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Bamboo

What is Bamboo Fabric?

Bamboo fabric is made from cellulose extracted from bamboo plants. In textiles, bamboo is usually processed into a regenerated cellulose fibre, comparable to viscose. This means the fibre starts from a natural raw material, but is transformed through a production process into a soft and wearable textile fibre.

Bamboo fabrics are appreciated for their softness, fluid drape and breathable character. Depending on the construction, bamboo can be used in jersey, rib, terry, fleece-like qualities or woven fabrics. Bamboo jersey is especially popular for garments that require stretch, comfort and a smooth touch, such as baby clothing, tops, underwear and loungewear.

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Specifications

  • Construction Usually knitted fabric, often single jersey, rib or terry; woven qualities also exist
  • Composition Bamboo viscose or bamboo-derived cellulose fibre, often blended with cotton, polyester or elastane
  • Fabric weight Within the Nooteboom Textiles range, Bamboo Jersey typically ranges from 130 to 260 g/m².
  • Stretch Moderate to good stretch in knitted constructions; more stretch when elastane is added
  • Abbreviations CV = viscose, VI = viscose, EL = elastane, CO = cotton
  • Appearance Soft, smooth, lightly glossy, supple and comfortable

What are the properties of Bamboo Fabric?

Bamboo-based fabrics are often appreciated for their softness, smooth surface and ability to absorb moisture. When bamboo cellulose is processed into viscose, the resulting fibre can provide a fluid drape and a comfortable feel against the skin. However, the properties of the finished fabric depend on much more than the raw material: the fibre blend, yarn construction, fabric structure and finishing treatment all influence its performance. Bamboo Jersey containing elastane can offer flexibility and recovery, while woven Bamboo Poplin provides a more stable structure. Heavier Bamboo Fleece qualities offer additional body and are suited to applications requiring a more substantial fabric.

What does Bamboo Fabric feel like?

The feel of Bamboo fabric depends on its construction and composition. Bamboo Jersey generally has a soft, smooth and supple handle, with a fluid drape that makes it comfortable for clothing worn close to the body. Bamboo Poplin feels smoother and more structured because of its woven construction. Bamboo Fleece has a fuller handle and a softer, more substantial surface, making it suitable for comfortable clothing and home textile applications.

Applications

  • T-shirts: Bamboo Jersey offers a smooth, soft surface and comfortable stretch for everyday T-shirts and casual tops.
  • Blouses: woven Bamboo Poplin can be used for lightweight blouses that benefit from a relatively stable construction.
  • Dresses: Bamboo Jersey is suitable for softly draped dresses, while Bamboo Poplin works well for more structured designs.
  • Skirts: selected Bamboo qualities can be used for comfortable skirts when their drape, weight and opacity suit the design.
  • Baby Clothing: suitable soft qualities can be used for baby garments when the selected fabric meets the relevant safety requirements.
  • Children's Clothing: Bamboo Jersey is suitable for comfortable children's tops, trousers and everyday clothing.
  • Pyjamas: soft Bamboo Jersey is suitable for nightwear and loungewear that require comfort and freedom of movement.
  • Sweatshirts: heavier Bamboo Fleece qualities can be used for comfortable sweatshirts and casual garments when the construction suits the pattern.
  • Trousers: stretch Bamboo Jersey is suitable for relaxed casual trousers, while woven Poplin can be considered for lightweight, loose-fitting designs.
  • Bed Linen: selected woven Bamboo qualities can be used for soft bedding and pillowcases when their width and durability meet the intended requirements.
  • Bathrobes and Towels: suitable Bamboo Fleece qualities can be used for bathrobes, towels and other absorbent home textiles when their finishing and performance match the application.

Wash Instructions

  • Washing Temperature: wash Bamboo fabrics at approximately 30°C on a gentle cycle when permitted by the care label of the selected quality.
  • Drying Advice: air drying is recommended to reduce the risk of shrinkage and distortion, particularly for viscose-based fabrics and blends containing elastane.
  • Ironing Instructions: use a low to medium temperature according to the fibre composition, and iron on the reverse side when necessary.
  • Dry Cleaning: only when permitted by the care instructions of the specific article.
  • Special Considerations: avoid excessive wringing, bleach and high temperatures, and handle wet fabrics carefully because regenerated cellulose fibres may be more vulnerable to stretching or distortion.

