Bamboo Fibres – Nature's Technical Fibre
Short answer: Bamboo fibres have several of the qualities people usually associate with technical sportswear. They move moisture away from the skin, help keep an even temperature, reduce odour and still feel soft. That is why bamboo is often described as nature's answer to a technical fibre.
What is a technical fibre
A technical fibre is a material developed to solve a specific task, such as moving sweat away during exercise. Usually it is polyester. Bamboo viscose handles several of the same tasks, but it is made from plant cellulose and feels much more like ordinary, soft clothing against the skin.
Moisture transport in a class of its own
Bamboo fibres absorb and release moisture faster than cotton. This keeps the skin drier, whether you sit still through a long working day or move around a lot. When moisture does not stay in the fabric, the garment does not feel clammy either.
Why bamboo suits your feet
Feet sweat more than most other parts of the body, and they are closed inside shoes all day. That is why the material is popular in men's bamboo socks and women's bamboo socks. Socks that move moisture away create a drier climate inside the shoe and can reduce odour.
Temperature regulation both ways
The structure of the fibre helps move heat and moisture away from the body when you are warm. When it is cold, the soft fabric sits close and holds on to some of the warmth. That does not make bamboo a winter material like wool, but it gives a more even feeling through the day.
Less odour in everyday life
Odour appears when bacteria thrive in damp fabric. Because bamboo moves moisture away quickly, the fabric stays drier, and many people notice that their clothes smell less after a long day. It does not mean the garment never needs washing, but it can often be aired and worn once more before it goes into the machine.
Soft as silk
Bamboo viscose has long, smooth fibres without the small scales found on wool. That is why the fabric lies smoothly against the skin and does not itch. Many compare the feel to silk. The soft handle is one of the reasons bamboo is often chosen for clothing that sits close to the body all day.
Soft but durable
Despite their softness, the fibres are durable and hold their shape when cared for properly. They keep their form in both everyday wear and exercise clothing, and the fabric pills less than many cotton qualities. The weakness is that the fibres are a little more fragile when wet, so a gentle wash matters.
Everyday wear and exercise
Because bamboo both moves moisture and feels soft, it works just as well at the office as on a walk. A men's bamboo T-shirt can be worn on its own in summer or as a base layer in winter. For many hours of hard training some people still prefer synthetics, but for light exercise and ordinary days bamboo does well.
How to care for the fibres
Wash at 30 to 40 degrees on a gentle programme and use a mild detergent without bleach. Avoid fabric softener, because it leaves a film on the fibres and can weaken moisture transport over time. Dry the clothes on a hanger or drying rack rather than in the tumble dryer, and the fabric keeps its shape longer.
What bamboo cannot do
Bamboo is not a miracle material. It dries more slowly than polyester, it is not windproof, and it is less warm than wool in severe cold. It is best for everyday clothing close to the body. Choose the material based on what the garment will be used for. See also bamboo socks against sweaty feet, bamboo and temperature regulation and bamboo for training.
Frequently asked questions
Why is bamboo called a technical fibre?
Because it moves moisture, helps with temperature and reduces odour, which are qualities usually found in sportswear. At the same time it feels as soft as ordinary clothing against the skin.
Is bamboo better than polyester for exercise?
For light exercise and everyday use bamboo works well and feels softer. For long, hard sessions polyester dries faster, so it depends on how you train.
Does bamboo clothing need washing less often?
Many people find it smells less and can be aired between wears. Still wash it regularly and gently at a low temperature so the fibres last as long as possible.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
