Why Bamboo Clothing Smells Less

Short answer: Bamboo clothing smells less because bamboo viscose moves sweat away from your skin, so the bacteria behind body odour lose their damp home. Sweat itself has almost no smell, and the odour only appears once the bacteria go to work on it.

Where does the smell actually come from?

Fresh sweat is more or less odourless. The smell appears when bacteria on your skin break the sweat down, and bacteria thrive best in warm, damp surroundings. A fabric that holds on to moisture therefore becomes a safe haven for odour bacteria.

How bamboo breaks the cycle

Bamboo viscose leads the moisture away and lets it evaporate, so the environment against your skin stays dry. You notice it most clearly in bamboo socks and bamboo underwear for men, where odour problems most often start. Read also our post about bamboo socks for sweaty feet.

Get the most out of the effect

Wash at 30-40 degrees without fabric softener, and let the clothes air between wears. See the full range in bamboo clothing for men and bamboo clothing for women, and find more washing tips in the washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why does bamboo clothing smell less than cotton?

Because bamboo viscose moves sweat away from your skin, the odour bacteria get poorer conditions. Less moisture means less bacterial growth and therefore less smell.

Can bamboo clothing be worn several days in a row?

A bamboo T-shirt typically smells less after a day of wear than a similar one in polyester or cotton. Underwear and socks should still be changed daily, though.

Does bamboo clothing remove body odour completely?

No, no clothing removes odour completely. But bamboo clothing reduces it noticeably, because it keeps your skin drier.