Organic Bamboo Fabric

Producing Bamboo

Bamboo is not a tree, but a grass. It is easily sustainable as it can handle drought as well as flooding. Farming bamboo is not harmful to the environment because it does not require any pesticides or herbicides. In addition, bamboo can be replanted each year. One of its greatest qualities, as far as textile production, is that it is very fast growing. Bamboo can grow 75 feet in 45 to 60 days.

Phyllostachys pubescens, also known as Moso bamboo, is the type of bamboo that is used to produce fabric. This is the same type that you love to eat but not the same kind that pandas munch on. Moso bamboo is grown on family-owned farms that cover over seven million acres in China, so no tropical forests are ever damaged to produce organic bamboo fabric.

Making Organic Bamboo Fabric

Organic bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of bamboo. The pulp is separated into thin fibers that are spun into yards or woven into cloth which is easily dyed and made into garments.

Because bamboo fabric has excellent wicking properties, it is a perfect choice for fabric in garments that will be worn close to your skin like workout clothes or undergarments. Bamboo is commonly woven with cotton in order to make it cost effective to produce as well as to allow for more stability and color variations.

Benefits of Bamboo Fabric

In addition to its ability to wick moisture away from the skin, organic bamboo fabric can kill odor-causing bacteria. Most companies who sell clothes and linens made from bamboo fabric have found that this quality lasts for up to 50 washings.

People who have sensitive skin or who are allergic to fabrics made from wool or hemp find that they can wear organic bamboo fabric without any problems. Bamboo fabric is often compared to cashmere because is it so soft and smooth. Clothing made from organic bamboo fabric tends to be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This makes it a versatile option that is easy on the pocketbook as well as the environment.

Care of Bamboo Fabric

Organic bamboo fabric is very simple to care for. Depending on if the garment is a blended fabric, clothes can be washed in cold or warm water and tumble or line dried. To avoid damaging the fabric, many manufacturers recommend washing on the delicate cycle without fabric softener or bleach. Products that are made from 100 percent organic bamboo fabric tend to dry twice as fast as other fabrics so less dryer or hanging time is needed.

Where to Purchase

Here is a list of manufacturers who sell organic bamboo fabric or yarn:

• Shirts of Bamboo carries 100 percent bamboo fiber yarn that is designed for hand knitting. It comes in seven colors for only $9 per 100 gram skein.
• Bamboo Fabric Store sells bamboo fabric blends by the yard. Prices range from $7.94 to $14.75 per yard depending on the fabric.

Here are some companies that sell ready-made products that are made from bamboo fabric:

• Bamboosa has a nice selection of products including men's and women's clothing as well as baby clothing and gift sets.
• Shirts of Bamboo has a wide selection of bamboo clothing and accessories.