Table of Contents
Introduction
We are living in a world where every one of us should be driven by eco-friendly conscience. We buy eco-friendly products to make a positive difference to the environment. When it comes to clothing, bamboo fabric has emerged as an eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable alternative. It has other useful properties too that make it a popular fabric choice. The current article provides insights into the bamboo fabric and its manufacturing process. It details the benefits of using bamboo textiles over other alternatives. Finally, the top 10 brands for buying bamboo goods apparel are discussed in the article.
What is Bamboo Fabric?
Bamboo fabric is the fiber that is derived from the bamboo plant. The use of bamboo fiber is getting widespread and popular globally. It is fast emerging as the next revolution in the fabric world. Bamboo textile is 100% natural and eco-friendly. It requires less water to cultivate bamboo. It is also 100% biodegradable and thus does not leave harmful footprints. Bamboo fabric is softer and more absorbent than cotton. It is much cheaper than cotton and silk and provides a good budget alternative to you.
It is anti-bacterial and keeps you fresh for longer. The anti-bacterial properties keep bacteria and other harmful microbes away and prevent bad odor. It has hypoallergenic properties and is ideal for people who suffer from skin allergies and irritation. Bamboo rayon is the most commonly used bamboo fabric. It is used for manufacturing apparel and bedsheets. Bamboo modal is used mostly for high-quality manufacturing underwear. Bamboo lyocell is the eco-friendliest bamboo fabric. It is completely chemical-free and non-toxic. Bedsheets made from bamboo lyocell are considered to be the best.
How is Bamboo Fabric Made?
The process of making fabric from the bamboo plant starts with collecting the bamboo harvest. The bamboo is then crushed and soaked in sodium hydroxide. It is left submerged in this solution for some time. This dissolves the cellulose in the bamboo. The fibers are then taken from the bamboo for further processing. The fibers are then treated with chemical compounds. This helps to lighten their color and prepare it further for processing into a fabric. Different types of fabric made from bamboo include rayon, bamboo modal, and bamboo lyocell. Some manufacturers also blend bamboo fiber with cotton viscose for making apparel.
Benefits of Using Bamboo Fabric
The use of bamboo fabric is growing globally. It is becoming one of the most sought-after fabrics. The key benefits of using bamboo fabric are as follows:
Softer Fabric
Cotton is considered to be one of the softest fabrics. Bamboo fiber is softer than cotton and silk. It also costs much less than cotton and silk. If you want to buy a soft and comfortable fabric without spending too much, then the bamboo fabric is a perfect choice. Its softness ensures that it is soothing to wear. It is hypoallergenic and is suitable for people who have skin allergies and irritation. The softer bamboo tissue will prevent any skin irritation and inflammation. It will keep you comfortable for longer.
Strong and Durable
Bamboo fabric is a robust fiber. It is more durable than cotton and costs much less than cotton. Bamboo fabric apparel will last longer than cotton due to its strength. They provide you with incredible value for money as the bamboo tissue is cheaper and lasts longer. It also retains its color and shapes for longer compared to cotton apparel. They require less frequent washing which adds to the durability. It is easier to maintain the bamboo fabric. They also need lesser colors for dyeing when compared to cotton.
More Absorbent and Breathable
A fabric that is more absorbent and breathable keeps you comfortable for longer. Bamboo fabric is more absorbent and breathable than most other fabrics. It is 40% more absorbent than the finest organic cotton available in the market. It absorbs moisture from the body and wicks away sweat. This keeps you dry and comfortable. Bamboo has excellent water-absorbing properties. It can absorb water up to three times its weight. This means that once made into fabric; it can absorb moisture faster and keep you dry for more extended periods. Bamboo tissue is also more porous, which ensures its breathability. It does not stick to your skin in hot weather.
Anti-Bacterial and Allergy-Resistant
Bamboo fabric is anti-bacterial. It contains a natural anti-microbial compound known as Kun. This compound prevents bacteria growth and infestation on bamboo fabric apparel. It is also anti-fungal. These properties avoid bad odor in bamboo fabric apparel. It also keeps you fresher and more comfortable for long periods. Bamboo tissue is soft and is perfect for people who have skin sensitivity and allergies. It is non-irritating on the skin and prevents skin allergies.
Thermal Regulating Fabric
Bamboo tissue is a thermal regulating fabric. It keeps you cooler in summers and warmer in winters. It has excellent wicking properties and is ideal for use in hot summers. Bamboo fabric protects you against harmful UV radiation. When wearing apparel made from bamboo, you are protected from the harmful effects of UV rays. It helps to protect from sunburns and skin rashes. It’s also excellent for use in gym wear due to its anti-microbial and UV-resistant properties.
Eco-Friendly Fabric
It is an eco-friendly fabric. Bamboo needs only one-third of water to grow, compared to cotton. This helps to save water which is a precious natural resource. It also needs nil to minimal fertilizers and other external agricultural inputs. The bamboo crop is self-replenishing. It will grow on its own after harvesting and does not need replanting. The per-acre bamboo yield is nearly ten times the cotton yield. Some species of bamboo can grow up to 120cm daily and can be harvested in 3-4 years before replenishing on their own.
