Bamboo sweats and why they are not the same as cotton

Short answer: Cotton sweatwear soaks up sweat and gets heavy. Bamboo viscose moves the moisture on and dries faster. You notice the difference most when you wear it for several hours in a row, and less when you only wear it briefly.

The difference shows after an hour

Cotton holds moisture inside the fibres, so it stays close to the skin. Bamboo viscose releases it to the air. That is why a cotton set turns clammy after a while, while a bamboo set keeps feeling dry. In the first half hour you notice little. See the range in sweatwear.

The softness is different

Bamboo viscose is smooth and soft and drapes heavily against the body. Cotton sweat is often brushed on the inside and feels airier and drier. Neither is better in itself, but they give two different feelings. If you like a smooth fabric that follows the body, you will probably prefer bamboo.

Weight before material

A thin set is useful indoors all year, whether it is cotton or bamboo. A thick set is only right in winter, whatever the material. So think first about how warm you want to be, and choose the material afterwards. Weight decides more about your comfort than the fibre does.

For training or for the sofa

For training, stretch and a close fit matter, because the fabric should follow the body without hanging. For the sofa, softness and a waistband that does not pinch after two hours matter. These are two different jobs, so different clothes make sense. See bamboo activewear for women.

Shape over time

Cotton sweat can shrink in the wash and lose its shape at the knees and elbows. Bamboo viscose with a little elastane springs back better after wear. Pure viscose without stretch can sag a little if dried on high heat. So dry your sets on low heat, whatever the material, and they keep their shape longest.

Odour after wear

When clothing keeps the skin drier, moisture does not get trapped to the same degree. Many people find that bamboo sets smell less after a long day than cotton ones. It depends on how much you sweat and how the clothes are washed. Air the set between wears, and it often lasts a few days.

Colour and pilling

Bamboo viscose takes colour well and looks smooth, but dark shades can show dust and hair. Cotton sweat often pills more, especially on the inside and under the arms. Wash both types inside out and with similar fabrics, and the surface stays neat for longer.

Washing without fabric softener

Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that cancels out the very moisture transport you bought the set for. Wash at 40 degrees with a mild detergent and dry on low heat or on a hanger. The full instructions are in washing and care if you want more detail.

When cotton is fine

Cotton is not a bad choice. For short spells on the sofa, for cold days when you do not sweat, or when you prefer a dry and brushed feel, cotton sweat works well. Bamboo gives the most when you wear the clothes for many hours or get a little warm along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is bamboo sweatwear warm enough?

Indoors, yes, especially a thicker set. For cold weather outside you need another layer on top, because sweatwear does not stop the wind, whatever the material.