Bamboo viscose versus organic cotton

Short answer: Organic refers to how the crop is grown, not to how the fabric feels. Bamboo viscose is softer and cooler, cotton is stronger and more absorbent.

What organic means

The label concerns how the cotton was grown, meaning without a range of pesticides and synthetic fertiliser. The finished fibre behaves like ordinary cotton in a garment. It is a production difference rather than a material one.

How they behave in clothing

Cotton absorbs a lot of water and gets heavy when wet. Bamboo viscose also absorbs moisture but releases it to the air faster. That is why bamboo feels drier after an hour of sweating. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

Strength and lifespan

Cotton is stronger, especially wet, and survives more hard washes. Bamboo viscose is weaker in water, which is why you should not wring it. See bamboo clothing for men.

Which is softer

Bamboo viscose is smoother and has less friction against the skin. Cotton softens over time but starts rougher. For underwear, bamboo wins for most people. See bamboo underwear for women.

Frequently asked questions

Can bamboo be organically grown

Bamboo usually needs neither spraying nor irrigation, but certifications for viscose mostly concern the process.

Which shrinks more

They are close. Both shrink most with heat and almost not at all at thirty degrees.

Which is better for towels

Cotton absorbs more water. Bamboo dries faster and feels softer.