A bamboo shirt for women
Short answer: A shirt in bamboo viscose is softer and drapes more than a classic cotton shirt. The collar is softer too, so it suits everyday wear, travel and relaxed days better than very formal occasions.
Drape rather than stiffness
The fabric follows the body instead of standing away from it. That gives a calmer look without sharp creases and a shirt that feels light to wear all day. It goes well with softly draping trousers and with a skirt. See bamboo shirts for women.
The collar
A soft collar lies flat against the neck and collarbone instead of standing up. That is comfortable, but it looks more relaxed. If the collar needs to stand crisply for a meeting or a party, a classic cotton shirt with a stiff collar is the right choice.
As a layer
The shirt can be worn open over a T-shirt or top like a light jacket. That is useful in spring and autumn, when the temperature changes during the day. Tie it at the waist if it is long, or roll up the sleeves. See bamboo tops for women.
On holiday
A shirt that hardly creases in your bag is worth a lot when travelling. You can put it on straight after arrival, and it looks neat for both day and evening. Roll it instead of folding it to avoid sharp creases. See bamboo clothing for the summer holiday.
Under the shirt
A thin top under the shirt absorbs sweat before it reaches the shirt fabric. That keeps the shirt fresh for longer and reduces the risk of marks under the arms. Choose a top close to your skin tone if the shirt is light or thin. See bamboo vest for women.
Ironing
Bamboo viscose shirts are ironed on low heat, ideally while slightly damp. Too much heat can leave shiny marks on the fabric. Iron inside out if needed to protect the surface. Often it is enough to hang the shirt in the bathroom during a hot shower. See should bamboo clothing be ironed.
Fit
Because the fabric drapes softly, the shirt can be slightly loose without looking too big. Measure across the chest of a shirt you know and compare it with the product measurements. If it is tight across the chest, the buttons pull, and the larger size is the better choice.
At work
In many workplaces a soft shirt is fine for everyday wear, especially in a calm colour such as white, black or navy. Pair it with smart trousers and the whole outfit looks tidy. For very formal occasions, a stiffer shirt is still the safe choice.
Washing
Wash the shirt at 40 degrees and hang it up straight after washing so the creases do not set. Button the top buttons while it hangs so the collar keeps its shape. Avoid the tumble dryer, as heat can shrink the fabric. See the washing guide.
Buttons and seams
Check the buttons after a few washes. A loose button is easy to sew back on before it gets lost. Wash the shirt with the buttons done up so the buttonholes do not pull on the fabric. That way the shirt keeps its shape and calm look for many seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Can the collar stand up?
No, not like on a cotton shirt. Bamboo viscose gives a softer collar that lies flat. If you need a crisp standing collar, a classic cotton shirt is the right choice.
Does the shirt crease?
Less than cotton. Hang it up straight after washing so the creases do not set, and often it is enough to hang it in the bathroom during a hot shower.
How do I iron a bamboo shirt?
On low heat and ideally while the fabric is slightly damp. Iron it inside out to avoid shiny marks, and use no more heat than you need.
See our range of women's bamboo shirts.