Top 10 Brands for Bamboo Fabric
There are many brands selling bamboo fabric apparel. The top 10 brands for buying bamboo fabric apparel are as follows:
Cariloha
Cariloha is perhaps the best bamboo fabric brand in the world. It operates more than 50 physical stores across 16 countries. Cariloha has been using bamboo fabric since 2007. They have a diverse range of apparel and furnishing made from bamboo tissue. They not only sell clothes but also have bedsheets, bath accessories, activewear, etc. in their bamboo collection. All bamboo clothes sold by them are affordable and come with a lifetime warranty. Cariloha is a part of the global green community. They are known for supporting organizations and the local community in a significant way. If you want to buy bamboo fabric, then you must explore Cariloha.
Tasc Performance
Tasc Performance is another popular brand manufacturing quality bamboo fabric apparel. They support the community in their hometown and also the community in locations where they manufacture. The brand has put in years of research and come up with their raw material known as BamCo. This fabric has zero chemicals and feels softer and better than cotton. They have diverse product offerings for both men and women. They offer regular sales which you should watch out for getting amazing deals. If buying comfortable and eco-friendly apparel is your thing, do check out Tasc Performance bamboo fabric apparel.
ONNO
ONNO makes some of the best shirts and other bamboo fabric apparel in the market. Their apparel retains its shape and color for a long time. You can find some excellent quality apparel while shopping from ONNO. The bamboo fabric apparel from ONNO gets softer even after getting old and being washed frequently. You can easily wash their clothing at your home. It is also convenient to maintain bamboo fabric clothing. Their apparel will last longer, providing you with good value for money. In addition to making some excellent quality bamboo fabric apparel, they also make clothing from organic cotton, hemp, and other eco-friendly fabric.
Texere Silk
Texere silk is a U.S. brand manufacturing quality bamboo fabric clothing. Their apparel is one of the best in the market. You will feel completely relaxed and comfortable in their clothing. Texere silk uses high-quality raw materials for making breathable bamboo fabric apparel. All their products are 100% organic certified. When you buy from them, you are sure that you are getting safe and sustainable apparel. Not only do you get to look classy and feel comfortable in their clothing, but you also contribute to the environment when you buy from them.
Thought
It is a London based brand. They make bamboo fabric clothing for men and women. Their apparel is softer and more breathable due to the use of bamboo fabric and cotton viscose. Thought manufactures soft, high-quality, and colorful bamboo fabric apparel. The brand makes tops, bottoms, scarves, socks, tights, and lingerie for women. They offer socks and underwear for men. They are continuously expanding their apparel offerings. You can expect to pay between $5.95-$59 for buying their bamboo fabric apparel.
Spun Bamboo
If you want to buy premium bamboo fabric apparel, then you must consider Spun Bamboo. It is a U.S. brand that manufactures classy and premium bamboo tissue apparel. They have a wide range of apparel for both men and women. The apparels are of excellent quality and feel comfortable even after wearing them for long periods. In addition to making apparel for men and women, they also manufacture other clothing products. They make bedsheets, robes, towels, and shawls. The overall quality of all their apparel is amazing, and they will last for a long time. You may have to shell out extra for buying their clothes, but the quality and comfort make it a worthy deal.
Leave Nothing But Footprints (LBNF)
It is a popular Canadian brand driven by its commitment to manufacturing eco-friendly apparel. LBNF makes soft and breathable apparel from bamboo fabric. Their apparels are made using a blend of bamboo fiber and organic cotton viscose. Their fabric is certified for using lesser chemicals and water.
This contributes positively to the environment. Their product range includes tops, bottoms, dresses, sweaters, and loungewear for women. They also make t-shirts and loungewear for men. The products are priced between $17-$95.99. Do you want to buy apparel that is comfortable and eco-friendly? We suggest you look no further than LBNF.
Wakened Apparel
Wakened Apparel is a U.S. brand focused on manufacturing eco-friendly clothing. They make some great quality bamboo textiles and have a philosophy to contribute back to the community. Wakened apparel makes high-quality tees and tanks for men and women. They are also renowned for manufacturing excellent blankets. The artisans are sourced from Mexico for manufacturing and weaving their bamboo fabric apparel. The brand is also driven by social causes. They donate a part of their profits to charities working on the conservation of environment and wildlife. Wakened apparel is a budget brand with prices ranging between $14-$32. You can get some amazing bamboo clothing at reasonable prices.
Joyaria
Joyaria is another popular brand for bamboo clothing. They have a diverse and high-quality collection which will appeal to a wide range of customers. Their apparels are well-designed and aim towards providing the best end-user experience. They can be hand washed and are easy to maintain. The fitting is also good for all body types. The clothes are soft and breathable. You will feel comfortable in them for long periods. Joyaria is serious about reducing their waste materials and wants to contribute positively to addressing climate change. If you want to buy some excellent bamboo fabgoods, then Joyaria is a brand worth checking out.
Naked Panda
Naked Panda is a new bamboo fabric brand. It is becoming popular among buyers. They manufacture high-quality bamboo fabric apparel. Being a new brand, its collection is currently limited. However, they are committed to expanding their collection with time. Naked Panda is a brand with a social conscience. A portion of their total profits is channeled to the World Wide Fund (WWF) for environment and wildlife conservation. Whenever you buy from them, you also contribute your part to environment conservation. Naked Panda is also aggressively working towards becoming a leading and influential brand in the world of bamboo fabric.