Bamboo is naturally breathable and soft against the skin. The fibres are also anti-static and able to cut out 98% of harmful UV rays giving you another reason to buy your next teamwear outfit from Valour using their sustainable NanoFuse fabric technology.
When choosing your bamboo clothing, it is important to check where the bamboo comes from and how it is processed to determine sustainability. Look for brands that are transparent about their supply chain and manufacturing processes.
Eco-Friendly
Bamboo is a green material that can make for a sustainable fabric. It requires less water and fertilizer to grow than cotton, and it doesn’t require pesticides and heavy machinery during harvesting. In addition, it grows fast and may even be able to sequester carbon, making it one of the most eco-friendly textiles.
Unfortunately, the way most brands use it is not very sustainable. They often refer to their fabrics as “bamboo” or “organic bamboo,” but many of them are actually using rayon, which is made from a process that uses carbon disulfide, which is toxic and causes air pollution.
To find truly sustainable bamboo clothes, look for a brand that uses lyocell (also known as Tencel) or a closed-loop production method. Check the labels to see if they’re GOTS-certified or FSC-certified, and that they work with small, family-owned factories that treat their workers well. Also, look for brands that source their bamboo from regenerative farms and that they’re OEKO-TEX-certified.
Hypoallergenic
bamboo shirts are hypoallergenic, meaning they’re less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin. Additionally, because bamboo passes on plant properties to the finished fabric, it’s antibacterial and resists odor and mold.
The textile also has superior wicking capabilities. Bamboo fibers pull moisture away from the skin, keeping you drier and cooler in warm weather.
Most clothing that offers UV protection is treated with chemical finishes and sprays, but bamboo linen fabric naturally protects against the sun’s rays without any harmful ingredients.
A few brands that offer bamboo shirts include Cariloha, Free Fly, and ONNO. Cariloha grows their own bamboo on regenerative farms and uses a GOTS-approved solution to turn the strands into bamboo viscose. Their manufacturing entails zero waste and a closed-loop system that captures contaminated liquids. They are OEKO-TEX and Ecocert certified.
Anti-Irritation
Bamboo fabrics are very soft and gentle on the skin, making them ideal for people who suffer from sensitive or irritated skin. They also wick away moisture, keeping you cool and dry during even the most intense workouts. And bamboo shirts are naturally anti-bacterial, meaning they will remain fresh and odour-free wash after wash.
The plant-based viscose in bamboo shirts is biodegradable, leaving a minimal environmental footprint when it is no longer needed. This is in stark contrast to synthetic apparel, which can take centuries to break down and clog landfills and waterways.
A good bamboo shirt will be made from a fabric that is Oeko-Tex certified, ensuring it contains no harmful chemicals that can enter the body through skin contact. If you want to ensure you’re buying a high-quality bamboo product, check out brands like ONNO and Cozy Earth who source ethically-made bamboo viscose from family-owned factories in India and China. These manufacturers are also committed to sustainable production practices and adherence to fair labor standards in their supply chain.
Comfortable
Bamboo shirts are naturally breathable and absorb moisture from the skin, helping to regulate temperature. Unlike synthetic fabrics, they don’t retain unpleasant odors and leave you feeling fresh. They also provide sun protection, preventing you from getting burned by UV rays.
Several sustainable bamboo clothing brands are available to shop online. Spun Bamboo, for example, makes tees and dresses that are OEKO-TEX 100 certified, free of harmful chemicals. They use a closed-loop system to process the bamboo. Moreover, they shave bamboo into soft fibers with a machine rather than simply crushing it up into pulp.
Another company, Cariloha, uses bamboo viscose and organic cotton for their clothes. They have a wide selection of short- and long-sleeve t-shirts for men and women. They also sell hoodies and tanks. Their shirts are GOTS-approved and they support green movements. Moreover, their bamboo shirts are very affordable. Lastly, they are super soft and comfortable. They are also durable and breathable.