Other Information

  • Certifications: selected Bamboo Jersey, Bamboo Poplin and Bamboo Fleece articles from Nooteboom Textiles are certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Product Class I; certification should always be verified for each article.
  • Sustainability Aspects: bamboo is a renewable plant resource, but converting bamboo cellulose into textile fibres requires processing, and the environmental impact depends on chemicals, water use, energy consumption and waste management; bamboo-derived viscose should not automatically be considered more sustainable than other fibres.
  • Shrinkage and Prewashing: prewashing or testing a sample is recommended to check possible shrinkage, dimensional changes and surface behaviour before production.
  • Width: selected Bamboo qualities from Nooteboom Textiles have widths of 140 cm for Poplin, 145 cm for Fleece and 150 cm for Jersey.
  • Surface: Bamboo Jersey typically has a smooth knitted surface, Bamboo Poplin has an even woven appearance, and Bamboo Fleece offers a fuller texture.
  • Colours and Designs: the assortment includes plain and melange colours such as white, off-white, black, navy, mint, petrol, beige and old pink, depending on the quality.
  • Seasonal Suitability: lightweight Bamboo Poplin and Jersey are suitable for spring, summer and year-round basics, while heavier Bamboo Fleece qualities are appropriate for more substantial garments and home textiles.

What is the difference between Bamboo Fabric and Cotton?

Bamboo-based viscose and cotton are both cellulose fibres, but they are produced differently. Cotton fibres are harvested directly from the cotton plant and processed into yarn, while most Bamboo textiles are made by dissolving bamboo cellulose and regenerating it into textile fibres. Bamboo viscose often has a smoother feel and a more fluid drape than conventional cotton fabrics of comparable construction. Cotton may provide a firmer, more familiar handle, depending on the yarn and weave or knit. Differences in moisture management, durability and shrinkage depend on the finished fabric rather than the fibre name alone.

What is the difference between Bamboo and Viscose?

The terms Bamboo and Viscose do not necessarily describe different fibre types. Bamboo refers to the plant used as the cellulose source, while viscose refers to a manufacturing process and the regenerated cellulose fibre it produces. Many fabrics commercially described as Bamboo are therefore made from bamboo-derived viscose. Viscose can also be produced from other cellulose sources, including wood pulp. When evaluating a Bamboo fabric, it is important to distinguish the raw material origin from the actual fibre type and manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Bamboo Jersey, Bamboo Poplin and Bamboo Fleece?

Bamboo Jersey, Bamboo Poplin and Bamboo Fleece differ primarily in construction, weight and intended application. Within the Nooteboom Textiles assortment, Bamboo Jersey article series 14530 contains 68% bamboo-based fibre, 28% cotton and 4% elastane and has a weight of 200 g/m², making it suitable for flexible clothing. Bamboo Poplin article series 23192 consists of 100% bamboo-based fibre and weighs 135 g/m², providing a lighter, non-stretch woven alternative. Bamboo Fleece article series 14533 contains 40% bamboo-based fibre, 40% cotton and 20% polyester, with a weight of 260 g/m² and a non-stretch classification. Choosing between these qualities should therefore be based on the garment or product requirements rather than the bamboo content alone.

Practical Tip

Bamboo fabrics are ideal for garments where softness and comfort are key. For babywear, underwear and loungewear, choose bamboo qualities with elastane for better stretch and shape recovery. Always check the care label and pre-wash the fabric before production, as bamboo-based viscose fibres can be sensitive to shrinkage.

FAQ

Is Bamboo fabric naturally antibacterial?
Bamboo plants may possess certain biological properties, but these should not be automatically attributed to textiles manufactured from regenerated bamboo cellulose. The processing used to produce bamboo viscose changes the original plant material substantially. Antibacterial performance should only be claimed when it has been demonstrated through relevant testing of the finished fabric.
Is Bamboo fabric suitable for sensitive skin?
Soft Bamboo-based fabrics can feel comfortable against sensitive skin, particularly when the surface is smooth and the construction reduces friction. However, comfort also depends on dyes, finishing treatments, moisture management and individual sensitivities. For babywear and garments worn directly against the skin, check the relevant product specifications and certifications.
Does Bamboo fabric shrink after washing?
Bamboo-based viscose fabrics can shrink or change dimensions during washing, particularly when exposed to high temperatures or unsuitable drying methods. The amount of shrinkage depends on the fibre blend, construction and finishing treatment. Wash and measure a fabric sample before cutting to identify possible dimensional changes.
Is Bamboo fabric suitable for underwear and fitted clothing?
Bamboo Jersey can be suitable for underwear and fitted clothing when it provides sufficient stretch, recovery and opacity. Qualities containing elastane generally offer better shape recovery than comparable fabrics without elastane. The selected fabric should be tested for stretch, seam elasticity and comfort before production.
Can Bamboo fabric be considered environmentally friendly?
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, but the sustainability of bamboo-derived textiles cannot be determined from the plant source alone. Conventional viscose production can involve chemical processing, energy use and water consumption. Reliable environmental claims require information about the fibre manufacturing process, chemical management and relevant third-party verification.

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Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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