Bamboo Fabric Research Article

Last Updated: Saturday May 31st 2008

During the 1990’s, before saving our world became a mainstream concern, what we consumed and used to create products, foods, and apparel with were unimportant. But among all other crazes that have emerged in the 21st century, ‘going green’ has taken the front seat in almost every industry.

Even the fashion industry which is obviously known for its concern in creating style and setting new trends has incorporated ways to be more environmentally friendly. With the growing popularity of a new fabric made of bamboo, designers have slowly begun to use bamboo fabric in many of their up coming collections.

Historically in Asia, bamboo was used for the hand-made production of paper. But thanks to modern manufacturing, bamboo pulp is now capable of creating bamboo fiber which can be used to make yarn and fabric (1). Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass (2), the bamboo fiber is then made by pulping the bamboo grass until it separates into thin threads of fiber, which is then spun and dyed for weaving into cloth(3).

Bamboo fabric is similar to the softness of silk. Since the fibers are without chemical treatment, they are naturally smoother and rounder with no sharp spurs to irritate the skin, making bamboo fabric hypoallergenic and perfect for those who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers such as wool or hemp (2). On that same note, bamboo is also antibacterial and antifungal. This is because bamboo possesses an anti-bacteria and bacteriostatic bio-agent called “bamboo kun” (3), allowing it to naturally flourish and grow in the wild without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. This beneficial quality of the plant remains in its textile form, killing all bacteria keeping the wearer feeling fresher and odor free for longer, making the garment healthier and more hygienic (3).

Unlike many of the other fabrics, bamboo is extremely breathable. The natural bamboo plant keeps itself cool in the heat and like its other properties, is also maintained in its fabric form. The cross-section of the bamboo fiber is covered with micro-gaps giving the fabric better moisture absorption and ventilation (4). As a result, it is able to keep the wearer almost two degrees cooler in the heat and noticeably warmer in the cold (3). Bamboo fabric is also "anti static and UV protective as it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays" (7) providing the wearer with another beneficial quality from bamboo made clothing.

Like your average garment, bamboo fabric can be washed with everything (5). For the best maintenance of bamboo clothing, it should be washed using the gentle cycle, cold or luke warm water, where line dried is preferred (6). It is best to refrain from machine drying even on low heat as it may cause the garment to loose its shape sooner then if you line dried only. If necessary, it should be ironed on low heat and never with a steamer(6).

The most enticing aspect of bamboo fabric is that it is the most eco-friendly fabric on the planet. Bamboo, a type of tropical grass, has an extensive rooting system that grows on average four to six new shoots a year, naturally replenishing itself. It is also 100% biodegradable, the most renewable resource on our planet, and provides an abundance of usable oxygen making it a crucial element in the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere(3).

As bamboo fabric is gaining popularity in the fashion industry, there will naturally be an increase in growth and demand for more bamboo plants. This could ultimately lead to an increased amount of photosynthesis and result in another alternative to combating greenhouse gases.

Comparison between Bamboo and Cotton

Quality	Cotton	Bamboo	Comments
Strong Abrasion Resistance			Both are very abrasion resistant
Strength			Both are strong
Absorbency	100%	300%	Bamboo is 300% more absorbent than cotton
Hypoallergenic			Both fabrics are hypoallergenic
Machine-washable			Bamboo will retain it's structural integrity after multiple washings
Machine-dryable		X	Not reccommended for Bamboo
Resiliency	X		Bamboo is very resilient
Luster	X		Bamboo is naturally lusterous
Elasticity	X		Bamboo has much more elasticity than cotton
Pesticide-free crop	X		Bamboo grows without need for pesticides or fetilizer
UV Protected	X		Bamboo is naturally blocks UV rays
Antibacterial	X		Cotton is not anti-bacterial
Insulation	X		Cotton fabrics when wet lose their insulating qualities
Moisture Wicking	X		Cotton fabrics cannot wick
Soft	X		Bamboo feels like cashmere. Cotton is abrasive against the skin
Enriches the soil	X		Growing bamboo enriches the soil while cotton damages it
Biodegradable	X

Sources:
1 http://blog.shirtsofbamboo.com/why-bamboo/
2 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bamboo-fabric.htm
3 http://www.efforts.ca/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=103
4 http://www.hiptobamboo.com/bamboofacts.html
5 http://www.skeinlane.com/knittingresources/knowyourfibers/aboutbamboo.htm
6 http://site.bamboostylesonline.com/blog/
7 Organic Lifestyles (Sept/Oct 2007), The Beauty of Bamboo Pg. 36.
8 www.metowestyle.com
9 www.fusionclothing.com/bamboo-clothing.pdf
10 http://site.bamboostylesonline.com/blog/
11 www.lazye.co.uk/pages/ecotextiles
12 http://www.cottoninc.com/FinishingResearch/UltravioletProtectionFactorCottonKnit/
13 http://www.ecofabrik.com/bamboo.html
14 http://organicclothingblogs.com
15 Pizzuto, J.J. Fabric Science: Seventh Edition.

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