It is hard for anyone to imagine what bamboo clothing is, but once you have tried bamboo clothes, you will know that the fabric is probably the best for clothing. Clothes made from bamboo plants, are as soft and breathable (ability to absorb moisture) as contemporary cotton clothes. In addition, they also have many global environmental benefits. These clothes are antibacterial and chemical free. You will definitely long for these clothes once you know their numerous benefits.
People who grow bamboo plants indoors, know that they are easy to maintain. This is true even for bamboo plants that grow outdoors or in jungles. They do not require any pesticides at all, because of natural antibacterial and antifungal substances found in the plant. These substances, which help protect the plant, protect us too, when we wear clothes made from the plant.
The next question in our minds is, how exactly are bamboo clothes made? There is no exact explanation for this as yet. However, the gist is that bamboo pulp is converted into fabric by a process called hydrolysis-alkalization. This process is then followed by many other processes, which take place in a completely closed container, making the release of harmful byproducts impossible. The chemicals used in these processes aren't harmful as compared to the chemicals used in the processing of cotton and polyester. Two major companies in the world that make bamboo clothes are Bambrotex and Tendro, based in China. Moso bamboo, a species that is used for making bamboo fiber, grows abundantly in China. Almost 2% of the total Chinese forest area is covered by this plant.
Bamboo clothing has numerous benefits. Some of them are:
- The fiber is very soft, even softer than the softest cotton. It absorbs water better than other fabrics, keeping the skin comfortable. It keeps the body warm during the winter and cool in the summer.
- The plant has a substance called 'bamboo kun' that prevents bacteria from cultivating. Besides being thermal regulating and odor free, it has natural UV protection too.
- The bamboo plant is one of the most sustainable plants on Earth. It can grow up to 3 feet overnight and is ready for harvesting in about 4 years. After harvesting, the plants do not require replanting, their vast roots continuously sprout new shoots.
- These plants are environment friendly. They take in 5 times more greenhouse gas, and produce 35% more oxygen than any other plant or tree. They help reduce the level of carbon dioxide, thus reducing the rate of global warming.
- Bamboo fabric has excellent antibacterial properties even after 50 washes.
Bamboo clothing has created an interest in people, particularly those from the eco-fashion field. Processing techniques are being improved upon to provide much better and cheaper bamboo fabrics.
