Bamboo viscose in underwear, what the label says

Short answer: The label in bamboo underwear usually says viscose, sometimes viscose from bamboo, with a percentage next to it. It is the same material under two names. Here is how to read the label so you know what you are buying and how to wash it.

Why the label says viscose and not just bamboo

Bamboo underwear is made from fibres taken from the bamboo plant and processed into viscose. That is why the label uses the word viscose, which is the technical name for the fibre. Bamboo tells you which plant the raw material comes from, while viscose tells you how it became yarn.

How to read the fibre line

The fibre line lists what the fabric is made of and the share each fibre makes up. If viscose comes first, it is the largest part of the fabric. The rest is often elastane, which lets bamboo underwear for women stretch and follow the body.

Elastane and other fibres in underwear

Almost all underwear contains a small share of elastane, because the fabric would not stretch without it. That is normal and not a sign of poor quality. If you want as much viscose as possible, compare the percentages on the models you are considering, for example among bamboo knickers.

The care symbols next to the material

The symbols show the highest recommended wash temperature, whether the tumble dryer is allowed and whether you may iron. Follow them, since viscose can react to heat. A gentle wash at a low temperature is often the safest choice, and it helps to read the symbols every time you wash.

Size and other details

The size appears as a letter or a number, but two brands can run differently. Check the size chart on the product page instead of guessing from the label in your old underwear. If a maker or country of production is listed too, you can use it if you want to know more about the item.

Is bamboo viscose the same as ordinary viscose

The fibre is basically the same type, but the raw material is different. How the fabric feels also depends on the yarn and the knit, not only on the name of the plant. So the label tells you less about softness than your own fingers do once you hold the garment.

What the label does not tell you

The label lists materials and care, but not how the fit is or how the fabric looks after many washes. The product description, the size chart and other buyers' experiences help there. Use the label as one tool among several, and take a look at bamboo tops for women if you want the same fabric on your upper body.

When the label scratches

Many people find waistband labels scratchy and cut them out. First take a photo of the care instructions with your phone, then trim the label close and carefully. That way you still have the symbols at hand when you set the wash, even without the label.

Frequently asked questions

What does viscose from bamboo mean on a label?

It means the fibre is viscose and the raw material comes from bamboo. It is the same material, described by both fibre type and plant. It rarely appears without a percentage next to it.

Should bamboo underwear be washed differently from other underwear?

Always follow the care symbols on the label. Viscose can be sensitive to heat, so a gentle wash at a low temperature is often safest. Avoid drying at high heat if the symbol does not allow it.

Where can I see which fibres my underwear is made of?

Look at the small label in the waistband or the side seam. The fibre line lists a percentage for each fibre. If the label is gone, check the description on the shop's product page if you bought it there.