. You can also check for certifications to help you identify safer products for you and the environment.

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