The best bamboo everyday dress and what makes it easy
Short answer: An everyday dress should wash without needing an iron and hang without clinging. Bamboo viscose jersey does both, as long as the fabric weight is high enough.
Weight decides how it hangs
A jersey that is too light clings to the body and shows every layer underneath. A medium weight falls along the body instead and gives a calmer outline. Hold the dress up to the light. If you can clearly see your hand through the fabric, it is too light to wear on its own every day. See the range of bamboo dresses.
The T-shirt dress is the easiest
The cut without a waist and with short sleeves works on most body types and for most occasions. Wear it alone in summer, with tights in autumn and with a cardigan on top when it turns cool. It needs no planning in the morning. See bamboo T-shirt dresses.
Length and daily life
A dress to the knee or just below is the most practical for cycling, the office and errands. It is long enough to sit in without thinking about it and short enough to walk freely. A long dress is pleasant on warm days but can be awkward on a bike and in the rain.
What you wear underneath
A pair of thin under shorts stops chafing between the thighs on long days and makes a thin dress wearable all day. They also give peace of mind in the wind or on a bike. Under pale dresses, choose a shade close to your skin tone. See bamboo under shorts.
Fit across shoulders and bust
An everyday dress should sit neatly on the shoulders and not pull across the bust. If it is too tight at the top, the fabric rides up when you move your arms. If it is too loose, the neckline slides to one side. Raise your arms in the fitting room and see whether the dress settles back when you lower them.
Colours and prints
Plain dresses in dark shades are the easiest to combine and hide creases and small marks best. Printed dresses make a thin jersey less see through and also hide folds. Pale colours look fresh in summer but more often need an extra layer underneath so nothing shows.
Wear it all year
With tights, a knit and a pair of boots, most jersey dresses can be worn all year. In summer they are worn alone with sandals. That makes the dress one of the most versatile pieces in the wardrobe, since it covers both daily life and slightly smarter occasions without a change.
Washing without ironing
Take the dress out of the machine straight away and hang it on a hanger while damp. It then smooths itself out. If it is left in the drum, the creases set. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and avoid the tumble dryer. See washing and care.
Storage
Hang the dress on a hanger with broad shoulders so the fabric does not stretch at the neck. A heavy jersey can also be folded on a shelf without creasing much. Avoid packing it tightly with other clothes, as the fabric then picks up marks that only disappear after the next wash.
Frequently asked questions
Do bamboo dresses need ironing?
Rarely. If you hang them up damp straight from the machine, they smooth themselves out. A little steam from the shower can also remove the last creases if the dress has been folded.
Why does my dress cling to my legs?
Because the fabric is too light or the air is dry. A pair of under shorts underneath solves it in most cases and also makes the dress more comfortable on long days.
Can a T-shirt dress be worn in winter?
Yes, with tights, a warm knit and a pair of boots it works well in winter. Choose a dark colour and a slightly heavier quality for the cold months if you can.
See our range of bamboo dresses.
