Bamboo vs. Technical Sportswear Fabric – Nature's Answer to Polyester

Short answer: If you want workout clothes without polyester, bamboo viscose is the strongest nature based alternative. Bamboo breathes, wicks sweat and smells markedly less than technical sportswear fabric. Polyester dries faster during hard sport, but pays the price in odour.

The duel: bamboo against technical fabric

Polyester is light and quick drying, but it takes up no moisture, so the sweat sits clammy against your skin, and the smell settles into the fibres, so the top smells after just a few minutes of activity. Bamboo viscose takes up the sweat and moves it on, and gives the bacteria poor conditions. Read the full comparison in bamboo for training.

When does which one win?

For everyday exercise, walks, yoga and strength training, bamboo is the comfortable winner. See bamboo workout clothes for women, a supportive bamboo sports bra or a breathable bamboo T-shirt for men.

Do not forget your feet

Sweaty workout feet are the classic problem, and here bamboo trainer socks make a big difference, as described in the post about bamboo socks for sweaty feet.

Frequently asked questions

Is bamboo better than polyester for training?

For moderate training and everyday exercise, many people prefer bamboo, because it smells markedly less and feels softer. Polyester dries faster during very intense sport.

Why do polyester workout clothes smell so quickly?

Polyester takes up no moisture, so the sweat stays on your skin and on the surface of the fabric, where odour bacteria thrive. The smell also settles into the fibres over time.

Which bamboo clothing is good for training?

Breathable T-shirts, a sports bra and workout clothes in bamboo viscose, plus bamboo socks that keep your feet dry.