Moso Bamboo – The Giant Grass Behind Your Clothes
Short answer: Moso bamboo is the most important textile bamboo in the world. It is a species of grass that can grow more than 20 metres tall, grows without pesticides and shoots again after harvest. Moso bamboo is used to make the bamboo viscose that soft underwear, socks and bedding are made from.
A giant grass
Botanically, moso belongs to the grasses, not the trees. That explains its vigorous growth: in season a shoot can grow up to a metre a day. Within a few months the new shoots reach their full height, and after that the stem spends a few years becoming hard and strong.
Why it shoots again
Moso spreads through a network of underground roots. Because the plant shoots again from the root network, nothing needs to be replanted after harvest, and the soil is not left bare. The mature stems are cut and the younger ones left standing, so the plantation keeps growing year after year.
Without pesticides or irrigation
Moso bamboo typically manages without pesticides and does not need irrigation, because it gets enough water from rainfall in the areas where it grows. That is one of the reasons bamboo is often mentioned when people talk about textiles that use fewer resources during cultivation.
Growing is only half the story
The plant is a good starting point, but it does not tell the whole story. What happens at the factory also matters a great deal for the environment, especially which chemicals are used and whether they are recovered. That is why it makes sense to look at both growing and processing when you judge a garment.
From giant grass to soft fabric
The stem is as hard as wood, so it cannot be used directly for clothing. Instead the cellulose is dissolved chemically and spun into bamboo viscose, a smooth and soft fibre. The process comes in several versions, from classic viscose to lyocell, where the solvent is largely reused in a closed loop.
Why the fibres turn out soft
When the cellulose is spun into new threads, the fibres come out long, round and smooth. They lack the short, rough ends that stick out from cotton yarn, for example. The result is a fabric with a silky surface and a heavy drape that settles calmly around the body without rubbing.
Where you meet moso every day
When you pull on a soft vest or lie down on a bamboo sheet, it is in practice moso bamboo you have against your skin. The material is used mostly for what sits close to the body for a long time, because it feels smooth and moves moisture away, so the fabric does not turn clammy.
At night
Bedding made from bamboo viscose often feels cool when you lie down, because the fabric handles moisture well. That can be pleasant for people who sweat at night or quickly get warm under the duvet. The experience is individual, but many describe the bedding as calm and smooth against the skin.
Look after the fibres
Bamboo viscose is strong when dry but weaker when wet. So wash at 30 to 40 degrees on a gentle programme, skip fabric softener and avoid the tumble dryer. Hang clothes and bedding to dry, and the fabric will keep both its shape and softness for a long time.
Find your moso favourite
If you want to feel the giant grass against your skin, take a look at bamboo clothing for women and bamboo clothing for men for everyday wear. For the night, bamboo bedding is a good place to start if you want to feel the fabric for many hours at a time. See also honest guide to bamboo and the environment and bamboo lyocell vs. bamboo rayon.
Frequently asked questions
Is moso bamboo a tree?
No, moso bamboo is botanically a grass. The stem becomes as hard as wood, but the plant shoots again from its root network after harvest, just like grass does.
How fast does moso bamboo grow?
In the growing season a new shoot can grow up to a metre a day, and the plant can reach more than 20 metres. The stem still needs a few years to mature before harvest.
How does moso bamboo become fabric?
The stem is dissolved chemically, and the cellulose is spun into new fibres such as viscose or lyocell. The fibres come out smooth and soft and are then knitted or woven into fabric.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
