Does Bamboo Clothing Need Ironing?
Short answer: Usually not. Bamboo clothing creases less than cotton and smooths itself out if you hang it up straight after washing. If you do need to iron, for example a shirt, use low heat, ideally with steam, and iron it inside out.
Why you can usually skip it
The smooth, supple fibres of bamboo viscose fall into place on their own as the garment hangs and dries. The fabric is heavy enough for gravity to pull most creases out. Much of the work an iron would otherwise do therefore happens by itself on the drying rack.
Hang it up straight away
The most important rule is to take the laundry out of the machine as soon as the programme ends. Clothes left crumpled in the drum develop creases that are hard to remove. Shake each garment a couple of times, and put it on a hanger or drying rack right away.
Smooth with your hands
While the clothing is damp, you can smooth seams, collars and cuffs with your hands. Pull gently lengthways so the seams lie straight, and press the collar into shape. It takes half a minute and often saves you getting the iron out later.
Clothes that never need ironing
T-shirts, underwear and nightwear never need ironing. A set of bamboo nightwear looks fine when hung up wet. The same goes for bamboo bedding, if you fold it while it is still slightly damp and put it away once it is dry.
Shirts for men
A bamboo shirt for men can benefit from a light press, especially for a smarter occasion. Put it on a hanger straight after washing, fasten the top button, and smooth the front. Often only the collar and button placket need the iron.
Pyjama shirts for women
A pyjama shirt for women with a collar and buttons can also get a quick press if you want a crisper look. For everyday use it is rarely necessary. Hang it up straight away, and let the weight of the fabric do the work as it dries.
How to iron bamboo
Use a low to medium heat, often marked with one or two dots on the iron. Iron inside out, and rely on steam rather than high heat and pressure. Let the iron glide lightly over the fabric instead of pressing down, and stop if the fabric starts to look shiny.
Avoid shiny marks
Too much heat can leave shiny marks and damage the fibres. If you are unsure, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric. Test the heat on an inside seam first. A shiny mark is hard to remove again, so it is better to start low.
Steam instead of ironing
A handheld steamer is gentle and quick for bamboo. Hang the garment up, and let the steam release the creases without any pressure. It preserves the soft drape of the fabric better than ironing. Without a steamer, hang the garment in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.
Avoid the tumble dryer
The tumble dryer often causes more creases, not fewer, because the clothes lie bunched together in the heat. It also wears on bamboo fibres and can make garments shrink. Air drying on a hanger or rack is both the gentlest option and the one that leaves you with the least ironing afterwards. See also complete washing guide for bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Can you iron bamboo clothing?
Yes, but on a low to medium heat, inside out and ideally with steam. Too much heat can leave shiny marks and damage the fibres, so always start on a low setting.
How do I stop bamboo clothing from creasing?
Take the laundry out of the machine straight away, shake it out, and hang it on a hanger or rack. Smooth seams and collars with your hands while the clothing is still damp.
Is a steamer better than an iron for bamboo?
For most items, yes. A steamer releases creases without pressure and keeps the soft drape of the fabric. An iron is best for crisp edges such as a shirt collar.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
