Bamboo clothing and how the colours behave over time
Short answer: Dark colours go matt from surface wear, light colours go grey from dirt, and strong colours fade from sunlight. Three colour groups, three different paths.
Darks go matt
Black and navy do not lose the colour, but the surface is worn rough and reflects the light differently. Wash inside out. See bamboo T-shirts for men.
Lights go grey
White and light colours pick up dirt and colour from other clothing. Wash them separately and at 40 degrees. See washing and care.
Strong colours fade in sun
Red, blue and green lose intensity from direct sunlight, especially on wet fabric. Dry in the shade. See bamboo T-shirt for women.
Wash like with like
New dark pieces release colour for the first five washes. Keep them away from lights until then. See sweat clothing.
Buy with that in mind
If you want something that looks the same for several years, navy and black are the safest choices. See loungewear in bamboo for women.
Frequently asked questions
Why does black clothing go matt?
Because the surface is worn rough. The colour is still in the fibre.
Why do strong colours fade?
From direct sunlight, especially when the fabric is wet. Dry in the shade.
Which colours hold up best?
Navy and black, if they are washed inside out and dried without high heat.