Fibre length and why it matters

Short answer: Long fibres make a smoother, stronger yarn. Short fibres stick out of the thread, and those loose ends are what turn into fluff and pills on the surface over time. Fibre length therefore says a lot about how a fabric will look and feel after many washes.

What fibre length means

A yarn is made of many fibres twisted together into one thread. A long fibre runs through a large part of the thread, while a short one covers only a small stretch. The shorter the fibres, the more ends it takes to make the same thread. And every single end is a place where a fibre can work loose.

Long fibres give a smooth surface

With long fibres, fewer ends stick out of the yarn. The surface becomes even and the fabric looks calm. It feels smoother against the skin and pills less, even where it rubs, such as on the thighs of a pair of trousers. Take a look at our bamboo joggers for men.

Short fibres give fluff

Every fibre end that sticks out can tangle with its neighbours and form a small ball. It happens through friction, for example under a bag strap or where the arm rubs against the side. The balls stay put because they are still attached to the yarn. That is what we call pilling, and it usually shows after the first few washes.

Strength follows length

Long fibres also make the yarn stronger. When a fibre runs far through the thread, it is twisted together with many others and held firmly. A short fibre has less to grip and slips out more easily. A yarn of long fibres can therefore be spun finer without becoming weak, which gives a light fabric that still copes with daily wear.

Why regenerated fibres are smooth

Bamboo viscose is made by dissolving plant pulp and pressing it through fine holes, which forms long filaments. The fibre length is set in production rather than by the plant. That is why there are hardly any loose ends on the surface, and the fabric turns out smooth and soft. You feel it most in bamboo underwear for men.

What you notice day to day

The difference does not show on day one but after a few months. A T-shirt made of short fibres soon looks a little tired under the arms and along the seams. One made of long fibres keeps a more even surface for longer, especially the ones you wear most. Browse our bamboo T-shirts for men.

How to protect the surface

Even smooth fibres benefit from gentle care. Turn garments inside out before washing so the surface does not rub against the drum and other clothes. Do not wash them with jeans, zips or Velcro. Choose a programme with a low spin speed and let the clothes air dry. That keeps friction down, and friction is what creates pills.

When pills appear anyway

Pills do not mean the garment is ruined. A fabric shaver removes them in a few minutes without harming the fabric, as long as you keep it flat and do not press hard. Lay the fabric on a flat surface, slightly stretched. Afterwards the shirt looks almost new again, and you can repeat it whenever needed.

Frequently asked questions

What is a long fibre

A fibre that runs through a large part of the thread rather than just a short stretch. The longer the fibres, the fewer ends stick out on the surface.

Why do short fibres pill

Because their loose ends stick up from the fabric and tangle together into small balls when the fabric meets friction in use and in the wash.

Does bamboo viscose have long fibres

Yes, it is spun as long filaments. That is why the surface is so smooth and has so few loose ends that could form pills.