Where bamboo textiles are produced
Short answer: By far the largest share of the world's bamboo viscose is made in Asia, where the raw material is grown. The sewing of the clothes can take place in other countries, so the country on the label only tells part of the story.
Raw material and fibre
The fibre is usually made close to where the bamboo is grown. The raw material is bulky and heavy to transport, so it makes sense to extract the cellulose and make fibre near the fields. The first steps of the chain are therefore usually in the same place as the growing.
From fibre to yarn
Once the fibre is made, it is spun into yarn. That can happen in the same country or somewhere else entirely, depending on where the spinning mills are. The quality of the yarn depends on fibre length and on how carefully it is spun. This step shapes how the fabric feels.
Fabric and sewing
From yarn to fabric and finished clothes, several countries can be involved. The yarn is knitted or woven, then dyed, cut and sewn. Each step needs its own factory and its own know how. It is therefore common for a garment to have passed through several countries before it reaches the shop.
What the label says
The country of production on the label states where the garment was sewn, not where the fibre comes from. What you learn is the last major step in the chain. The rest of the route is not shown on the label. See how to read a textile label to get more out of it.
Certifications
Labels such as OEKO-TEX test the finished product for unwanted substances regardless of the country of production. That gives a common basis to go by, even when the product has passed through several countries. A certification says something about the product, not the whole chain. See OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified products.
The process
The route from plant to fabric has several steps: harvest, extraction of cellulose, dissolving, spinning, knitting or weaving, dyeing and sewing. Each step can take place somewhere new. If you want to understand what happens along the way, see from bamboo plant to soft fabric.
The fibre in your clothes
Most bamboo clothing is made from bamboo viscose. The cellulose from the plant is dissolved and spun again, which is why the label says viscose. The fibre is soft and smooth, and it behaves differently from cotton in the wash. More about the fibre in what is bamboo viscose.
What you can look for
If production conditions matter to you, certifications and labels are what you can go by. Read the product description and look for details on the material and any certifications. For women, you will find basics and nightwear in bamboo in bamboo clothing for women.
See the range
For men, the same advice applies. Look at the material, the quality and the labels listed in the description, and choose by how the clothes will be worn every day. Underwear, t-shirts and socks are typical bamboo basics. See the range in bamboo clothing for men.
Frequently asked questions
Where is bamboo viscose made?
By far the largest share is made in Asia, where the raw material is grown. The fibre is usually made near the fields, while yarn, fabric and sewing can happen in other countries.
What does the country on the label mean?
It states where the garment was sewn, not where the fibre comes from. Earlier steps in the chain, such as growing and fibre production, are not shown on the label.
What can I look for as a customer?
Certifications and labels such as OEKO-TEX, which test the finished product. Also read the product description, where the material and any certifications are usually listed.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
