Ultra Soft – Why Bamboo Feels Like Cashmere
Short answer: Ultra soft bamboo clothing owes its softness to the shape of the fibres. Bamboo viscose has long, smooth and round fibres without the stiff ends that make other fabrics scratch. The result is a feel many people compare to cashmere and silk.
What makes a fabric soft
Softness is mainly about the surface of the fibre. Coarse or short fibres stick out of the yarn and prick the skin, while smooth and long fibres lie flat and glide easily. Bamboo viscose belongs to the second group, and that is the main reason for the soft feel.
Why the comparison with cashmere
Cashmere is known for its very fine fibres that feel light and airy against the skin. Bamboo viscose is not wool and behaves differently, but its smooth surface gives a similarly soft sensation. Many people therefore use cashmere and silk to describe how bamboo feels the first time.
Drape and weight
Bamboo fabric has a soft drape, so it falls naturally around the body instead of standing out stiffly. It feels light yet has a certain weight that makes clothes hang nicely. That is part of the reason why even simple basics look a little more refined.
The everyday T-shirt
You spend many hours in a T-shirt, so you notice the difference quickly. Even a plain bamboo T-shirt for women feels smooth and pleasant against the skin, also on days when it is worn from morning to evening. It works on its own or as a base layer.
Underwear close to the skin
Underwear sits directly against the skin all day, and this is where softness matters most. Bamboo underwear for women often has soft edges and seams that do not rub. Combined with the smooth fibres, it makes underwear you quickly forget you are wearing.
Nightwear for calm nights
At night you turn over many times, and the fabric rubs against your skin again and again. A soft and breathable material can make nightwear more comfortable. Nightwear for women in bamboo feels smooth, keeps the skin dry and gives a light sensation many people appreciate.
Bedding with the same feel
The soft feel does not stop at clothing. Bamboo bedding offers the same smooth surface against skin and hair and feels cool when you lie down. Together with soft nightwear, it can give you a bed that feels pleasant all night.
Well known brands in soft quality
Several brands have made the soft quality their hallmark. Boody and Copenhagen Bamboo are two examples many customers mention when they talk about how soft bamboo clothing can be. Differences in yarn and knit do mean that the feel varies a little from brand to brand.
How to keep the softness
Wash at a low temperature, ideally 30 to 40 degrees, with a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener, which coats the fibres, and skip the tumble dryer, which can make the fibres stiff and cause shrinking. Dry your clothes flat or on a hanger instead.
Soft but not fragile
The soft feel does not mean the clothing is weak. With gentle care, bamboo keeps its shape and softness for a long time. The fibres are a little more vulnerable when wet, though, so do not wring the garment hard or stretch it into shape until it is dry. See also the complete washing guide and bamboo and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Why is bamboo clothing so soft?
The fibres in bamboo viscose are long, smooth and round, without the scratchy ends found in many other fabrics. They lie flat against the skin, so the fabric glides instead of pricking.
Is bamboo as soft as cashmere?
Many people compare the feel to cashmere and silk, but the materials are different. Bamboo is smooth and cool, while cashmere is airy and warm, so it is partly a matter of taste.
Does bamboo clothing get less soft over time?
With gentle washing and no softener or tumble dryer, the softness lasts a long time. Harsh treatment and high temperatures, on the other hand, can make the fibres stiffer over time.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
