Bamboo vs. Polyester – The Big Comparison
Short answer: In the comparison between bamboo and polyester, bamboo wins on comfort, odour and skin friendliness, while polyester wins on drying time and price at the budget end. Polyester is plastic that quickly starts to smell of sweat, while bamboo viscose is a cellulose fibre that breathes, feels soft and inhibits odour causing bacteria.
Bamboo vs polyester: the basic difference
Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from oil. It absorbs almost no moisture, so sweat stays on the skin and bacteria settle in the fabric, which explains the familiar smell of sports tops. Bamboo viscose absorbs and moves moisture away while inhibiting bacterial growth, so clothing stays fresh for longer.
Why polyester smells
Odour forms when bacteria break down sweat. Because polyester does not absorb moisture, sweat stays between skin and fabric, and bacteria thrive. Many people notice the smell lingers even after washing. Bamboo moves moisture out of the fabric and away from the skin, so the environment is drier and many find their clothes smell less.
Comfort against the skin
Polyester can feel smooth but also sticky when you sweat, and some find it itchy or irritating. Bamboo viscose is soft and cool against the skin and breathes well, so you are less likely to feel clammy. That makes bamboo a calm choice for clothing worn close to the body for many hours, at work and during exercise.
For training and everyday life
Odour is exactly why many people switch to bamboo for both daily life and exercise. Browse our bamboo activewear for women and bamboo T-shirts for men. A bamboo sports bra is a good place to start, because it sits close to the skin and is often worn for both training and everyday life.
Socks that keep feet dry
Feet sweat a lot and spend all day inside shoes. Polyester socks can create a damp environment in the shoe, while bamboo socks for men move moisture away and help keep feet dry. Many find this means less odour during the day and a more comfortable feel in their shoes.
Where polyester still has a point
Polyester dries very quickly and withstands heavy wear, so synthetic fibres make sense for rainwear and outer shells. It is often cheaper to produce too. But for clothing worn directly on the skin, bamboo is the more comfortable choice. A good solution is bamboo on the inside and polyester or another shell outside when the weather calls for it.
Care and washing
Polyester is tough, but odour can be hard to wash out. Bamboo is washed at 30 to 40 degrees with a mild detergent and no fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and weaken moisture transport. Because bamboo resists odour, it can often be aired and worn once more before it needs washing.
How to choose
Think about how close the clothing sits to your body and how long you wear it. For clothing against the skin, moderate training and long working days, bamboo is a good choice. For rain jackets and outerwear that must dry fast and handle wear, polyester still has its place. See also bamboo for training.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo better than polyester for training?
For light and moderate training, many find bamboo more comfortable, because it breathes and smells less. For rainwear and outer shells that need to dry very quickly, polyester still has an advantage.
Why does polyester smell more than bamboo?
Polyester absorbs almost no moisture, so sweat stays put and bacteria thrive. Bamboo moves moisture away and inhibits bacterial growth, so many people find their clothing stays fresh for longer.
Does bamboo dry as fast as polyester?
No, polyester dries faster. Bamboo dries fairly quickly but absorbs more moisture along the way. In return, it feels less clammy on the skin while you are wearing it.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
