Bamboo and UV Protection – Myth or Fact?
Short answer: Bamboo and UV protection is partly a myth. All clothing screens out some of the sun's rays, and tightly woven bamboo viscose does too. But bamboo clothing is not certified UV protection, and you should still use sunscreen in strong sun.
Where does the myth come from
The claim that bamboo protects against UV is often repeated online. It is usually based on the fact that the bamboo plant copes well with sun, or on single measurements of specific fabrics. But the plant and the finished fabric are two different things, and the viscose process changes the fibre.
What do the facts say
A fabric's UV protection depends mainly on how tightly it is woven, how thick it is and its colour, not on the plant fibre itself. Bamboo viscose can in some cases do a little better than thin, light cotton, but the difference is not big enough to call bamboo clothing sun protection.
Density, thickness and colour
The tighter a fabric is knitted or woven, the fewer rays get through the small gaps. Thick fabric blocks more than thin, and dark colours absorb more than light ones. If you hold a T-shirt up to the light and can see through it, the sun gets through as well.
What about UPF labels
Clothing made specifically for sun protection is tested and labelled with a UPF value, which tells you how much of the radiation the fabric blocks. Ordinary bamboo clothing does not carry such a label, so you should not rely on it as protection in strong sun.
Why bamboo is still good in the sun
Bamboo clothing's strength in summer is comfort. It is breathable, moves sweat away and feels cool to wear. A loose bamboo T-shirt for men covers shoulders and back without feeling warm and clammy, even on a long day in the city.
Light and airy for women
On hot days, a light dress is often the most comfortable thing to wear. A bamboo T-shirt dress falls softly, covers more skin than a top and keeps you dry. Combine it with a hat and sunscreen on bare arms and legs.
Tops for warm days
A bamboo top feels pleasant on the skin and helps keep you dry as temperatures rise. Bamboo tops for women can be worn alone or under a thin shirt if you want to cover your shoulders more when the sun is at its highest.
Shorts for summer
Bamboo shorts are airy and feel cool against the skin on warm days. Bamboo shorts for men are great for holidays, the garden and weekends, but remember that your legs are unprotected, so sunscreen is still needed when you spend a long time in the sun.
The honest recommendation
Use sunscreen, shade and a hat as your real protection, and avoid the strongest midday sun. Let bamboo clothing do what it does best: keep you dry and comfortable on warm days. If you have particularly sensitive skin or skin problems, talk to your doctor.
Making summer clothes last
Sun, sweat and salt wear on all clothing. Wash bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees with a mild detergent and no fabric softener, and dry it in the shade so the colours do not fade. That way your summer clothes keep their colour and shape for many seasons. See also bamboo and temperature regulation.
Frequently asked questions
Does bamboo clothing protect against UV rays?
Partly, as all clothing does. Protection depends on the fabric's density, thickness and colour, and ordinary bamboo clothing is not certified as UV protection. So keep using sunscreen in strong sun.
Is dark bamboo clothing better in the sun?
Dark colours absorb more rays than light ones and therefore usually block a little more. On the other hand, dark clothing can feel warmer when the sun shines directly on it for a long time.
Why choose bamboo in summer?
Because it is breathable, moves sweat away and feels cool against the skin. That makes bamboo comfortable on warm days, even though it does not replace sunscreen or shade as protection.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
