Bamboo viscose versus acrylic
Short answer: Acrylic is cheap, warm and prone to pilling. Bamboo viscose is softer, cooler and smells less, but does not warm the same way.
What acrylic was made for
Acrylic was originally developed as a cheap substitute for wool in sweaters and knitwear. It warms well and holds its shape, but does not carry moisture away from the body and quickly feels clammy against the skin when you sweat. That is why acrylic is mostly found in outer layers and rarely in underwear worn close to the body.
Pilling is acrylic's weakness
Acrylic fibers are short and smooth, and they easily work their way out of the yarn through friction, rolling up into small pills over time. An acrylic sweater often pills heavily after just a few wears and washes. Bamboo viscose pills less, mostly early on. See sweatwear for examples of fabrics that stay neat longer.
Warmth versus comfort
Acrylic insulates better than bamboo viscose at the same fabric thickness and therefore holds body heat well in cold weather. On the other hand, you sweat easily in acrylic, because moisture stays put instead of being carried away from the skin. For a layer close to the skin, bamboo viscose is clearly the more comfortable choice.
What to use and when
Acrylic can make sense for an outer sweater meant to warm cheaply without costing too much to buy in the first place. Close to the skin and for anything worn for many hours, bamboo viscose is the better choice. See bamboo undershirt for women for an example of a soft layer close to the body.
Color and texture
Acrylic takes dye well and holds its color nicely for a long time without fading much even after many washes. Bamboo viscose also dyes well, but can fade a little faster with very hot washing or strong sunlight over time. For solid colored everyday clothing, both fibers work well if you wash according to the label.
Static electricity
Acrylic builds up static electricity easily, especially in dry winter weather, which can cause uncomfortable small shocks and clothing that clings to the skin. Bamboo viscose barely builds up static at all, because cellulose fibers generally hold more moisture than synthetic fibers do. See bamboo clothing for women for examples of clothing without that annoying static effect.
Price in practice
Acrylic is usually cheaper than bamboo viscose, because the raw material is a byproduct of the oil industry and easy to produce in bulk. Bamboo viscose costs a bit more, but often lasts longer because the risk of pilling is lower over time. The price difference therefore partly evens out over the full lifetime of the garment in the closet.
Washing and care
Acrylic cannot be washed or dried at high heat, since the fiber melts and deforms under too much heat exposure over time. Bamboo viscose washes at thirty degrees and should not be wrung hard, since the fiber is weakest when wet. Always read the care label closely before washing the two materials together in one machine.
Blended fabrics in practice
Many sweaters blend acrylic and bamboo viscose to get both warmth and a softer surface against the skin in a single garment. The blend pills less than pure acrylic and holds heat better than pure bamboo viscose on its own. Read the care label to see the exact ratio between the two fibers used.
Frequently asked questions
Does acrylic smell faster
Yes, similar to polyester, because fat from sweat stays on the synthetic fiber surface instead of being carried away from the skin. Bamboo viscose smells less after a long day, because moisture is absorbed into the fiber itself.
Can you wash acrylic in hot water
No. Acrylic melts and deforms in high heat, both in the washing machine and in the tumble dryer afterward. Always follow the care label instructions to avoid damaging the sweater unnecessarily during washing or drying.
Is acrylic cheaper than bamboo viscose
Usually yes to buy, but durability is often shorter because of pilling that develops quickly with regular wear. Over time the price difference between the two materials therefore evens out somewhat in practice.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
