What happens to bamboo clothing as it wears
Short answer: Surface fibers break down and form pills, the fabric grows thinner, and the elastane loses its stretch. These three things happen at the same time but at different speeds.
The surface goes first
Friction against other clothing and against the tumble dryer's drum breaks short fibers apart on the surface of the fabric. They roll together into small pills, which tend to gather especially at seams and under the arms. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect the fabric's strength. See washing and care.
Why pills form right there
Pills typically form where the fabric rubs most against itself or against other clothing, such as at the thighs, seams and under the arms. That is why the same spots often pill first, while the rest of the garment stays smooth for a long time.
The fabric grows thinner
As fibers disappear with the lint in the dryer or during washing, the fabric gradually thins out where it is used the most. This happens slowly and is usually only noticeable after many washes and many days of wear over a longer period.
The elastane gives up
Elastane in waistbands and cuffs breaks down from heat and time, no matter how gently the fabric is otherwise treated. It is usually the elastane that decides when a garment is truly done, long before the fabric itself wears through.
Why elastane fails first
Elastane fibers are more sensitive to heat than most other fibers in the fabric, and they gradually lose their stretch with each high temperature they are exposed to in washing or drying over time.
The color changes
Dark colors often turn matte from surface wear rather than fading the way lighter colors do. That is because worn fibers reflect light differently than new, smooth fibers, not because the dye itself necessarily leaves the fabric. See bamboo underwear for women.
What you can do
Wash at 40 degrees, turn the fabric inside out, skip fabric softener, and use low heat when drying. That extends all three processes, from pilling to the elastane's lifespan, and is the simplest routine you can adopt yourself day to day. See frequently asked questions for more answers about washing.
How to tell pilling from real wear
Pills can be brushed or trimmed away without damaging the fabric, while thinned areas and lost stretch in the waistband cannot be saved the same way. See bamboo underwear for men for what a well kept garment looks like.
Frequently asked questions
What gives out first in bamboo clothing?
Usually the elastane in waistbands and cuffs. It breaks down from heat and time, long before the fabric itself wears through or loses its strength.
Are pills a sign of wear?
They are mainly cosmetic and do not affect the fabric's strength. Pills can be brushed or trimmed away without leaving any lasting damage on the fabric itself.
How do I extend the life of bamboo clothing?
Wash at 40 degrees inside out, skip fabric softener, and use low heat when drying. That protects the surface, the fibers and the elastane the longest.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
