Softness, which fabric feels softest

Short answer: Silk is the smoothest, followed by bamboo viscose and modal. Cotton comes some way behind, and wool feels rough to many people. The surface of the fibre decides most of how soft a fabric feels against the skin.

The surface matters most

When you touch a fabric, your fingers meet the surface of the fibre first. A smooth fibre without scales and with few loose ends feels soft, because it glides easily over the skin. A rough or scaly surface can scratch, even when the fibre is thin. That is why bamboo viscose feels soft in a bamboo bra.

Why wool can itch

Wool fibres have a surface with small scales, and many people feel them as a slight prickle on the skin. This is most noticeable where the skin is thin, such as the neck and the inside of the arms. Some barely notice it, others cannot wear wool directly on the body at all. It depends on your own skin.

Thickness matters too

Besides the surface, the thickness of the fibre plays a part. Thin fibres bend more easily when pressed against the skin and so feel softer than thick ones. Two fabrics made from the same fibre can therefore feel different, depending on how fine the yarn is. You can feel this in a bamboo sweatshirt for women.

The knit does the rest

Even the softest fibre can become a less pleasant fabric if the knit is loose. A tightly knitted fabric has fewer loose ends on the surface and feels smoother. Loose ends can stick out and be felt against the skin. Look at the qualities in all women's clothing and feel the difference with your hand.

Softness changes with washing

Many fabrics get softer during the first washes, as the fibres loosen a little and the surface becomes more supple. After many washes the trend reverses, and the fabric starts to get thin instead. So it is not always a good sign when a garment feels much softer than when you bought it.

Soft is not the same as good

A very soft fabric can be thin and wear out faster than a firmer one. Softness says something about how a fabric feels, but not necessarily how long it lasts. When choosing clothes, it is worth checking both the softness and whether the fabric looks dense and firm when you hold it up to the light.

When bamboo fabric feels hard

If a bamboo fabric feels hard or stiff, the fibre is rarely to blame. Usually it is detergent residue or limescale from the water that has built up in the fabric. Use less detergent, add an extra rinse and avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres. The soft feel usually returns after a few washes.

How to keep the softness

Wash at low temperatures and let clothes air dry rather than using a tumble dryer. Heat and rough handling wear down the surface, and it is the surface that gives the soft feel. Turn clothes inside out before washing and hang them up as soon as the machine has finished. The fabric then keeps its smooth surface longer.

Frequently asked questions

Does fabric get softer over time

Yes, during the first many washes. After that the fabric starts to get thin instead, and the extra softness is then a sign of wear rather than quality.

Is soft the same as good

No. A very soft fabric can be thin and wear out quickly. Also check whether the fabric feels dense and firm before you choose it for everyday wear.

Why do some bamboo fabrics feel hard

Usually it is detergent residue or limescale, not the fibre. Use less detergent, rinse an extra time and leave out the softener, and the fabric will usually feel soft again.