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Bamboo clothing is quickly becoming one of the most popular sustainable fabrics on the market. As more people look to reduce their environmental impact, they’re searching for ways to reduce it. Luckily, bamboo fabric provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabrics to do just that.
But what makes bamboo clothing so special compared to other sustainable materials? Let’s take a closer look!
The Sustainable Champion
Bamboo is an incredibly renewable resource, with a growth rate that is unparalleled among other plants. It’s capable of growing up to four feet in one day. Amazingly, each bamboo plant can be harvested every 3-4 years without harming the environment.
Additionally, bamboo produces 35% more oxygen and absorbs more carbon dioxide than other trees. Ultimately, this makes it a great choice for eco-friendly apparel. Here are just some of the benefits.
- The production of bamboo fabric requires less water than other fabrics.
- Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen and absorbs more carbon dioxide than other trees.
- Bamboo clothing is incredibly durable and versatile, with the ability to hold its shape well with repeated wearing or washing.
- It's also anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, so it's perfect for people with skin sensitivities.
- The fabric is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.
Common Sustainable Fabrics vs. Bamboo, Part 1
While bamboo clothing has many advantages, other sustainable fabrics have some benefits of their own. Let's compare and contrast!
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is one of the most popular sustainable fabrics on the market. This type of cotton has not been treated with any chemicals or pesticides, making it much more eco-friendly than conventional cotton. It requires less water to produce, so it has a smaller environmental footprint than other fabrics.
Organic cotton is a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. However, bamboo clothing has some significant advantages that make it even more sustainable.
Bamboo grows incredibly quickly, making it a hugely renewable resource. While organic cotton requires fewer chemicals and pesticides than conventional cotton, it still requires more water to produce than bamboo.
2. Hemp
Hemp is another sustainable fabric that is gaining popularity in the fashion industry. The plant requires far less water to grow than conventional cotton and has a much smaller environmental impact. It's also incredibly strong – up to four times stronger than cotton – and resistant to pests and fungus.
This makes hemp an excellent choice for durable, long-lasting clothing and accessories.
3. Linen
Linen is a sustainable fabric made from flax fibers, and it's highly sought after for its breathability and lightweight feel. It's also incredibly strong and durable, making it perfect for clothing that stands the test of time. Yet, bamboo clothing offers distinct advantages over linen.
One downside of linen is that it needs to be cared for carefully because it's more prone to wrinkling and shrinkage than bamboo. Bamboo also has a softer texture than linen, and it feels luxurious against the skin.
Also, the production process for linen requires a great deal of water and chemical treatments, whereas bamboo only needs minimal processing. Lastly, bamboo is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal, while linen needs to be treated with chemicals to achieve the same result.
4. Tencell (Lyocell)
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp that is both soft and lightweight. It's also highly absorbent, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for everyday wear.
Compared to tencel, though, bamboo is highly breathable, so it's great for keeping you cool and comfortable all day long. Bamboo also excels at absorbing moisture, which aids in controlling your body temperature.
Common Sustainable Fabrics vs. Bamboo, Part 2
From performance to multifunctionality, there are a myriad of differences between bamboo and other commonly used sustainable fabrics. Here are just a few.
- Sustainability: Compared to organic cotton, hemp, linen, and Tencel, bamboo is a much more eco-friendly option. This is because it requires minimal processing and is incredibly renewable.
- Multifunctionality: Bamboo clothing is incredibly versatile, making it fantastic for any climate and any activity.
- Performance: Thanks to its moisture-wicking capabilities, bamboo clothing is a great choice for athletes. This fabric helps you stay cool while also staying breathable. Not to mention, it’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal.
- Softness: Bamboo clothes offer a luxurious feeling that is difficult to match with other fabrics. Bamboo fibers are naturally softer than cotton and linen, and they have a unique texture that makes them stand out from the crowd.
- Dyeing Process: Bamboo clothing is also easier to dye than other fabrics. It takes less time and energy, and the colors are more vibrant and longer lasting. On the other hand, hemp needs to be pre-treated with caustic soda, while linen requires pre-treatment and multiple dye baths.
- Durability: Bamboo clothing is very durable and long-lasting. It's strong enough to withstand wear and tear while remaining lightweight and breathable. Typically, the fibers are naturally more resilient than cotton and linen, which makes them a great choice for everyday use.
- Price: Finally, price is a major factor when it comes to making an informed decision. Bamboo clothing can have a higher price tag than other fabrics. Yet, it’s generally more affordable in the long run as it lasts longer and requires less maintenance.
