Bamboo fiber t shirt, how fibre becomes fabric

Short answer: A bamboo fiber t shirt comes about in four steps: the plant becomes cellulose, the cellulose becomes fibre, the fibre becomes yarn, and the yarn becomes knitted fabric. It is a simplified explanation, but it shows why the fabric is called bamboo viscose and not simply bamboo.

Step one: the plant behind a bamboo fiber t shirt

It all begins with the bamboo plant, which is a fast growing grass. It is the cellulose of the plant that is used, and it sits in the stalks. Many people search for "bamboo fiber t shirt" and want to understand how a hard plant can become something as soft as a T-shirt.

Step two: the cellulose

Have a look at the bamboo T-shirts for men. The cellulose of the plant is separated from the rest of the plant material and turned into a pulp. It is the basis of the fibre. At this stage it does not look like clothing, but this is where the change begins, and it is why the word viscose comes into the picture.

Step three: the fibre

The cellulose pulp is pressed through fine openings and forms long, thin fibres. That is bamboo viscose. The fibres are smooth, and that is part of the explanation for why the fabric feels soft. How long a fibre is and how it is made affects how the finished fabric behaves.

Step four: yarn and fabric

The fibres are spun into yarn, and the yarn is knitted into fabric. The knit decides how the fabric falls and stretches. After that the fabric is cut and sewn into T-shirts. All of this happens before the T-shirt lies in your drawer, and every step affects how it feels.

Why it is called viscose

Bamboo is not simply woven, as you might think. Because the cellulose is processed into a new fibre, it is called viscose. That is why the label says bamboo viscose and not just bamboo. It is an honest description of what the fabric is, and good to know.

What the explanation does not tell you

This description is simplified, and it says nothing about how a particular T-shirt was made. The details vary between makers. Always ask about what matters to you, and read the label, so you know what you are holding.

What you feel in the T-shirt

You feel the fibre, the yarn and the knit as softness, drape and stretch. A smooth fibre and an even knit give a smooth surface, and a dense knit gives more firmness. Feel the fabric yourself and choose the feel you like best against the skin.

Looking after it at home

Wash the T-shirt at a low temperature, turn it inside out and avoid the tumble dryer, so the fibres stay looking good. Dry it flat. Take the same care with socks for men and bamboo boxer briefs, so all the clothes last.

Frequently asked questions

What is bamboo viscose

It is a fibre where the cellulose of the plant is processed into a new fibre. That is why the label says viscose.

Are bamboo T-shirts woven

No, a T-shirt is normally knitted. The yarn is knitted into fabric, and that decides how the fabric falls and stretches.

Why does bamboo viscose feel soft

The fibres are smooth, and the knit is even. That gives a soft feel, but softness is personal.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.