How bamboo fabric holds its colour

Short answer: The colour sits in the fibre when the fabric is reactive dyed, and so it does not fade from ordinary washing. What fades the colour is heat and sunlight.

The colour is in the fibre

Reactive dyes bind chemically to the cellulose. See how bamboo fabric is dyed.

Heat fades

The tumble dryer and a high wash temperature are the two biggest causes of faded colour.

Sun fades

A couple of hours in strong sun does more than many washes. Dry coloured clothes in the shade. See drying in sun and shade and what it does to the colour.

The first washes

Surplus dye is rinsed out at the start. That is normal and stops after two to three washes.

Turn the clothes

If the clothes are washed inside out, the surface wears least. See the washing guide.

See the range

See the basics in bamboo clothing for men.

See also

More on the subject in does bamboo fabric hold its colour.

Dark colours

Black and dark blue contain the most dye and show fading most clearly. See bamboo t-shirt for women.

Frequently asked questions

Does bamboo clothing fade quickly?

Not from washing at 40 degrees. Heat and sun are the causes.

Why does new clothing run?

Surplus dye is rinsed out in the first washes.

How do I keep the colour longest?

Wash inside out at 40 degrees and dry in the shade.