Viscose bamboo clothing and the regenerated cellulose behind it

Short answer: Viscose bamboo clothing is made from regenerated cellulose, meaning plant cellulose that is first dissolved and then shaped into new fibres. That is why bamboo clothes are called viscose on the label. Here we explain the term calmly, so you know what you are reading and how to care for the clothes.

What regenerated cellulose means

Cellulose is the building material of the plant, and regenerated means it has been dissolved and formed into a new fibre. The result is neither fully natural nor fully synthetic, but something in between. That is why the label often says viscose, even when the raw material comes from bamboo.

Why viscose bamboo clothing has that name

The word viscose describes the method itself, where the cellulose is dissolved into a thick liquid and pressed into threads. The method is used for many plants, not only bamboo. When you see viscose from bamboo, it tells you which plant the cellulose comes from and which type of fibre you are dealing with.

How it appears on the label

The label shows the fibre name as a percentage, and it is the only reliable source for what the cloth consists of. It may say viscose, bamboo or both. Read the label on each piece in the range for women and compare it with what you expect.

The difference between fibre and finished cloth

The fibre is only the raw material, and the cloth appears once the yarn is knitted or woven. Two fabrics made of the same fibre can therefore feel very different. Look at the knit, weight and elastane, not only the fibre name, when you want to judge how a piece will feel.

How regenerated cellulose feels

The fibre is smooth and round, and it can draw in moisture, so the cloth feels cool against the skin. That suits close fitting clothes such as bamboo T-shirts for women. How it feels always depends on the cloth as a whole, though.

Caring for regenerated cellulose

Viscose is sensitive to heat and rough handling, so wash at a low temperature and choose a gentle cycle. Skip fabric softener and dry the pieces on a rack or on low heat. Always follow the care label, because it tells you exactly what each piece can take.

Socks and other close fitting pieces

Close fitting clothes show the difference between fabrics quickly, so socks are a good place to try viscose. Have a look at bamboo socks and feel how the fibre behaves against the skin all day. Wash them at a low temperature so they keep their shape for as long as possible.

How to ask the right questions

Always ask what the fibre is called, how the cloth is knitted and how it should be washed. An honest answer gives you a better basis than a pretty name. Then you can compare bamboo clothes with other clothes without guessing what they are made of.

Frequently asked questions

Is viscose from bamboo natural or synthetic

It is regenerated cellulose, so something in between. The raw material is plant cellulose, but the fibre is formed in a manufacturing process. The label shows the fibre name, so you can see what the cloth consists of.

Why does the label say viscose and not bamboo

Because viscose is the name of the fibre type, while bamboo tells you which plant the cellulose comes from. Both words can appear on a label, and they describe the same cloth from two sides.

Does viscose need special washing

Yes, usually gently at a low temperature without fabric softener and dried on low heat. Follow the care label on each piece, because it decides what the item can take.