What to know before you switch to bamboo clothing

Short answer: Start with underwear and socks. Those are the categories where the material makes the biggest difference, and where you notice the change within a week.

Start from the inside out

Underwear and socks sit directly against the skin for more hours of the day than a jumper or a jacket ever does. The material change is felt most clearly there, because there are no other layers between the fabric and the skin to soften the difference. See bamboo underwear for men.

Switch one category at a time

That way you can actually feel the difference between the old material and the new one, instead of just guessing. Switch everything at once and afterwards you will not know what actually worked and what was simply habit. See all bamboo socks for men.

The wash routine has to change

No fabric softener and a wash at around forty degrees is the rule for this fabric, not a suggestion you can skip. Without that you will not get the effect you actually paid for, and the fabric quickly loses its ability to move moisture. See our washing and care guide first.

Try one piece first

Buy one piece of a style before you buy five of the same in different colours or sizes. That way you find out whether the fit works for you before committing money to a whole wardrobe of something that might not actually sit right. See bamboo underwear.

Expect it to get softer

The first few washes make the fabric softer than it was when new, which can be a surprise if you expect the opposite of cotton. Give the material a few washes before judging fit and feel against the skin. See bamboo underwear for women.

Notice the difference at night

Many people only really notice the difference while sleeping, because the body lies still for hours under the duvet without moving. A fabric that moves moisture away instead of holding onto it makes a clear difference to how well you sleep through the night.

The fit is not like cotton

Bamboo viscose often sits closer to the body and more elastic than cotton, because the fibres are smoother and more pliable against the skin. Choose your usual size first, and only adjust if it feels too tight or too loose after the first few washes.

Expect an adjustment period

Most people get used to the new feel within one to two weeks, during which the fabric both behaves and feels different from what they are used to. Give it time before you draw any final conclusion about whether the switch is worth it for you.

Keep track of what you actually switched

Note down the date you started and which pieces you switched first, so you can later compare the experience with the rest of your wardrobe. That makes it easier to see whether the difference comes from the material or simply a new routine at home.

Frequently asked questions

Where should you start?

With underwear and socks. The material change is felt most clearly there, because the fabric sits directly against the skin for most hours of the day.