100% bamboo underwear, what the label really says

Short answer: If you search for 100% bamboo underwear, you want underwear without a blend, but the label often says more than the headline. In clothing, bamboo is normally viscose made from bamboo, and underwear often has a small share of elastic. Here is how to read the numbers and names on the label.

What 100% bamboo underwear means on a label

If a label says 100% bamboo, look for the fibre name next to the number. In clothing it is normally bamboo viscose, a yarn made from the cellulose of the bamboo plant, not raw bamboo fibre. The label inside the garment is the one that counts, so use it rather than a headline or a product name.

Why the label can look different from the headline

A headline is a short description, while the label is a list of fibres with their share. If a pair of knickers has a small share of elastic for the fit, the label will show more fibres even though the product is called bamboo. That is normal, but good to know before you compare products.

Fibre names you may meet

Viscose, rayon, bamboo viscose and bamboo rayon are often used for the same kind of fibre, and elastane and spandex are names for elastic. Cotton is cotton, and modal is another fibre similar to viscose. With these few names you can quickly read labels written in any language.

Bamboo underwear for women and softness

Bamboo viscose has a reputation for being soft, but how it feels depends on the yarn, the knit and the cut. Compare the products in bamboo underwear for women yourself and read the label for each pair. That is the best way to find the feel you like without relying on a single word.

Comparing across products

When you read a product, look at the share of each fibre, not just the first one. If two products have different fibre lists, they will often feel different even if both mention bamboo. You can compare tops such as bamboo T-shirts for women in the same way.

The same goes for socks

The label in a sock is often shorter, but the rule is the same. Look for fibre names and shares, and expect socks to have a small share of elastic so they stay up. Compare your bamboo socks by the label in the same way as underwear.

Care by the label

The washing instructions sit next to the fibre list, and they apply to the whole fabric. Follow them, wash at a moderate temperature and avoid too much heat in the dryer. Skip fabric softener if you want to keep the softness and let the clothes dry fully before you put them away.

If you are unsure about a product

If you are unsure what a fabric really consists of, ask the shop or read the label when the goods arrive. If your skin reacts to something new, talk to your doctor. It is better to spend a moment on the label than to guess from a name.

Frequently asked questions

Is 100% bamboo underwear the same as pure bamboo

Not necessarily. In clothing, bamboo is normally viscose made from bamboo, and underwear often has a small share of elastic. Read the fibre list on the label to see what the fabric consists of.

What is the difference between bamboo viscose and bamboo rayon

It is usually the same kind of fibre. Viscose is used mostly in Europe and rayon more often in the United States. The label shows the fibre name, so use it when you want to be sure.

Why does the label also say elastane

Elastane or spandex is an elastic fibre often added in a small share so the fabric can move with your body. It is common in knickers and other underwear.