Bamboo fabric is making a strong bid to be the eco fabric of choice over organic cotton. Because bamboo grows back so quickly, it is an easily renewable resource. It also requires one-third the amount of water to grow than cotton and has no natural pests. A big plus for bamboo is that it can be grown with very little to no use of pesticides, whereas cotton often requires large amounts of gxqrupdf9v pesticides to maintain growth.
Bamboo fabric has a very soft hand, often described as feeling like cashmere. This is because the bamboo fiber itself is naturally round and smooth without any chemical treatment. What this means to you is that there are no sharp spurs to irritate the skin. Bamboo fibers are also quite long which means that there is less piling of the fabric than in the cheaper varieties of cotton. The softness and quality of the fabric itself seems to stand up to multiple washings. Many even describe the fabric as getting even softer with each washing.
Another unique quality with bamboo fiber is it’s antibacterial qualities. This is due to an antimicrobial bio-agent called “bamboo kun” which is found naturally in the fiber. This kun makes bamboo a naturally antibacterial, antifungal and odor resistant fiber, through multiple washings. Cotton does not have any qualities like this. The bamboo kun helps to reduce bacteria that thrive on clothing and human skin. This means that the wearer and the fabric have fewer bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.
From a designer’s perspective, bamboo is an excellent fabric choice. It is a light, strong fabric that requires less dye than cotton. The color of bamboo fabric as opposed to cotton is also described as much more vivid. It drapes very smoothly and because of it’s greener properties, is a much-desired alternative to cotton from a wearer’s point of view.
In conclusion, bamboo apparel is quickly coming to market. The pricing of bamboo may still be slightly higher than the better varieties of cotton. However, it’s way past time for everyone to consider how their choices effect the environment around them. Even when the bamboo fabric is beyond usefulness, it is completely biodegradable in soil. And the decomposition process doesn’t cause any pollution to the environment. So, consider bamboo apparel for your next corporate apparel choice.