Are bamboo shirts men in fashion? In this article, we look at some of the latest sustainable clothing brands that are serious about helping the environment.
The fabric of these shirts is made from a blend of 55% bamboo viscose and 45% cotton. This is a strong fabric that can stand up to rough treatment and can be washed in the washing machine.
The open structure of bamboo fibers
If you’re looking for a soft, silky, natural material that feels wonderful against your skin, bamboo is the way to go. It is also hypoallergenic, naturally antibacterial, and odor-resistant.
The open structure of the fibers makes them breathable and insulating, keeping you warm during winter but cool during summer. This is because air filters through the fabric and draws moisture away from your skin, cooling you in the process!
There are two main methods of manufacturing bamboo fiber. One is the mechanical process that extracts the culm fibers by splitting the culm and rasping off the woody part. This is usually referred to as the ‘natural’ or ‘original’ bamboo fiber (Waite 2009).
The other chemical method produces bamboo fibers using a viscose rayon process. This process is cheaper to produce and has a minimal environmental impact, but it takes a long time. It is a less used manufacturing process and serves the needs of a niche market.
The insulating effect
Bamboo fibers are insulating, helping you feel as much as two degrees cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This is due to the open structure of bamboo fibers, which regulates your body temperature and wicks away moisture organically.
In addition to the insulating effect, the open structure of bamboo fabric also offers ventilation. This helps you stay fresh for longer and means you don’t have to wash your clothing as often.
The antibacterial properties of bamboo fabric fight bacteria to keep your shirt smelling fresh, so you can wear it for longer. Additionally, bamboo fabric provides UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays.
Moreover, the open structure of bamboo fabric helps you keep warm and dry under your armpits. As a result, you’ll have more time to enjoy your day and you won’t be drenched in sweat. In short, a bamboo shirt is the perfect option for any occasion.
The sustainable production
Bamboo has a long history as one of the most sustainable fabrics available. It grows fast, requires little water or fertilizer, and absorbs five times more carbon dioxide than cotton, making it a good choice for those wanting to be more eco-conscious.
However, there are still some issues with the way it is processed into fabric. The most common method is the viscose rayon production process, which uses chemicals to break down the bamboo plant into fibres.
On the other hand, the lyocell process doesn’t involve chemicals at all and can be much more environmentally friendly. It’s also cheaper to produce than rayon bamboo and uses a closed-loop production system, which means factories dispose of all the solvents used in the processing process.
If you’re looking for a stylish, sustainable, and organic bamboo shirt, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the best brands make use of OEKO-TEX 100 certified bamboo to produce high-quality, ethically made shirts that are free from harmful chemicals and dyes.
The odor-resistant
Bamboo fibers are naturally odor-resistant and antibacterial. This property is maintained even after it undergoes a chemical processing process to make it into clothing fabric.
The reason for this is that the bamboo plant possesses an antibacterial and bacteriostatic bio-agent known as ‘Bamboo Kun’, which is retained in its textile form, killing all bacteria keeping you feeling fresher and odour free longer.
This makes it ideal for outdoor activities. It is a breathable, sweat-wicking material that keeps you cool in hot weather and warm in cold.
In addition, bamboo is sustainable. It requires fewer resources to produce than cotton or other synthetic materials.
