Bamboo Clothing
A New Choice in Eco Fashion

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When I first heard about bamboo clothing, it seemed like a strange idea. I wondered how how they're going to work with those canes to make clothing, just kidding but you never know with the fashion industry.

Inside that tough, hard bamboo cane are plant fibers that can be processed to make fabric for bamboo clothing.

The bamboo cane has been used by many cultures throughout the years for housing, flooring, fencing, furniture and more while the fibrous inside has been used to make paper and now clothing.

The idea for bamboo fabric is a new process developed at the Beijing University in 2001. The process which has been improved upon in the last few years has created an interest in bamboo clothing in particular by those of us interested in eco fashion.

Bamboo Facts from Bamboo Central.org:

Bamboo is considered the fastest growing plant on earth.

Mainly grown in China but other countries such as Ecuador, Australia, India and Columbia are looking to establish commercial and small bamboo plantations.

It is a treelike plant that is really a member of the grass family.

Certain varieties of bamboo can grow 1 to 4 feet in one day and it can spread rapidly by rhizomes (roots) underground and become invasive.

Only certain varieties of bamboo can be used to create bamboo clothing

Bamboo can be harvested in 3-4 years.

The growth characteristics of bamboo make it a valuable resource. Fast growing and quick spreading, it improves the soil and stops erosion. Bamboo can be grown without fertilizers or pesticides since it is naturally disease and pest resistant.

Bamboo is earth friendly but what's it like for clothing?

It's described as a fabric that feels like a cross between silk and cashmere. Soft, breathable, naturally antibacterial and anti fungal, thanks to "bamboo kun" a substance in the plant that helps it fight off disease and insects. These qualities are not lost during processing or repeated washings.

Bamboo clothing has a soft, natural sheen that is easy to care for and needs no bleach or fabric softener. Another plus for us and the environment.

I found it very interesting that because the fabric is antibacterial, it does not retain odors. I know we have all experienced, washing clothes and having them come out of the drier and still not smell quite clean. This can be a problem for those of us who are trying to save energy by using cold water.

The Giant Panda And Bamboo

When I think of bamboo I think of the Giant Panda. I had to wonder if any of this would have an impact on the them after all their favorite food is bamboo shoots, stems and leaves. I did some research through the World Wildlife Fund and this is what I found:

Since the Giant Panda is found only in China, the WWF(World Wildlife Foundation) is working through a partnership with China and they have set in place a conservation plan that at this time has increased the protected habitats to 50.

From my understanding, the big interest in bamboo is to grow particular varieties that are better for flooring or clothing and these are not varieties that the Panda eats.

I am hoping that the increased commercialization of bamboo does not reduce the number of protected habitats set aside for the Panda.

Bamboo Certification

While growing bamboo can be very environmentally friendly there is something else to consider. When bamboo is processed into fabric, chemicals are used to break the fibrous inside of the plant down so it can be spun into fiber.

Not all of these chemicals are considered to be safe for the environment. Bamboo clothing that is certified by the Oeko Standard ensures that the chemicals used are the safest and that they pose the least amount of risk to workers and the environment. Look for their logo with companies that sell bamboo.

Where To Shop

The companies below have all been certified by the Oeko Tex standard.

Bamboosa

I had to try bamboo so I chose this company and bought a 3/4 sleeve shirt in a bamboo/cotton blend and a 100% bamboo cami.

The bamboo blend (pictured right)is a very well made, nice, comfortable shirt. It has become one of my favorite shirts because of it's soft good looks and ease of care.

The other shirt I bought was a 100% bamboo cami (it's the one in the above picture) and the first difference I noticed was that the fabric was a little thinner and finer, very soft. It would make great yoga or sleepwear. I can see how it would be wonderful in baby clothing, something else they offer.

Bamboosa's concern for the environment shows in their use of low impact dyes for their fabrics to their packing of the product for shipment. Their clothes are created in a sweatshop free environment here in the U.S.

Shirts of Bamboo

Relaxed fashions for the whole family plus bamboo products for the bed and bath.

Sprout

The wonderful softness of bamboo makes it a perfect choice for baby clothing. Check out this cute collection for babies from preemies to 24 months.

Bamboo Body

This is an Australian company with a little more upscale line of clothing for women. Many stylish designs for women even maternity fashions and some men's items.

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