What to expect from bamboo training trousers
Short answer: Training trousers with bamboo viscose are soft, breathable and move with the body. Because they are worn actively and washed often, the elastane, the waistband and the fabric at the seat and inner thighs are what show use first.
How they behave during exercise
In training trousers, bamboo viscose is almost always blended with elastane and often with polyamide or polyester. The viscose gives a soft, cool feel and moves moisture away from the skin, while the other fibres provide stretch and strength. That makes the trousers comfortable for yoga, walks, strength training and easy running. During hard sessions with a lot of sweat, however, viscose can hold a little more moisture than pure synthetic fabrics, so the drying time is slightly longer.
Fit and stretch
New training trousers often fit close and firm. After a few wears the fabric settles, and they feel more natural. The elastane is what holds the shape, and it is weakened by heat, fabric softener and greasy creams. Choose a size that fits close without digging in at the waist, and where the fabric does not turn see-through when you bend over. See bamboo training trousers for women.
Washing after training
Training clothes should be washed after wearing, because sweat and skin oils settle in the fibres. Do not leave sweaty trousers rolled up in a bag for many hours, as that can cause odour. Hang them up until you can wash them. Wash inside out at 30 to 40 degrees with a mild detergent. Fabric softener should be avoided, as it can weaken the elastane and trap smells in the fabric.
Drying and heat
Air drying is best for training trousers. Heat from tumble dryers and radiators makes elastane stiff and causes it to lose strength faster. Hang the trousers by the waistband or lay them flat. Thin fabric dries quickly, while thicker styles take a little longer. The viscose can shrink slightly in the first washes, especially if the trousers are dried hot.
Wear at the seat and inner thighs
Movement means friction, especially between the thighs and at the seat when you sit on a mat, a bike saddle or a bench. Small bobbles can form there over time, and the fabric can become thinner. That is normal for soft training fabrics. Rough surfaces, hook and loop fastenings and coarse mats increase the wear. A fabric shaver can remove bobbles, but take care not to cut into the thin fabric.
Lifespan and rotation
How long training trousers last depends on how often you train and how they are cared for. Training several times a week in the same pair wears it faster than having two or three pairs in rotation. Many brands make training wear with bamboo, including CCDK and Lindbergh, and the care label on your own pair is always the safest to follow. When the fabric becomes see-through or the waistband no longer holds, it is time for a new pair.
Frequently asked questions
Can bamboo training trousers be used for hard training
Yes, but they are best for calm and moderate exercise. With a lot of sweat, pure synthetic fabrics dry a little faster.
Why do my training trousers smell after washing
Often because they were left sweaty for too long, or because fabric softener traps odour. Hang them up after training and skip the softener.
Do they shrink
They can shrink a little, especially with hot drying. Wash at a low temperature and air dry.
