Bamboo fabric
Most bamboo fabric is bamboo viscose, chemically regenerated like any other viscose, not a raw natural fibre. It is soft and breathable, but the US FTC has fined retailers for marketing rayon as bamboo. Read the process, not just the plant.
On your skin
Soft against the skin. Note that most bamboo fabric is bamboo viscose, chemically processed, not a raw natural fibre.
Comfort and performance
Soft, breathable drape similar to viscose.
Durability
Similar to viscose: weaker when wet, needs gentle care.
Environmental impact
Bamboo grows fast, but turning it into fabric uses the same heavy viscose chemistry. Look for closed-loop processing or certification.
See what your clothes are really made of
Scan any care label. ClothTrace reads the real fibre, decodes the wash symbols, and flags what it puts against your skin. Free to scan.
Download for iPhoneBamboo FAQ
Is bamboo fabric natural?
Usually not. Most bamboo clothing is bamboo viscose, a chemically regenerated fibre, despite natural-sounding marketing.
Is bamboo clothing sustainable?
The plant is, but standard processing is not. Closed-loop bamboo lyocell is the better version.
Why did the FTC fine bamboo brands?
For labelling chemically processed rayon as bamboo, which misrepresents what the fabric is.
- Sources
- US FTC enforcement on bamboo labelling; Textile Exchange.