Bamboo fabric is a popular choice in the textile and clothing industry. Although bamboo material is a term for various materials that come from the bamboo plant, making them organic. There are various types of bamboo fabric. Also, there is a very fine process to create it.
Since bamboo textile is vastly known for its properties, it is used for different purposes. Lastly, it comes with certain benefits and disadvantages. This blog covers everything significant about bamboo fabric.
It unfolds the necessary information for people interested in this textile and the clothing brands that want to invest in natural materials like bamboo.
What Is Bamboo Fabric: Brief Introduction
As I have already mentioned, bamboo fabric refers to different fabrics made of bamboo. Bamboo is a fast-growing wood that is employed in making the best kinds of clothes and other products. It is popular for its breathability, softness, moisture-wicking, and gentle texture.
For thousands of years, bamboo has been utilized in making the finest fabrics, making the source absolutely beneficial for customers, brands, manufacturers and textile industries.
Different Types of Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo is a versatile material with a wide range of uses and applications. There are mainly three types of bamboo that are commonly used for different applications:
1- Bamboo Viscose
Bamboo viscose is also called rayon, which is the most common type of bamboo. It comes from the cellulose of the bamboo plant. Firstly, the cellulose of the plant is extracted. Then the plant is turned into chips.
The chips are soaked and then turned into pulp. Lastly, the resulting pulp is spun into threads that are woven into fabric to create viscose bamboo fabric.
2- Bamboo Lyocell
The production process of bamboo lyocell is similar to bamboo viscose. The only difference is that the cellulose of the bamboo plant doesn’t undergo any changes in its chemical composition.
Moreover, lyocell bamboo has a low thermal stability. Its durability gets compromised if it is exposed to sunlight and UV radiation.
3- Fine Bamboo
Fine bamboo is also known as bamboo fiber. It is produced by physically breaking down bamboo into pulp, which is a hectic and time-consuming task.
How Is Bamboo Made into Fabric?
Transforming bamboo into fabric requires skills and expertise since it is a crucial process to carry out. The skilled laborers select the fabric and then clean, spin, and weave it.
They use a napping and brushing treatment to bring out a fine, soft, and smooth texture. Here are the steps of the process:
1. Bamboo Harvesting
The first step is harvesting a bamboo. Since it is a fast-growing and sustainable source, it is an ideal choice for material production.
2. Cutting and Sewing
The resulting material is cut into pieces, according to the dimensions of products, including home textiles or apparel. The skilled workers sew the pieces together to give them a proper shape of the desired product.
3. Bamboo Fiber Production
The bamboo pulp is turned into fabrics, which can be done by dissolving bamboo cellulose in a chemical solution, extruding, and solidifying it into the desired materials.
4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Measures
When manufacturing companies create bamboo fabrics, they opt for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. These practices are carried out by using closed-loop systems in which they use recycled chemicals to overcome negative impacts on the environment.
5. Final Touches Before Manufacturing
The manufacturers wash, dye, and treat the fabric to enhance its appearance, texture, durability, and colors.
What Is Bamboo Fabric Made Out of?
- Bamboo fabric is made out of bamboo plants by extracting their cellulose.
- The resulting fibers are treated and processed to produce the final material.
- The processed and treated fibers are spun into yarns. These yarns are knit or woven into bamboo fabric.
What Is Bamboo Fabric Used for?
Bamboo is a versatile material used for a wide range of products:
1- Garments
- Bamboo is commonly used in yoga apparel due to its comfort and breathability.
- Flowy bamboo yoga dresses are very popular among women due to their stylish looks and comfort.
- Face masks created with bamboo material are eco-friendly as they eliminate the risk to the environment. They are comfortable and breathable.
- Bamboo scarves are stylish and lightweight to wear. They cover the neck with elegance. Also, they are very comfortable to wear.
- Intimate garments like bras, underwear, and other lingerie products are also made with bamboo fabric.
2- Household Textiles
- Bamboo curtains are appealing, breathable, sustainable, and naturally attractive.
- They make home decor practical and perfect. They provide protection against insects and direct sunlight.
- Bamboo fabric is used in making bedsheets, towels, blankets and hand towels.
- Bamboo pillowcases are soft, hypoallergenic, breathable, comfortable, and amazing in appearance.
Bamboo Fabric Properties
Bamboo fabric offers exceptional properties that are practical for various kinds of products.
- It offers good heat retention, making it an ideal choice for winter clothes.
- It resists wrinkles, which makes it easier to care for and maintain
- Bamboo fabric offers softness and comfort. It feels amazing against the skin. Due to its texture, it is often compared to silk and cashmere.
- Its breathability is the prime feature that makes it popular in the textile industry. Its air circulation is remarkable, making it an ideal option for warm weather.
- Bamboo textile has antifungal and antibacterial properties due to the “bamboo kun compound” that prevents the growth of bacteria.
- This fabric traps light, which helps in providing protection against UV rays naturally.
- Bamboo material can withstand washing over and over again, making it a durable fabric.
- Bamboo is considered a natural deodorizer for keeping clothes odor-free and fresh.
- Since bamboo is biodegradable, organic and sustainable, it requires a minimal amount of water and pesticides to grow. This makes it eco-friendly.
- Its lightweightness makes it more comfortable and peaceful to wear.
- Bamboo fabric is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- Bamboo fabric wicks moisture to keep you dry and comfortable, especially during hot climate conditions.
Advantages of Bamboo Fabric
The list of advantages is based on its properties that are mentioned above. Here is a list of its benefits:
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
- Antifungal and antibacterial
- Heat retention
- Moisture-wicking
- Eco-friendly
- Soft
- Comfortable
- Durable
Disadvantages of Bamboo Fabric
- It shrinks when washed using hot water or dried in a machine.
- It costs more than other organic materials like cotton and synthetic fabrics.
- The production of bamboo fabric is carried out by involving chemical processes that elevate the environmental and health risks.
Where to Get Bamboo-Made Clothing Products?
Bamboo fabric is used in many products, including fashion, sports, and fitness. If you want high-quality custom bamboo clothes, getting them from manufacturing companies is the best option.
If you are into sports, make sure you get products from a sports clothing manufacturer with industry knowledge, quality services, production expertise, and high working skills. Moreover, many clothing brands have ready-made clothes. You can also approach them to get bamboo clothing products.
FAQ’s
Is bamboo fabric breathable?
Yes, bamboo fabric is very breathable, making it comfortable for warm weather conditions.
Is bamboo fabric better than cotton?
Bamboo is more breathable, soft, and sustainable. On the other hand, cotton is more durable, available, and cheaper.
Is bamboo fabric toxic?
Some bamboo materials that are made using chemicals are toxic if they are not processed properly. For example, bamboo rayon.
Is bamboo fabric expensive?
Yes, bamboo fabric is more costly than other organic and synthetic materials due to its production process.