5 Facts and Myths about Bamboo Fabric

With bamboo fabric gaining popularity in recent years due to its soft texture and eco-friendly reputation, there is increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendly fashion. However, there's a lot of confusion surrounding how bamboo fabric is made and how sustainable it truly is. As a sustainability-focused brand, we want to be transparent about both the benefits and the limitations of bamboo fabric. 

Photo by Eric BARBEAU on Unsplash

Myth: Bamboo has a larger carbon footprint than cotton

Fact: Bamboo is a naturally regenerative plant that grows rapidly in the wild without the need for fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation. It thrives on rainwater and sunlight, using far less land compared to cotton, which competes with food crops and requires intensive farming practices.

Cotton is notoriously water-intensive – producing just one cotton T-shirt takes about 2,700 litres of water. Furthermore, 98% of the world’s cotton is grown using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can pollute waterways and harm biodiversity. Cotton farming also often leads to soil degradation and is linked to exploitative labour practices in some regions, including low wages and even child labour.

Myth: Bamboo fabric is made entirely from raw bamboo fibres

Fact: Although bamboo is the base material, most bamboo fabrics are created through a chemical process that breaks the plant down into a pulp, which is then regenerated into fibres this is called bamboo viscose or rayon.

Bamboo fabric is also frequently blended with other materials like spandex (for stretch) or cotton (for structure and weight). While blending can enhance certain fabric properties, it can reduce the overall sustainability of the garment. The higher the bamboo content, the eco-friendlier the fabric is likely to be.

Myth: Bamboo fabric is rough and uncomfortable

Fact: One of bamboo fabric’s most praised qualities is its luxurious softness – often compared to silk or cashmere. It's gentle on sensitive skin, breathable and naturally moisture-wicking, helping to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Myth: Bamboo fabric is NOT sustainable

Fact: Bamboo as a crop is inherently sustainable – it grows quickly, requires no pesticides, and regenerates after being harvested. It even has natural antibacterial properties, which can reduce the need for chemical treatments in textiles.

The sustainability challenge lies in the chemical processing phase. That’s why we’re committed to partnering only with GOTS-certified production facilities that use closed-loop systems, which safely capture and reuse chemicals, minimizing environmental impact.

Myth: Bamboo fabric is NOT durable 

Fact: Don’t let its soft feel fool you – bamboo fabric is surprisingly durable. With proper care, garments maintain their strength and appearance over time. It also retains colour well, so your clothes stay vibrant wash after wash.

Ready to Feel the Difference?

Now that you know the real story behind bamboo fabric, why not experience the benefits for yourself? Browse our collection of bamboo fabric clothing; ultra-soft, breathable and better for the planet. Discover our collection of sustainable bamboo apparel and eco-friendly fashion essentials – carefully crafted to last.

Try it. Feel it. Love it.