Natural fibres are the first choice for clothing when many of us are given the opportunity to choose. Cotton, silk and linen are all popular choices, especially in warmer climates where the breathability of natural fibres is a necessary survival tactic to get through the summer months.
The emergence of bamboo has seen a shift from some of these traditional fibres. It’s natural, soft and versatile, while also being suitable for many of the same duties as cotton. It’s also easier to produce, and has enviable environmental credentials.
Spreading The Word
One of the most obvious reasons for the sudden spike in interest for bamboo is in its ubiquity. A range of formidable new products designed to cater for almost every demographic, fashion style and climate is available, and it’s no longer the exclusive domain of alternative lifestyle gurus and yoga teachers.
If you fancy a bamboo bra, bamboo underwear or undergarments, there are also a range of products to provide you with lightweight, breathable comfort. The natural and hardwearing nature of bamboo makes it a great choice for undergarments, and they’re frequently washed. Replacing delicate synthetics with natural bamboo is an easy first step to take if you’re trying to transition in to more ethical, natural fabrics.
A Better Choice
Ethical consumerism has also climbed the ladder of importance for many conscious consumers. Issues surrounding the payment and conditions of workers at all levels of the clothing supply chain have become big news.
The transparency which makes eco and ethical clothing attractive also provides consumers the opportunity to see how their clothing is made. This includes information about whether workers are paid a living wage, what the conditions are like, and whether the resources are sustainable and supporting the local environment and community.
Heating The Global Warming Discussion
There’s no way to express this nicely: our reliance on cotton is not helping protect our environment and water resources for the future. Cotton growing relies on enormous amounts of water – often siphoned from precious river catchments and ecosystems. This re-engineering of natural ecosystems effects the wildlife and creates problems for water security – especially in areas with low rainfall.
Bamboo does not have this problem. It’s relatively resource-light and requires a fraction of the water to produce a usable crop. It’s also quick growing and easy to grow, and doesn’t require a huge chemical cocktail to keep it pest free. Bamboo also yields significantly more product per hectare than many other crops (cotton, rice, sugar) while also helping to replenish the air with fresh oxygen.
Climate (Cool) Change
Bamboo has a reputation for providing optimal comfort to its wearers. It is is lightweight, able to be formed into different surface textures and tensions, and is able to trap moisture in a way which synthetic fabrics can’t.
It’s also able to be worn in a range of climates – this is a boon for worldwide distributors, who often face challenges when trying to market and promote clothing which is cross seasonal or otherwise unsuited to wildly shifting climates. Due to its absorptive nature, bamboo is particularly appreciated in the humid tropics, where it provides a soft, natural barrier between the skin and excess moisture.
The lightness of bamboo also means that it’s layerable, and can be worn in differing thicknesses in order to counter inclement or changeable weather.
Bamboo provides another natural fabric option to consumers who want to remain ethically and environmentally on top of their game. It also has natural comfort enhancing properties and versatility – making it a great choice for fashion items, no matter where in the world you live.
