Breathability and Softness: The Unique Fibre of Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. Bamboo as we know is a type of grass. Albeit can grow into heights that are not normally seen in the grass family. They regenerate pretty fast and have a long growth cycle acquiring full growth with a short span of two to three months. Not only is it sustainable and eco-friendly, but it also has unique properties that make it a great choice for clothing. In this blog post, we'll explore the unique fibre structure of bamboo and how it contributes to the breathability and softness of bamboo fabric.
What is the structure of Bamboo Fibre
Bamboo fibres are made from the pulp of bamboo grass. The pulp can be extracted by using either chemical or mechanical processes. Once the pulp is extracted, it can be spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
But what makes bamboo fibres so unique?
Firstly, bamboo fibres have a round and smooth surface, which makes them incredibly soft to the touch. Additionally, bamboo fibres contain a natural anti-bacterial agent called "bamboo kun." This anti-bacterial property means that once the fabric is constructed, they do not need to be treated with harsh chemicals to prevent bacteria and odours. Thus, the avoidance of harsh chemicals makes clothing made of bamboo a good option for people with sensitive skin or those who are prone to allergies.
The unique fibre structure of bamboo also plays a crucial role in its breathability. Bamboo fibres are filled with tiny gaps and holes, which allow air to circulate through the fabric. This means that clothing made out of bamboo can help regulate body temperature by allowing heat and moisture to escape. This breathability is especially important when doing activities that make the skin warm or when sweating , as it helps to keep the skin cool and dry. Therefore, activewear designed using bamboo fabric blends is a great way to keep moisture at bay and provides more comfort and peace of mind that the clothing we wear remains fresh as we go about our day to day tasks. Read more about why Bamboo is great for activewear here.
Furthermore, bamboo fibres are highly flexible and strong. This enables them to withstand repeated washings without losing their softness or shape. The strength of bamboo fibres also means that bamboo fabric is highly durable and long-lasting, making it a great investment for sustainable and eco-conscious consumers.
Moisture-Wicking Properties
Another benefit of the unique fibre structure of bamboo is its moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo fabric is highly absorbent, which means it can absorb moisture away from the skin. The absorbent properties of the bamboo are said to be due to the micro holes in the structure of the bamboo caused by the cross-section of bamboo fibres (2). This helps to keep the skin dry and comfortable, even in hot and humid weather. By wicking away moisture, the bamboo fabric also helps to prevent odours and bacteria from forming, which can be a common problem with synthetic fabrics. This property is particularly useful in athletic wear. Active by GS leggings are designed to keep you nice and toasty during those chilly months and cool during those hot days.
Naturally UV resistant
Bamboo fabric is known for having natural UV-blocking properties. The sun is your biggest enemy when it comes to skin care. As we are aware the ultraviolet radiation from the sun has been linked to many forms of skin cancer and can lead to sunburns, premature wrinkling and age spots. Because the rays are invisible, you often aren't aware of the damage they're doing until it's too late. further, Skin Cancer Institute Australia reports that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world with more than 13,000 people contracting Melanoma each year and it is only increasing (1).
That's where UV protection comes into play. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a measure that clothing manufacturers give to show how much protection their garments will offer from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. A UPF rating of 50+ will block out 98 percent or more of those rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Bamboo fabric is one material that offers this high degree of protection.
If you're spending time outside—whether for work or play—you want to be sure you have adequate UPF in your clothes so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about getting burned or damaging your skin further. This means wearing items with a UPF rating of at least 15, which will block 93 percent of harmful rays from passing through your clothing (a plain white T-shirt usually has a UPF rating between 5-8). If you'll be out in the elements for an extended period of time, our activewear is perfect for that - our products offer higher ratings such as 30-50+, as these items block 97 percent or more UV radiation and prevent any tanning or burning effects on the skin,
Environmental Benefits
In addition to its unique fibre structure and properties, the bamboo fabric also has a number of environmental benefits. Bamboo is a highly sustainable crop that grows quickly and requires minimal water and pesticides. Bamboo cultivation does not require fertilisers, pesticides and chemical herbicides. They are regarded as a renewable and biodegradable fibre because of their remarkable attributes. Its cultivation requires very little water and it is naturally regenerative.
This makes bamboo a great choice for eco-conscious consumers who are looking for sustainable and healthy textile products.
In conclusion, the unique fibre structure of bamboo makes it an excellent choice for clothing. Bamboo fibres are incredibly soft, naturally anti-bacterial, and breathable. Additionally, bamboo fabric has moisture-wicking properties that help to keep the skin dry and comfortable. The strength and durability of bamboo fibres also means that bamboo fabric is long-lasting, making it a great investment for sustainable and eco-conscious consumers. If you're looking for sustainable, eco-friendly, and comfortable clothing, clothing made out of bamboo fabric is definitely for you. Check out our range of activewear tops or leggings to try yourself today.
Cancer Council Queensland, 2023, https://cancerqld.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9J2iBhBPEiwAErwpec_eI-Yp5C4fOFjJJ9r09RNm-emcnUQpJ-KZn08T4WX_tWpmhSDCQxoC68MQAvD_BwE
Shen Q., Liu D.-S., Gao Y., Chen Y. Surface properties of bamboo fiber and a comparison with cotton linter fibers. Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces. 2004;35:193–195. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2004.04.002