Bamboo and UV Protection – Myth or Fact?

Short answer: Bamboo and UV protection is partly a myth. All clothing shields you from 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.

What do the facts say?

The UV protection of a fabric depends mainly on how tight the weave is, the thickness and the colour, not on the plant fibre itself. In some tests bamboo viscose does slightly better than thin, light coloured cotton, but the difference is not big enough to call bamboo clothing sun protection.

Why bamboo is still good in the sun

The strength of bamboo clothing in summer is the comfort: it is breathable, moisture wicking and cool to wear. A loose bamboo T-shirt for men or a light bamboo T-shirt dress covers your skin without feeling hot. Read why in the post about bamboo and temperature regulation.

The honest recommendation

Use sunscreen and shade as your real protection, and let the bamboo clothing do what it is best at: keeping you dry and comfortable on hot days. See a summer ready wardrobe under bamboo shorts for men and bamboo tops for women.

Frequently asked questions

Does bamboo clothing protect against the sun's UV rays?

Clothing in general gives some UV protection, and tightly woven bamboo viscose naturally shields you from the sun. But bamboo clothing is not certified UV clothing, so do not rely on it as your only protection.

Is bamboo better UV protection than cotton?

Some studies suggest that bamboo viscose can shield slightly better than thin cotton, but the difference depends mostly on how dense the fabric is and its colour.

What should I do in strong sun?

Use sunscreen, seek shade and add clothing that covers your skin. Bamboo clothing is comfortable in the heat, but it does not replace sunscreen.