Are Viscose and Bamboo the Same Thing?

Short answer: Not quite. Bamboo is the plant, viscose is the production method. Bamboo viscose is viscose made from bamboo – but viscose can also be made from wood such as beech or spruce. So if the label only says "viscose", you do not know whether the raw material is bamboo.

Viscose is a method, bamboo is a raw material

Viscose is made by dissolving plant cellulose chemically and spinning it into new fibres. The raw material can be bamboo, beech, spruce or eucalyptus. Are bamboo and viscose the same thing? No – but bamboo viscose is one particular kind of viscose. See the differences between the processes in bamboo lyocell vs. bamboo rayon.

What does that mean in practice?

In use, viscose fibres are much alike: soft, smooth and moisture-wicking. Bamboo does have an advantage as a raw material, though, because the plant grows quickly without irrigation or spraying. You can read about that side honestly in the guide to bamboo viscose and the environment.

How to read the care label

If it says "viscose (bamboo)" or "bamboo viscose", the raw material is bamboo. With us, bamboo viscose is at the heart of the range – from bamboo underwear for men and bamboo underwear for women to bamboo socks for men.

Frequently asked questions

Is bamboo viscose real bamboo?

The raw material is real bamboo, but the fibres are made chemically from the plant's cellulose. The fabric is therefore not woven from raw bamboo fibres.

Can viscose be made from something other than bamboo?

Yes. Viscose is also made from woods such as beech, spruce and eucalyptus. The label tells you which raw material has been used.

Does bamboo viscose feel different from ordinary viscose?

The difference is small to the touch. Both are soft and smooth, but bamboo viscose is known for particularly good moisture transport and breathability.