Bamboo as a plant and as a textile

Short answer: What is bamboo? Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that is used for many things, and when it becomes fabric it is the cellulose that is processed into a fibre called viscose. Here we explain the difference between bamboo as a plant and bamboo as a fabric.

What bamboo is as a plant

Bamboo is a group of grasses found in many parts of the world. The plants have hollow, evenly segmented stems and can grow very tall. Many species grow quickly, but the species differ greatly in size and appearance. That is why people talk about bamboo in the plural when they mean the whole group.

How bamboo is used as a plant

Bamboo is used in buildings, furniture, tools and food, and in many cultures the plant has a long tradition. The strength and lightness of the stems make them useful. That bamboo is also used for fabric is one of many uses, and it is fairly new compared with the older ones.

What bamboo is as a fabric

When bamboo becomes fabric, it is not the stem that is sewn together. The cellulose is dissolved from the plant, processed into a fibre called viscose, spun into yarn and knitted into fabric. The fabric is therefore called bamboo viscose. Look at bamboo clothing for men to see how the fabric is used in garments.

The difference between raw bamboo and fabric

There is bamboo where the fibre is used more directly, but most garments called bamboo are made of viscose. The difference is large in how the fabric feels and how it is made. Always read the description to see what the garment is made of and what share of each fibre it contains.

How bamboo feels as a fabric

Many people find bamboo viscose soft, smooth and fluid. The feel depends on fibre, yarn, knit and finishing, so one garment can differ from another. Try a garment and judge for yourself. Look at the range for men to see which models exist.

Looking after bamboo garments

Follow the care label in the garment and choose a gentle cycle. High heat can pull the fabric together, so air dry if you can. Let the garment dry fully before wearing it. Then it keeps its shape and softness for longer. The same simple routine works for most jersey garments in the wardrobe.

Common misunderstandings about bamboo

Many people think everything called bamboo is the same. But the word can refer to the plant, the fibre or the fabric, and they are not the same. So read what the description says. If something is unclear you can ask, and that is always better than assuming something about the garment.

Bamboo in everyday life

In everyday life you notice the fabric most: how it feels against the skin, how it fits and how it is washed. Look at bamboo T-shirts for men if you want a simple garment as a starting point. A material is easier to understand when you have tried it yourself.

Frequently asked questions

What is bamboo

Bamboo is a group of fast-growing grasses. The plant is used for many things, including buildings, furniture and, after the cellulose is processed, fabric.

Is bamboo fabric the same as bamboo

No, bamboo fabric is made from cellulose from bamboo that has been processed into a fibre, viscose. The fabric is a processed fibre and not the plant itself.

How do I wash bamboo garments

Follow the care label, choose a gentle cycle and avoid high heat when drying. Air dry if you can so the garment keeps its shape and softness.