What to expect from a bamboo sweatshirt
Short answer: A bamboo sweatshirt is soft, drapes well and feels light for the warmth it gives. Over time it usually becomes even softer and a little more relaxed, while the rib edges and areas of friction are where use shows first.
The fabric and the drape
A sweatshirt with bamboo viscose is often knitted as sweatshirt fleece or French terry, frequently blended with cotton for body. The inside can be smooth, brushed or looped. The viscose gives a soft, heavy drape, so the sweatshirt hangs neatly rather than standing stiffly away from the body. That makes it comfortable for everyday wear, at the office and at home. See bamboo sweatshirt for women.
Fit after washing
The first few washes can make the sweatshirt settle. Viscose can shrink in a wash that is too hot and in the tumble dryer. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and let it dry flat on a rack. A wet sweatshirt is heavy, and if it hangs on a hanger it can stretch lengthways and develop bumps at the shoulders. Laid flat, it keeps its shape best and usually dries within a day.
Rib edges
The rib at the neck, wrists and hem holds the sweatshirt's shape. It often contains elastane, which ages with heat. Over time the cuffs can loosen a little, especially if the sleeves are often pushed up. The hem can also give if you often pull the sweatshirt down over your hips. That is normal wear and not a fault in the garment.
Pilling and surface
Sweatshirt fabric can pill, particularly where there is friction, such as under the arms, at the sides and where a bag hangs. Pills are small balls of loose fibres and are normal wear. They can be removed with a fabric shaver. Wash the sweatshirt inside out and with similar clothes. Avoid washing it with jeans or garments with zips, which add friction. Brands such as Copenhagen Bamboo typically recommend gentle washing for their sweatshirts.
Colour over time
Dark colours can lose a little depth after many washes, and light ones can turn slightly grey if washed with dark clothes. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach. Dry the sweatshirt in the shade rather than in direct sunlight, which can fade the colours. Sorting your laundry by colour helps the sweatshirt keep its colour for longer and costs nothing extra.
When it is worn out
A sweatshirt is worn out when the fabric thins at the elbows, when the rib no longer pulls in, or when the pilling becomes too much to remove. How quickly that happens depends on how often you wear it and how you wash it. With several in rotation, each one lasts longer. See also styles from Urban Quest.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bamboo sweatshirt shrink
It can shrink slightly with hot washes and tumble drying. Wash at a low temperature and dry it flat.
Why does my sweatshirt pill
Friction loosens short fibres that gather into small balls. That is normal and can be removed with a fabric shaver.
How do I keep the cuffs snug
Avoid hot washes and the tumble dryer, and do not push the sleeves far above the elbows.
See our range of men's bamboo sweatshirt.
