What can be made from bamboo in clothing

Short answer: In clothing, bamboo is mostly used as viscose, where bamboo fibres are processed into a soft yarn that can be knitted into T-shirts, socks, underwear and sweat clothing. The fabric is smooth and airy and is used mainly for everyday clothes, where softness matters most. Here is an overview.

From bamboo plant to yarn

Bamboo is a fast growing plant, and for clothing the fibres are processed into viscose. In that process the plant material is dissolved and spun into threads, which then become yarn. The result is a smooth, soft material that is closer to silk than to cotton.

What kinds of clothing it can become

The yarn can be used for many kinds of clothing, from T-shirts and long sleeve tops to socks and underwear. It is also common in sweat clothing and lounge trousers. You can browse our bamboo clothing for men and get an idea of how widely the material can be used.

Socks made of bamboo

Socks are one of the most common things made from bamboo viscose. The yarn sits softly against the foot and feels pleasant all day. It is often mixed with a little elastic so the socks keep their shape. See socks for men to get a feel for how they look and fit.

T-shirts and tops

A T-shirt in bamboo viscose falls loose and soft and is made for everyday use. The fabric is smooth and absorbs moisture, so it feels pleasant when it is warm. It is a good start if you want to try the material for the first time. You can find bamboo T-shirts for men and compare the fit.

Underwear and the base of the wardrobe

Bamboo viscose is also used for underwear, because it lies softly close to the skin and has no stiff surface. Here the seams and the fit matter as much as the fabric. Choose a size where you can move freely and wash the underwear according to the care label.

Sweat and loungewear

Many people associate bamboo with loungewear, and it is a good match. The fabric falls softly and feels pleasant to wear when you are relaxing. In sweat clothing and joggers it can be blended with other fibres to help the fabric keep a good shape.

Caring for bamboo clothing

Bamboo viscose can be more delicate than cotton, so always follow the care label. Wash at a low temperature, avoid wringing the clothes hard and let them dry flat or on a drying rack. Avoid high heat in the tumble dryer unless the label says it is fine.

Other things made of bamboo besides clothing

Bamboo is also used for floors, furniture and kitchen tools, but that is a completely different use from clothing. In clothing it is about the fibres, while in furniture it is the solid cane itself. When you read about bamboo, always check whether it is about fabric or solid wood.

Frequently asked questions

Is bamboo clothing the same as bamboo as timber?

No. Bamboo clothing is made from fibres of the plant, which are processed into viscose and spun into yarn. Bamboo as timber is the hard cane used for floors and furniture.

Which clothes are most often made of bamboo?

The most common are socks, T-shirts, underwear and sweat clothing, because the fabric is soft and suits everyday wear close to the skin. It also exists in long sleeve tops and loungewear.

How do I wash clothes made of bamboo viscose?

Follow the care label. Wash at a low temperature, avoid hard wringing and strong heat, and let the clothes dry flat or on a rack, so the fabric keeps its shape and stays soft.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.