Collection: Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo fabric is a lovely soft alternative to cotton fabric and is easy to sew with. Viewed as a sustainable fabric as it is quick and easy to grow, bamboo fabric is taking the fashion world by storm as it is used to make anything from a bamboo bag to a bamboo jersey sweatshirt. 

Our bamboo jersey range is a single jersey weight and perfect for a t-shirt, top or sweatshirt.

How is Bamboo Fabric Made?

There are a couple of different ways that bamboo fabric can be made. The most sustainable way is for the bamboo plant to be crushed and broken down into natural fibres, which are then mechanically spun into yarn. However, this is very time-consuming and labour-intensive, resulting in the final fabric being more expensive.

More commonly, bamboo is made into a piece of fabric in a similar way to viscose, which is another popular alternative to cotton and polyester. The bamboo plant is dissolved in a chemical solution to enable it to be spun into fibres. These fibres can then be made into threads and over the years, this chemical process has been adapted to make it safer for both the environment and the workers in the textile industry.

Is Bamboo a Sustainable Fabric?

From a sustainability point of view, bamboo fabric is a great option to explore. The bamboo plant is fast-growing and self-replenishing, making it a sustainable alternative to other plants that are used to make fabric nowadays.

Bamboo consumes more CO2 than other trees, which can have a positive impact on the environment. It also requires less water to grow than cotton. Depending on the way bamboo fabric is manufactured, it can even be 100% biodegradable and this makes it a very popular option. 

At Fabrics Galore, we are always searching for more responsibly grown fabrics for our customers and we will update our online store whenever we have new sustainable bamboo fabrics, so keep your eyes peeled.

Bamboo Clothing

Initially, bamboo clothing was confined to garments like socks. Nowadays, bamboo clothing is relatively common and bamboo fabric is used to make garments like T shirts, sweatshirts and nightwear.  

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo fabric has many similarities to cotton and it’s becoming increasingly popular. This type of fabric is breathable and durable, and it’s a great choice for a range of textile projects. It’s common for bamboo fabrics to be used to create base layers for the winter months because they’re so lightweight, yet they can be a great choice for summer clothing too.

One of the biggest benefits of bamboo fabric is how comfortable it is. Many will use this fabric to make underwear, nightwear and loungewear, and it’s incredibly soft on the skin as well as regulating temperature. You can use bamboo fabric if you have sensitive skin without worrying about it causing irritation. What’s more, this type of fabric is also hypoallergenic and it's a great choice if you suffer from allergies. If you take good care of bamboo fabric, it can last for many years to come.

Like all fabrics, bamboo does have its downsides and if you don’t wash this fabric on a delicate wash, there is a chance it will shrink. To prevent any damage to bamboo fabric whilst washing, it’s important to follow the care instructions on the label and this will help you to prolong the life of your bamboo garments. Commonly, bamboo can be more expensive than materials like cotton and you may find your projects cost more when you use this fabric.

It’s important to be aware that whilst bamboo itself is a sustainable plant, and is naturally pest-resistant so doesn't need pesticides, the manufacturing process of bamboo fabric isn’t always environmentally friendly. You need to be careful when purchasing bamboo fabric with a chemically intensive manufacturing process and it’s worth double-checking how the fabric is made before you place an order. At Fabrics Galore, we try where possible to source fabrics with the least environmental impact on the planet.