Why bamboo viscose feels cool against the skin
Short answer: The feeling comes from two things: a smooth fibre surface that draws heat from the skin on contact, and a high ability to absorb moisture. Together they create the cool sensation many people notice the first time.
Smooth surface
Bamboo viscose has a smooth, round fibre. It makes good contact with the skin and therefore draws heat away faster than a rough fibre, where more air sits between fabric and skin. It is the same reason smooth silk feels cool to the touch while wool feels warm.
Moisture absorption
The fibre absorbs moisture from the skin and carries it further into the fabric. When moisture is moved away, the skin feels dry and therefore cooler. You notice it most after a while or on warm days. Dry skin feels comfortable, while damp skin quickly feels clammy.
Compared with cotton
Cotton also absorbs moisture but releases it more slowly. That is why a wet cotton top can feel clammy and heavy after a warm day. Bamboo viscose usually feels smoother and slightly cooler at first touch. Read more in bamboo t-shirt versus cotton t-shirt, where the differences are explained in detail.
Compared with polyester
Polyester absorbs almost no moisture and moves it along the surface instead. That works well for hard training, where a lot of sweat must go quickly, but it feels different on the skin. Many find polyester more synthetic and warmer in daily life, because moisture stays between skin and fabric.
At night
The effect is most noticeable in bed. When you lie down the sheet feels cool, and during the night the fabric absorbs the moisture the body releases. That can make a difference for people who often wake up warm. See bamboo bedding if you want to try the smooth fabric under the duvet.
In summer
Thin styles worn alone in the heat are where the difference shows most. A light t-shirt that sits slightly loose lets air in and moves sweat away from the skin. Choose light colours if you spend a lot of time in the sun. See bamboo t-shirts for women for thin styles.
First touch and all day
The cool feeling is strongest in the first seconds, when the fabric draws heat from the skin. After a while the fabric reaches body temperature. From then on it is the ability to move moisture that makes the difference. That is why the fabric still feels comfortable after many hours.
Fit matters
A fabric that sits close has more skin contact and feels cooler to the touch. A loose fabric lets more air move, which also feels cool, but in a different way. For nightwear and bedding many prefer a soft, slightly loose fit, while underwear can sit close.
Protect the surface
The smooth surface lasts best when you wash gently. Wash at 30 or 40 degrees with a mild detergent, avoid fabric softener and skip the tumble dryer. Softener leaves a film on the fibres that can reduce moisture absorption. Turning garments inside out also reduces wear on the surface.
See also
The cool feeling is closely linked to why the fabric also feels so soft. Both come from the round, smooth shape of the fibre. If you want to understand what happens in the fibre, read more in why bamboo viscose feels so soft.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo cold to wear in winter?
No. As a base layer it keeps you warm, precisely because the skin stays dry. The cool feeling only lasts a moment when the fabric first touches the skin.
Why does the fabric feel cold when I put it on?
Because the smooth fibre makes good contact with the skin and draws heat from it in the first seconds. Once the fabric reaches body temperature, the feeling fades.
Does the cool feeling disappear after washing?
Not if you wash gently. Fabric softener and tumble drying can wear the surface and reduce moisture absorption, so avoid them if you want the feeling to last.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
