Bamboo viscose against silk

Short answer: Silk is softer and more expensive, but also far more delicate. Bamboo viscose comes close to the feel and can be machine washed without damage. Silk is for the few special days, bamboo viscose for all the others.

Two soft fabrics with different demands

Silk and bamboo viscose are often mentioned together, because both are known for a smooth, soft surface. The difference lies mostly in what they ask of you. Silk is a natural material that needs careful handling. Bamboo viscose is made from plant fibres and is designed to be worn and washed often in ordinary everyday life.

Softness without special treatment

Silk has to be hand washed or dry cleaned, while bamboo viscose handles forty degrees in the machine. That makes a big difference to how often a garment gets worn. Something that can go in with the rest of the wash gets used again and again, while a delicate piece is often saved for special occasions. See the range for men.

How they feel

Silk is a touch softer and has a distinctive sheen. Bamboo viscose comes close to the feel with its smooth surface and soft drape, but has a more matte, everyday look. For most people, the difference is small day to day, especially in basics such as undershirts and T-shirts worn under other clothes.

Cost per wear

A silk garment costs many times more and gets worn less often, because washing it is a hassle. If you think in cost per wear, the sums look very different. A bamboo viscose piece worn every week and washed in the machine soon becomes cheap per wear, while silk comes out only a few times a year. See bestsellers for men.

Everyday wear versus special days

Silk is for the few days, bamboo viscose for all the others. A silk shirt or tie can be right for a party or a special dinner. But for work, travel and the many ordinary days, it is more practical to have something that can be worn and washed without a second thought. See bamboo undershirts for men.

How to wash bamboo viscose

Wash at forty degrees in the machine with a mild detergent, and turn the garment inside out. Avoid fabric softener and the tumble dryer, and let it dry on a hanger or flat. That way the fabric keeps its softness and shape. It is a simple routine that fits into your normal wash.

Why silk is more delicate

Silk fibres are fine and can be damaged by heat, strong detergent and rough mechanical handling. That is why most makers recommend hand washing or dry cleaning. Silk can also lose its sheen or mark if treated wrongly. That is not a flaw in the material, but part of owning something so fine.

What to choose

If you want something truly special for a particular occasion and have time for the care, silk is a beautiful choice. If you want something soft you can wear every day and put in the washing machine, bamboo viscose is the practical choice. Many keep a single silk piece in the wardrobe and wear bamboo viscose the rest of the week.

Frequently asked questions

Is silk softer than bamboo viscose

A touch, but the difference is small in daily life. On the other hand, silk is far more delicate in the wash and needs more care.

Can you machine wash silk

Rarely. Most silk garments need hand washing or dry cleaning, and that makes them costly and awkward to look after over time.

What is cheapest per wear

Bamboo viscose. It can be worn and washed often, so the price per wear ends up much lower than for a garment that only comes out a few times a year.