Beautiful Bamboo Clothes

Bamboo clothes are soft and comfortable. They are also better for the environment than many alternatives. Read on to learn about bamboo’s many attributes and where to buy beautiful bamboo clothes.

What is bamboo?

Bamboo is the most prominent member of the grass family. It is very fast-growing in countries such as China, Japan, and other parts of East Asia. It can be grown on marginal land that is unsuitable for forests. Materials made from bamboo can vary widely, although most are considered to be environmentally friendly. Bamboo linen and viscose (also called bamboo rayon) are popular fabrics.

While bamboo itself is a sustainable crop, the process of turning it into fabric (especially bamboo viscose) can be harmful to the environment due to the use of toxic chemicals and water waste. In countries where environmental regulations are not as stringent, this can lead to pollution and other negative impacts.

However, some manufacturers have moved toward a more sustainable approach, using closed-loop systems where the chemicals used are recycled, reducing pollution. Certifications like OEKO-TEX can indicate more environmentally responsible production.

Bamboo is also used for basketry; the stalks can be used to make items such as handbag handles and even glasses. For more basket ideas, check out Basket Bags – The Favourites.

Are bamboo clothes good for exercise?

Bamboo is a great performance material for various sports, from fast-paced and sweaty activities such as running and HIIT to slower weight lifting sessions, yoga, and pilates. It is moisture-wicking, durable, and provides thermal regulation, so it is perfect for year-round sports. Bamboo clothes don’t tend to smell after sweating as polyester and lycra often do.

The bamboo outfits

The outfits I’m wearing in the images are all bamboo pieces from BAM Clothing. I wear the longer-sleeved oxblood top for hiking, yoga, pilates, and lounging around the house. It’s so soft and breathable. I’m wearing the Enduro deep waistband leggings in bitter chocolate. They go perfectly with the colour of the long sleeve top. It’s a workout outfit but can be worn at any time of day. Because bamboo is breathable, it also works as a thermal underlayer without getting overheated.

The sleeveless blue top is better for working out in the summer or those hot yoga classes. It’s made of thick bamboo modal fabric with secret support, so there’s no need for a sports bra underneath. (If you do need a sports bra, check here – Comfortable + Natural Bras For Working At Home) It’s soft but very supportive. I’ve worn it with the Enduro deep waist leggings in black. Bam offer a 7/8 length for anyone with a petite frame. I’m 5ft4″ and just about get away with the full length.

What about bamboo socks?

Bamboo socks are brilliant for winter as they are so warm and cosy, especially when the fabric is mixed with wool. Bamboo socks are usually combined with polyamide and elastane for extra strength and durability. In the images, I’m wearing bamboo and merino wool socks from Bam Clothing; they are great hiking socks!

Is bamboo better than cotton?

Bamboo is softer than cotton and wears better than cotton. However, many bamboo fabrics will often have a percentage of cotton in them anyway. The bamboo plant is faster to grow than the cotton plant and less water intensive, meaning it is potentially easier for farmers to grow. Bamboo fabric is breathable, antibacterial (although it does still need washing) and moisture wicking.

How long do bamboo clothes last?

I still own bamboo pieces from years ago that I wear regularly. Bamboo is durable and can cope with an intense wear and wash regime. It is also antibacterial; washing it after each wear is unnecessary, like polyester garments. It also shouldn’t rot as lycra often does after a few years of wearing. Bamboo will eventually biodegrade, although you would have to bury it in the soil first!

How do you wash bamboo clothes?

Bamboo viscose and linen can be washed in the washing machine with your regular wash. They don’t need any special treatment, although the colours of the garments will last longer if you wash at a low temperature. Bamboo is best hang-dried either indoors or outdoors. Give them a shake out before drying; they shouldn’t need ironing. However, a quick press won’t harm them. For more laundry tips, check out Doing The Laundry – 8 Easy Ways To Reduce Environmental Impact and Tips to make clothes last longer.

Where to buy bamboo clothes?

Bam Clothing is brilliant for sustainable bamboo clothes that look great whether you are working out or going about your daily life. Their website has a lot of information about where the crops are grown and the people who work for them to produce the crops and make the clothes. Bam also has a great selection of organic cotton clothes; I love their jeans. They also have a range of recycled polyester pieces that can be recycled afterwards as part of their 73 Zero Circular program.

I’ve been wearing this sports bra style by Jilla Active for years (evidence). The lunar bamboo bra features 73% bamboo viscose. It’s perfect for low-impact sports such as barre or a slow yoga or pilates class. Copenhagen Bamboo‘s selection of underwear basics is beautiful. The products are all OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. The camisoles and slip dresses are a basic tan, cream and black.

Boody is another underwear brand featuring many lovely bamboo products. This pyjama set is 100% bamboo viscose. Bamboo is an alternative to silk; the PJs look almost silky in the images. Boody is B Corp certified. This bamboo and organic cotton polo neck is a beauty. It’s made to order from British brand Roezenboek. The Eire high-rise bamboo leggings from Studi K come in such beautiful colours. They are bright yet muted and made with OEKO-TEX-certified bamboo.

For everything else bamboo, head to Green Tulip, which has a wide range of bamboo kitchenware, toothbrushes, socks, and baby clothes.

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