What happens in the first month
Short answer: The first month settles things: the fabric gets softer, the garment finds its shape, and any flaws show themselves. After a month you know what you have, and whether the garment deserves a permanent place in the drawer.
Week one: unpacking and first impressions
The fabric is still a little stiff and may smell faintly new. That is normal and goes away with the first wash. Try the garment on before you cut off the label, and notice how it fits from the start, so you have something to compare with later.
The first wash
Shrinkage happens in the first wash. The garment typically feels slightly smaller than when you tried it on or unpacked it. Wash it as directed and skip the tumble dryer at first, so you can see what the fabric does by itself without heat distorting the picture.
Week two: the fabric begins to settle
In the second week the fibres have started to settle. The fabric feels softer, and the new smell is gone. Wear the garment on ordinary days instead of saving it for something special. Everyday use is what shows whether it chafes, pinches or rolls up.
Weeks three and four: how it fits now
By now the fibres have settled, and the garment fits the way it will fit from here on. If a seam chafes, you have noticed it. If the neckline is too tight, you know. If you are shopping for him, see bamboo shorts for men.
What to feel for
Feel along the waistband, seams and edges. If something chafes where the garment lies against your skin, it rarely goes away with time. Also check whether the garment slides or rolls up as you move, sit and walk. These are small things, but they add up over a whole day.
What to write down
Write down the brand and size if the garment works. In a year the model may be discontinued, and then the measurements are all you have to go by. For women, see bamboo leggings for women and compare the fit with what you already own.
How to wash in the first month
Stick to low temperature and a gentle wash, and air dry if you can. Wash light colours with light and dark with dark, so no loose dye rubs off in the first washes. Put the garment in a wash bag if there are hooks or zips in the machine.
When to make up your mind
After a month of normal use and three or four washes, you know what you have. If the garment is good, buy more in the same model while it lasts. If something is wrong, change model rather than getting used to it. See also bamboo inner shorts for comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know a garment is good
After a month of normal use and three or four washes. That is enough for the fabric to settle and for chafing seams or tight edges to show themselves.
Can a garment get better after a month
Yes, the fabric typically gets softer over the first ten washes. Fit at seams and edges does not change, so if something chafes now, it usually has not gone away later.
What if it still chafes after a month
Then it usually does not stop by itself. Switch to another model or size instead of getting used to it, because a garment you dislike wearing never gets worn.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
