Bamboo clothing and why it feels different from cotton
Short answer: Bamboo viscose has a smoother fibre surface than cotton. That is why it feels cooler and smoother against the skin, even when the fabric weight is the same, and it is also the reason it drapes differently.
A smoother fibre surface
Cotton fibres are twisted and have a rough surface. Viscose fibres are spun and have a smooth surface. You feel the difference directly against the skin, especially in close fitting clothes worn for many hours at a time. Many describe it as silky, even though the fabric is ordinary jersey. See bamboo T-shirts for men.
Why it feels cool
A smooth surface conducts heat away slightly faster than a rough one. Together with moisture transport, that creates a feeling of coolness, especially when you first put the clothes on in the morning. It does not mean the fabric itself is cold, only that it draws warmth from the skin a little faster than cotton.
It drapes differently
Viscose hangs heavier and more vertically than cotton, which stands further away from the body. That is why dresses and tops in viscose hang differently and follow the lines of the body more closely. A bamboo T-shirt usually sits softer and has fewer sharp creases than a similar cotton one. See bamboo T-shirts for women.
Cotton holds its shape better
Cotton springs back into shape better after many washes. Viscose becomes softer but also more yielding over time. That is not a fault but a property of the material worth knowing about. If you choose a fit that is not too tight, the garment keeps a neat look for longer. See sweatwear.
Moisture and sweat
Both cotton and viscose absorb moisture, but viscose does it faster and spreads it over a larger area. That makes it easier for the moisture to evaporate, and the fabric feels drier against the skin for longer. Cotton, on the other hand, can become heavy and sticky once it has absorbed a lot of moisture.
Weight and thickness
A bamboo viscose fabric and a cotton fabric can weigh exactly the same and still feel completely different. The difference lies in the fibre surface and the way the fabric drapes, not in how much fabric there is. That is why comparing two T-shirts by weight alone does not always make sense.
What suits what
Bamboo viscose is a good choice for clothes that sit close to the skin, such as underwear, T-shirts and nightwear. Cotton is a good choice for clothes that need to hold a shape, such as shirts and thick sweatshirts. Many wardrobes have room for both, and the two materials complement each other well in layers.
Wash them differently
Viscose tolerates less heat than cotton. 40 degrees is the limit for everyday use, while cotton can often handle 60. Skip fabric softener and dry on low heat or on a line. If you wash a mixed load, choose the programme for the most delicate item in the machine. Read more under washing and care.
Feel the difference yourself
The easiest way to understand the difference is to have a T-shirt in each material and wear them in turn. After a few days you will notice which feels better in which situations. Many people end up wearing bamboo closest to the skin and cotton for the pieces that should hold their shape.
Frequently asked questions
Why does bamboo feel smoother than cotton?
Because viscose fibres have a smooth surface, whereas cotton fibres are twisted and rough. You notice the difference most in clothes that sit close to the skin for many hours at a time.
Does cotton hold its shape better?
Yes, over many washes. Viscose becomes softer but also more yielding, so choose a fit that is not too tight if you want the garment to keep a neat look for a long time.
Can bamboo be washed as hot as cotton?
No. 40 degrees is the limit for everyday use of bamboo viscose. If you wash it together with cotton, choose the programme for the most delicate item in the machine.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
