Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for our society. You can see this reflected in various ways. For example, there is also a search for environmentally friendly alternatives for clothing. As a result, clothing made from bamboo is on the rise. Are you not familiar with bamboo clothing? In this blog, GENTS explains what you really need to know about clothing made from bamboo. For example, what is it made of and how? After reading this blog, thanks to GENTS, you will be fully informed!
When you hear bamboo, you probably think of Thailand and pandas. Although you might not immediately think of clothing, bamboo clothing is indeed on the rise. The reason for this has to do with the sustainability of other clothing fibers. Currently, no fiber for clothing is completely sustainable. That is why the industry is actively searching for a better, environmentally friendly alternative. They seem to have found this in the form of bamboo clothing. To what extent is this justified? What makes bamboo so interesting as a clothing fiber?
Fastest growing grass on earth
Before we explain exactly what bamboo clothing is and how it is made, let's zoom out a bit. The fastest growing grass on earth - that is bamboo. Bamboo can grow up to 1 meter per day. This property alone makes it an interesting material. In addition, bamboo does not need to be replanted after harvesting. The underground root network simply shoots up new shoots again. Moreover, it needs little water to grow. All these aspects together make bamboo a very sustainable crop.
Bamboo as a clothing fiber
That is why bamboo is increasingly used as a clothing fiber. What is bamboo clothing? As the name suggests, this is clothing made from bamboo fibers. First, a pulp is made from bamboo chips. Then bamboo fibers are made from this pulp. This can be done in two ways. The first variant involves a process similar to the way viscose is created. Chemicals are then added. This produces the pulp. Then substances are added again to harden the pulp into fibers with which you make bamboo clothing.
The second way bamboo clothing is created is mechanically. To make a clothing fiber from bamboo, the bamboo chips are first crushed. Through natural enzymes, the chips become soft. Then a machine 'combs' fibers from this pulp. The result is a spun thread, also called "bamboo lyocell." Bamboo clothing made this way is also called "bamboo linen clothing" because of the process. This method is indeed more labor-intensive but also more sustainable.
The advantages of bamboo clothing
Although no clothing fiber can yet be created 100% sustainably, bamboo is a good contender as you can understand. Of course, the sustainability of the material is not the only reason why bamboo clothing is rising in popularity. There are other interesting properties to mention. GENTS has listed the main advantages of bamboo clothing for you:
- The fabric is silky soft and hypoallergenic. This means the clothing does not irritate, even if you have sensitive skin.
- Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and antifungal. This keeps you feeling fresh in bamboo clothing for longer.
- Clothing made from bamboo is easy to maintain. For example, it can simply go in the dryer and washing machine.
- Thanks to the unique structure of the fibers, bamboo fibers 'breathe' more. This makes bamboo clothing better at regulating heat compared to hemp, cotton, synthetic fabrics, or wool.
- Bamboo clothing ultimately absorbs moisture excellently. Compared to cotton, bamboo clothing can absorb moisture up to 4 times faster.
