Bamboo fabric is loved by not only humans but also cute little Pandas. It is considered to be one of the most earth-friendly materials out there and can be used to make tons of bedding products.
There is no clear definition of bamboo fabric; it is loosely based on the number of textiles made using byproducts of the bamboo plant. It is said that fabrics have been made by bamboo for more than a thousand years. But recently, we were introduced to its benefits. In modern times, bamboo fabric is trending such that its popularity is outshining other fabrics like linen, cotton, and even luxurious silk.
But is it really that good? Or is it one of those marketing gimmicks that makes a new product launch successful? Well, today, using this blog, we are going to find out why bamboo fabric is considered to be a better option than others, what its uses and benefits are, and what to consider before buying a product made from bamboo fabric. So, let's begin!
What Is Bamboo Fabric?
Bamboo fabric is one of those materials that can be produced both ethically and unethically, depending on the producer's methods of growing and cultivating bamboo. Due to its faster growth, bamboo fabric is present in nature in large quantities. Textile manufacturers use several methods to produce various products from bamboo fabric.
How Is Bamboo Fabric Made?
Oringal bamboo fabric is made using bamboo timber that grows in forests for a minimum of four years. In summers, when new shoots reach their full height, they are given a year code to ensure that they are harvested at the right time, meaning when they are fully matured.
Once the bamboo shoots are finally harvested, they are taken to mills, where they are crushed and submerged in a strong sodium hydroxide solution that dissolves bamboo cellulose. Carbon disulfide is also added to the mix to regenerate fibers that were drawn off, washed away, and bleached to give bamboo fibers their bright white color.
The end result of this process forms a long fiber that is visibly finer than other fabrics. The fiber is then spun into yarn, just like any other fabric. The longer staple leads to higher tensile strength, which makes bamboo fabric tough.
Types of Bamboo Fabric
There are a total of three types of bamboo fabric that you can find when purchasing bamboo products. Each of them is defined below in brief:-
Bamboo Viscose
The majority of the bamboo fabric produced in the world is bamboo viscose, which is pretty affordable, even though its production has environmental downsides and constant threat of workplace hazards.
Viscose is a fabric manufacturing process invented in the 20th century. This process results in the production of semi-synthetic fabric that can mimic the properties of 100% original fabric. Back in the 20th century, viscose was used to make materials that could match the desirable properties of silk, and now the same method is used for producing affordable bamboo fabric for the mass market.
Bamboo Lyocell
Lyocell is one of the fabric production methods that change wood into textile fabric. The bamboo lyocell is produced using a non-toxic solvent such as amine oxide, which helps break down the bamboo pulp. Using this method, more than 99% of the solvent and the water used during the process are recovered and made available for reuse in the next batch. As a result, the production of bamboo lyocell uses the bare minimum amount of water, and the leftover waste is also minimal, making the overall process less harmful to the environment.
Bamboo Modal
Bamboo modal is also a semi-synthetic fiber made using beech tree pulp, which is also a renewable resource. These trees are grown in sustainable forests, and no artificial irrigation is required. Moreover, this particular type of tree doesn’t require too much water, which is completely opposite to traditional cotton production.
The manufacturing process involves spinning tree pulp into fibers. It is a closed loop in which approximately 95% of the solvents are recycled, keeping both the waste and pollution from the process under control.
Bamboo Fabric Cost
Bamboo fabric, even though a bit more expensive than cotton, is nowhere near the price of silk fabric. You can easily get bamboo fabric at a cost of 10$ a meter. Also, multiple brands all over the world sell bedding products made from bamboo fabric at a slightly higher price than cotton products. But the few extra dollars are worth the investment for your sleep, the decor of your bedroom,, and your skin.
Properties and Benefits of Bamboo Fabric
Here are a few benefits of bamboo fabric that one must know before purchasing products made from it.
Softness and Comfort
There are no loose ends present in bamboo fabric. As a result, it is quite smooth to touch, almost at the level of silk fiber. This results in bamboo fabric to generate minimal friction with your skin and hair, to keep you asleep with comfort all night. With less friction, there is a low chance of hair breakage during your sleep, along with less irritation of the skin as well.
Breathability and Moisture-Wicking
Bamboo fabric is known to wick away moisture, allowing sweat to quickly evaporate compared to other fabrics. As a result, it is used to keep babies' skin dry and comfortable throughout the day and night.
Antibacterial and Hypoallergenic Properties
Bamboo has a natural tendency to be antibacterial and comes with antifungal properties. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from bacterial infections. Furthermore, it resists the building of bad odor, keeping you fresh and protecting your body from fungal infections.
Durability and Longevity
The presence of long bamboo pulps combined together in such a way that they retain all their strength makes bamboo fabric a perfect choice for making furniture that can easily last decades of wear and tear.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Bamboo, as we said earlier, is a renewable resource, and not just that, it is the most abundant renewable resource on the face of the earth because of how fast it grows in different parts of the world. Likewise, due to its antibacterial properties, it can easily be grown organically with zero pesticide usage. Thus keeping the fabric 100% biodegradable.
Uses of Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo fabric is used to manufacture sheets, blankets, towels, hand towels, and other household textiles. All of this is possible because of its softness and durability. You can also find bamboo fabric in garments, upholstery, bedding, linens, and pillowcases.
Conclusion
So there you have it; these are the different types of bamboo fabric that you can find in the market when you are going out to buy bedsheets, pillowcases, and other forms of upholstery for your home. All three types of bamboo fabric bring their own set of benefits to the table and are excellent choices for making environmentally conscious decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bamboo fabric made of?
Bamboo fabric is an alternative to cotton, linen, and silk. It is made of viscose rayon, a fiber produced by dissolving cellulose in bamboo and then extruding to create fibers.
Is bamboo fabric eco-friendly?
Yes, bamboo fabric is made from plums that are easily found in nature. Bamboo grows quickly without requiring any protection from pesticides, as it is already antibacterial in nature.
Is bamboo fabric soft?
Bamboo fabric is pretty soft to the touch, and when you sleep on it, you will feel like your body is floating on top of it. This luxurious softness comes due to the smooth, round structure of the bamboo figure, which does not have any sharp or rough edges that can lead to irritation.
Is bamboo fabric breathable?
Bamboo, a natural moisture-wicking material, draws sweat and moisture away from your skin, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable throughout the night.
How do I care for bamboo fabric?
You can machine wash bamboo clothing and bedding. Remember to pretreat stains before putting the fabric in the washing machine. You can use any regular detergent to clean bamboo fabric; it does not require any special care.