Bamboo viscose against polyester

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: Polyester dries fastest, but it also smells fastest. Bamboo viscose dries more slowly and only becomes unpleasant much later in the day. That is why polyester suits short, hard workouts, while bamboo viscose is easier to live with for a whole day.

Two very different fibres

Polyester is a synthetic fibre, while bamboo viscose is made from plant fibres. That sounds like a technical detail, but it has a big effect on how the clothes feel. The two fabrics handle moisture in different ways, which affects drying time, odour and how your skin feels after a few hours in the same clothes.

Drying time versus odour

Polyester moves moisture away without absorbing it, so it dries very quickly. On the other hand, odour sets in faster, because the moisture sits on the surface close to the skin. Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture into the fibres and dries more slowly, but stays fresh for longer. See bamboo sweatwear.

Why polyester smells faster

Polyester fibres are smooth and do not absorb moisture. When you sweat, the moisture stays in a thin layer between the fabric and your skin. That gives the bacteria on your skin good conditions, and they are what cause the odour. Many people know this from sportswear that needs washing after every use, even a short one.

What your skin feels

Polyester can feel smooth, but also clammy once you have worn it for a while. Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture and keeps feeling dry for longer. The difference is greatest in close-fitting clothes and on days when you move around a lot or go between indoors and outdoors. See the range for women.

When each one makes sense

For hard, short workouts, polyester is practical, because it dries quickly and usually gets washed straight after. For a whole day in the same clothes, bamboo viscose is easier to live with, because it stays fresh and feels soft. Many people choose polyester for a run and bamboo viscose for the rest of the day. See bestsellers for women.

Drying time in practice

Bamboo viscose dries more slowly than polyester, but faster than cotton. A piece of underwear is usually dry overnight if it hangs freely. So you can wash in the evening and have the clothes ready the next morning. Hang them on a hanger or drying rack in a well aired room.

Washing and care

Bamboo viscose does best with a gentle wash at a low temperature and a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and let the clothes air dry rather than tumble drying them. Polyester can often take more, but because odour sets in faster, it also needs washing more often. Always follow the care label.

How to choose for your everyday life

Think about what your day looks like. If you are training hard for an hour and then showering, polyester does the job. If you are wearing the clothes from morning to evening, at work, on the go or at home, bamboo viscose is the comfortable choice. Many end up with a bit of both and choose by the day.

Frequently asked questions

Why does polyester smell faster

Because the fibres are smooth and do not absorb moisture, so the bacteria on the skin get better conditions in the damp layer between fabric and skin.