What is bamboo viscose and how is it made
Short answer: Bamboo viscose is a fibre made from the cellulose of bamboo, which is dissolved, pressed into threads and spun into yarn. So it is not raw bamboo, but an industrially made material. Here is how it is made, explained in simple steps.
What bamboo viscose is
Bamboo viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre, which means the cellulose of the plant is first dissolved and then shaped into new fibres. The result is a smooth fibre that can be spun into yarn and knitted into fabric. When clothing is called bamboo, it is in practice almost always viscose made from bamboo.
From plant to pulp
The process starts with the bamboo plant, from which the cellulose is extracted and cleaned into a pulp. The cellulose is then treated so it can be dissolved in a liquid. It is an industrial step, and the details depend on the maker, so information about production should come from the brand itself.
From liquid to fibre
The liquid is pressed through small holes in a nozzle into a bath, where it sets into thin threads. The threads are washed, treated and gathered into fibres. It is a common method for viscose, whether the raw material is bamboo, wood or something else, and it gives an even and smooth fibre.
From fibre to yarn and fabric
The fibres are spun into yarn, which is knitted or woven into fabric. Knit and weight decide how the fabric feels and hangs, so two garments of the same fibre can be very different. See more under the full bamboo range for men, where you can compare garments across categories.
What bamboo viscose is not
Bamboo viscose is not the same as raw bamboo fibre, and it has its own character. There is also another method, in which bamboo is processed mechanically into a coarser fibre, but that is rarely what is meant when clothing is sold as bamboo. Always read the product description to see what has actually been used.
How the fabric feels
Viscose from bamboo is often smooth and soft and hangs calmly. That does not mean all bamboo clothing is alike, because knit and weight make a big difference. Feel the individual garment, and look at brands like Bamboo Basics if you want to compare looks.
Caring for bamboo viscose
Follow the care label and wash gently so the fibres stay soft. Use a low temperature and a mild detergent, and let the clothes dry hanging. Viscose can be more fragile when wet, so turn clothes inside out and do not overfill the drum.
What you should ask about
If production matters to you, look for information about material and production from each brand. We do not claim more than we can document, so decide by what the product page says. For everyday wear you can start with a bamboo T-shirt for men.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo viscose the same as bamboo?
No, it is a fibre made from the cellulose of bamboo. The cellulose of the plant is dissolved and shaped into new fibres that are spun into yarn, so the result is a manufactured material.
How is bamboo viscose made?
The cellulose from bamboo is cleaned, dissolved and pressed through small holes so it forms thin threads. The threads are treated and spun into yarn, which is knitted into fabric.
Is all bamboo clothing viscose?
Most clothing sold as bamboo is viscose, but always check the product description. It states the material and care for the individual garment.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
