Bamboo clothing for the gym
Short answer: At the gym you sweat a lot in a short time. Bamboo viscose feels softer than synthetic sportswear and develops odour more slowly, but it holds its shape less well during hard training.
What bamboo is good for
Bamboo viscose is soft against the skin and develops odour more slowly than many synthetic fabrics. That is why many people use it for strength training, yoga and calm sessions where you move a lot but do not get soaked. See bamboo sportswear for women if you want to try it.
What technical fabric does better
For hard cardio, technical materials hold their shape better and dry faster. A fabric made for running and spinning can take more sweat without sagging. It is not a question of either or, but of what you are doing. Read more in bamboo versus technical sports fabric.
Underwear matters most
The innermost layer decides whether you feel clammy during training. Underpants that move moisture away and have flat seams chafe less during squats and lunges. Choose a fit that stays in place without squeezing the legs. See bamboo underpants for men for the styles.
Socks
Feet get wet in closed training shoes, and that is where odour starts. A sock that moves moisture away from the skin reduces smell and gives fewer blisters. Change socks after every session, even if they do not feel wet. See bamboo tennis socks for men, which suit most shoes.
After training
Change into dry clothes as soon as possible after training. Your body keeps sweating for a while, and a wet layer turns cold quickly once you step outside. Pack a towel and a clean set in your bag. More tips in after training.
To and from the gym
A set you can wear on the way saves a change. Soft trousers and a top over your sportswear keep you warm until you start. Afterwards you can put them on over a dry layer. See bamboo tracksuit for men if you want a set for the trip.
The bag
Wet clothes in a bag smell within a few hours. Bring a pouch for used clothes so the towel and the clean set stay dry. Empty the bag as soon as you get home and hang up anything that will not be washed straight away. Leave the bag open so it can air out.
Washing
Wash sportswear soon after use. The longer sweat stays in the fabric, the harder the smell is to remove. 40 degrees is enough for most items, and skip fabric softener, which clogs the fibres. Dry everything on a rack. See the washing guide for more.
Fit for training
Sportswear needs to follow every movement. Clothes that are too loose can get in the way on the machines, and clothes that are too tight restrict you when stretching. Try an exercise or two at home when the clothes arrive, so you know whether they fit as they should.
Several sets in rotation
If you train several times a week, two or three sets make life easier. One set can dry fully while you wear the next. That gives the clothes a longer life and means you do not have to wash midweek just because your only set is in the laundry basket.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo clothing good for training
Yes, for strength training and calm sessions where softness and slow odour build up count. For hard cardio, technical fabric holds its shape better and dries faster.
Why does sportswear smell
Because sweat and bacteria settle in the fibres, especially when clothes lie wet in the bag. Wash them soon after use and without fabric softener to keep them fresher.
How often should sportswear be washed
After every session. Socks and underwear should always be washed after use, while a top you only wore on the outside can be aired and worn once more.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
