Why bamboo clothing costs what it does

Short answer: The price depends on the fineness of the fiber, how the fabric is knitted, and how the item is sewn. The choice of fiber alone explains only a small part of the total price.

The quality of the fiber

Fine fibers cost more to produce than coarse ones and give a softer, more comfortable fabric against the skin. It is a real difference you can feel right away, both by touch and over time. See facts about bamboo for more on the fiber's properties.

The sewing

Flat seams and laser cut edges require different, more advanced machines than ordinary overlock seams, and production takes longer per item. This costs more to produce, but the result also fits better and lasts longer. See bamboo underwear for men for examples of this type of sewing.

The construction

A waistband sewn on all the way around costs more in both material and labor than one sewn only at the sides. In return it lasts considerably longer and keeps its shape after many washes. See advantages of bamboo viscose for more on what creates a good fit.

What does not cost more

Color, pattern and logo change nothing about the quality of the fabric or the sewing, no matter how heavily a particular design is otherwise marketed. A nice print is easily mistaken for good quality, but the two do not necessarily go together. See bamboo underwear for women for simple, plain colored styles.

The price per use

A more expensive item that lasts three years is often cheaper in the long run than a cheap one that lasts only one, because you avoid buying replacements constantly. Think of the price per use rather than just the purchase price. Read washing and care to extend the lifespan further.

Scale matters

Large manufacturers can push down the price of raw materials through bulk purchasing, while smaller manufacturers pay more per unit for the same quality. This is part of why two seemingly identical garments can cost differently, even with the same fiber and similar sewing.

Certifications cost too

Testing and certifying the fabric for harmful chemicals is an ongoing expense for the manufacturer, not a one time cost at start up. This expense is typically built into the price, and it is part of why a certified item often costs a little more than an uncertified alternative.

Compare with care

When comparing prices between two garments, look at the waistband, seams and fabric weight rather than only the brand and price. Two items with the same price tag can differ greatly in quality, and construction often reveals the difference most clearly.

The price rarely changes without reason

If the price of a garment rises significantly, it usually relates to raw material prices, exchange rates or changes in production, not chance. That is worth remembering if you follow a particular product over time and wonder about price swings from season to season.