When bamboo fabric is created by mechanical processes instead of chemical processes, Bamboo T-shirts are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
The mechanical process involves grinding the woody stems and then applying natural enzymes to break the bamboo cellulose walls. This stage leaves a stodgy soup of plant fibres and the finest, softest fibres are combed out and spun into yarn and fabric.
If your t-shirts are no longer in good condition opting to compost your clothing is completely viable, providing you remove any zips, buttons or other decorations which aren’t bamboo.
Bamboo clothing typically takes around 1 year to decompose in an active and maintained compost heap or bin.
If your old t-shirts are still in good condition, companies such as BAM have teamed up with charities like sharewear and provide prepaid bags for their customers to send in up to 5 kilos of clothing to be recycled, reused and/or redistributed to those who need it.
You might ask whether you can do this with any all-natural fibres and you’d be correct, but bamboo also has some additional ecological and ethical advantages over cotton, linen or hemp garments.
Unlike cotton, bamboo doesn’t require any additional fertilizers or pesticides to grow and can regenerate itself from the roots. This means no replanting which means less machinery and fewer resources such as oil and gas required in order to produce it.
Bamboo also absorbs almost 30% more carbon dioxide than other plants and trees, including cotton.
It’s great to make an ethical choice but are bamboo shirts any good?
Bamboo fabric keeps the strength of the bamboo plant and is incredibly durable, outlasting cotton equivalents when cared for properly.
Bamboo is strong, affordable and super soft and cozy. People liken the feel of a bamboo t-shirt to that of silk or cashmere, it’s THAT soft.
When viewed under a microscope the bamboo fibres have soft, rounded edges and ends which contributes to the soft feeling.
In fact, bamboo is so soft, so hypoallergenic and with its antibacterial nature, it’s used in much more than just clothing. Towels, bandages, masks and nurses’ uniforms have all been made from bamboo.
Bamboo fabrics are ideal for people who have sensitive, easily irritated skin. It’s resistant to odour, mould and bacteria.
Will bamboo clothing keep me warm or cool?
Bamboo is a super material. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter due to its ability to evaporate moisture quickly. This is one of the main reasons for making socks from bamboo.
Bamboo fabric is becoming increasingly popular as a textile material due to its many benefits. One of the most notable benefits is its ability to keep you warm or cool depending on the weather.
This unique characteristic of bamboo fabric is due to its natural moisture-wicking properties, which allow it to regulate body temperature effectively.
During colder weather, bamboo fabric can keep you warm by trapping body heat close to your skin. The fabric’s soft, breathable texture ensures that heat is retained while still allowing air to circulate, preventing you from feeling stuffy or uncomfortable.
This is especially helpful during outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing, where keeping warm is essential.
In contrast, during warmer weather, bamboo fabric can keep you cool by drawing moisture away from your skin.
The fabric’s moisture-wicking properties allow sweat to evaporate quickly, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable. This makes bamboo fabric a great option for summertime activities such as running, cycling, or playing sports.
Bamboo fabric is also naturally antimicrobial, which means it resists the growth of bacteria and other microbes. This makes it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Additionally, bamboo fabric is known for its softness and hypoallergenic properties, making it a comfortable and safe choice for all skin types.
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