Antistatic Clothing – No More Little Shocks and Static Hair
Short answer: Anti static clothing is clothing that does not build up static electricity. In practice, bamboo viscose is anti static because the fibres hold moisture that carries the charge away. That spares you small shocks and hair that stands on end when you pull off your jumper.
Why does clothing get static
Static electricity appears when two surfaces rub against each other and exchange charge. It happens mostly in dry winter air, where there is very little moisture to carry the charge away. When you then touch a door handle or another person, the charge is released as a small shock.
Synthetic fabrics are the worst
Polyester, acrylic and nylon hold almost no moisture, so they cannot lead the charge away. Most people know the result: crackling as a top comes over your head, small shocks and a skirt that clings to your tights. The more synthetic layers you wear, the bigger the problem tends to be.
Why bamboo helps
Bamboo viscose naturally contains a little moisture, even when the fabric feels dry. Damp fibres lead electricity away before it has time to build up. Bamboo does not remove static completely, but many people notice a clear difference, especially in the layers closest to the body.
The layer against the skin matters most
The innermost layer rubs against both the skin and the next layer of clothing. If that layer can lead the charge away, the whole outfit becomes calmer. A bamboo vest for women under your knitwear is therefore a simple place to start if you often get shocks in winter.
Tights without a clinging skirt
Many people know the annoyance of a dress or skirt that sticks to the legs. Bamboo tights build up less charge than many synthetic versions, so the fabric on top falls more freely. That can make a big difference over a long day at the office.
Leggings for everyday wear
Leggings fit closely and are often worn under dresses, long tops or on their own. Leggings in bamboo are soft, breathable and less likely to crackle when you get into the car or stand up from an office chair with a synthetic cover.
Vests for men
Men also get shocks from shirts and jumpers in dry air. Vests for men in bamboo sit as a calm layer between skin and shirt, absorb sweat and at the same time help keep static electricity down throughout the day.
Long johns for cold days
When it is really cold, the air is often extra dry, and that is exactly when static thrives. Long johns in bamboo add an extra layer of warmth without the crackling feel synthetic base layers can give. They are also comfortable to sleep in.
More simple tips against static
Keep humidity up indoors, for example with a bowl of water on the radiator or a humidifier. Avoid fabric softener on bamboo, as it can change the fibres' ability to hold moisture. And mix natural materials in several layers so you are not wearing synthetics all the way through.
A realistic expectation
Bamboo reduces static electricity but cannot remove it entirely. If you wear a synthetic jacket or a dry wool jumper on the outside, shocks can still happen. You get the most benefit by choosing bamboo for the layers that touch your skin and combining it with the other tips. See also the bamboo undershirt as a base layer.
Frequently asked questions
Why does some clothing cause static electricity?
When fabrics rub together, they exchange charge. Synthetic fibres hold almost no moisture and cannot lead the charge away, so it builds up and is released as a shock.
Is bamboo completely anti static?
Not entirely, but the fibres naturally contain moisture that carries the charge away. Many people therefore notice far fewer shocks and less crackling, especially when bamboo is the layer closest to the skin.
How do I avoid static hair in winter?
Choose an inner layer in a moisture holding material such as bamboo, keep indoor humidity up and avoid jumpers made entirely of synthetics. Your hair will then be less likely to stand on end.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
