Creasing compared

Short answer: Linen creases most, followed by cotton. Bamboo viscose and modal crease least of the natural based fibres, because the fabric is heavier and drapes down instead of folding sharply. How you wash and hang your clothes decides the rest.

Why fabric creases

Fabric creases when the fibres are bent and stay in the new shape. A fibre that folds sharply holds the crease, because it lacks the strength to straighten out again. A fibre that bends softly returns on its own. That is why bamboo viscose looks smoother through the day, as in women's bamboo tops.

Linen and cotton

Linen has stiff fibres that fold sharply, which is why it creases more than any other natural material. Cotton is softer but still holds creases, especially when the fabric is thin and woven. Both look neat after ironing, but most creases return as soon as you have been sitting for a while.

Weight helps

A heavier fabric pulls itself smooth when hung up. Gravity works for you, and the creases slowly drop out while the garment hangs. A light fabric does not have the same weight to work with. You can clearly feel this in all women's clothing, where the soft drape keeps the fabric calm.

Knits crease less than woven fabric

Knitted fabrics generally crease less than woven ones. The loops in a knit can give and shift a little when the fabric bends, and they find their way back afterwards. A woven fabric has threads crossing at fixed angles, which makes creases more visible. Most soft everyday bamboo fabrics are knitted, and that helps too.

Handling matters as well

Take clothes out of the machine as soon as the programme finishes. Clothes left crumpled in the drum get creases that set. Give them a gentle shake and hang them up while still wet. The creases then drop out on their own as they dry. This also applies to a bamboo sweatshirt for men.

Spinning and creases

A very hard spin presses clothes against the drum and can leave sharp creases. Choose a moderate speed for bamboo clothing, so less water stays in without the fabric being pressed too hard. Do not fill the machine completely either, so the clothes have room to move during the wash.

Storing in the wardrobe

How clothes lie in the wardrobe matters too. Clothes pressed tightly together get creases, even when the fabric is the smooth kind. Fold clothes loosely, or hang them if there is room. Tops can be rolled instead of folded, which gives fewer sharp lines.

When travelling

Bamboo viscose is practical for travel, because it creases little in a suitcase. Roll your clothes instead of folding them, and hang them up as soon as you arrive. If there are still creases, hang the clothes in the bathroom while you shower. The steam helps the creases drop out.

Frequently asked questions

Does bamboo clothing need ironing

Rarely. Hung up wet, most creases smooth themselves out. If a crease remains, use low heat or a little steam.

Why does linen crease so much

Because the fibres are stiff and fold sharply instead of bending. The crease stays until the fabric gets wet or is ironed again.

Does fabric crease more over time

No, but a worn fabric is thinner and holds the crease slightly better. That is why older clothes can look more creased than new ones of the same kind.