Why Bamboo Clothing is the Best

Oct 19

Why is bamboo clothing so sustainable?

Fact: bamboo stands (i.e., forests) release 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees. An acre of bamboo can sequester 25 tons of carbon dioxide per year, compared to only 6 tons from a young forest. Bamboo is so effective in this role that Japan and the Netherlands are planting vast tracts of bamboo toward their carbon credit. Much of America’s lands are suitable for growing bamboo.

Bamboo is a sensible material for clothing as it has many properties that make it incredibly eco-friendly. For one, bamboo uses significantly less water to grow than any other plant. Plus it does not need pesticides to grow. It’s also breathable, naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic, static resistant, and moisture-wicking, which is not only amazing for comfort but can help prolong the life of your clothes.

What are the disadvantages of bamboo fabric?

While bamboo clothing is generally very sustainable, there are a few downsides to consider. Some bamboo fabrics can wrinkle easily so depending on the composition of the fabric, it might not be ideal for formal wear. Bamboo has also been known to shrink more than other fabrics, so you may need to buy a size up, depending on the brand.

Is bamboo clothing durable?

Yes, for sure! Bamboo is one of the most durable materials for clothing, and bamboo clothing is less susceptible to quick wear and tear.

Buying Guide: What to look out for when buying bamboo clothing

Look for certifications: Before buying bamboo clothing, check its label to know if it meets your sustainability standards.

The common certifications for Bamboo clothing brands are: Oeko-Tex Standard, EcoCert, and B corp. These certifications evaluate whether the brand follows organic practices and if the raw materials used are grown organically.

Check the composition and type of fibers used: It is important to check whether the bamboo clothing brands are actually selling you sustainable garments.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid clothes that have more cotton, silk, or other raw material than bamboo.

To find this out, you can check for the percentage of different fibers used for the fabric. This is typically under the “materials” section of the item you’re looking to purchase online.

For example, if the composition of the fiber is 70% cotton and 30% bamboo, it likely won’t meet your sustainability goals.

Look out for fabric names like bamboo viscose, rayon bamboo, modal, or lyocell.