Bamboo as Clothing Material?
As you probably already know, bamboo is a quick growing grass (not a tree), found in many different climates that can reach a height of over 100 feet. But did you know that bamboo grows up to 12 inches a day and is considered the fastest growing woody plant in the world?
Over the years, bamboo has found many uses. In addition to being food for pandas, bamboo is used for scaffolding, tools, flooring, furniture, paper, utensils, and now clothing.
Clothing is usually woven using a rayon made from bamboo fiber that can be used for yarn and fabrics.
Rayon (viscose) from Bamboo is notable for its soft feel and according to some reports, its wicking properties.
Clothing made from bamboo rayon is popular for many activities including daywear, underwear, and nightwear.
Bed sheets and towels made from bamboo rayon feel like luxury items and are rapidly becoming popular as a more environmentally-friendly option compared to other fabrics, particularly since bamboo can be grown quickly without pesticides or fertilizers.
Bamboo’s moisture absorbing properties
A cross section of bamboo has micro gaps and micro holes which make bamboo cloth able to absorb moisture and wick it away from the body.
Bamboo VS Cotton.
Bamboo Viscose is non irritating to most people, and it is considered viable alternative if you have sensitive skin. Reports also show that Bamboo Viscose may offer additional protection against UV rays.
According to the Fderal Trade Commission, the wicking properties of Bamboo Viscose are unsubstantiated. However, we are aware of anectodial reports as well as documented reports that clearly indicate a wicking ability exceeding that of cotton.
It has been reported that Bamboo Viscose wicks away moisture from your body and helps to keep you dry, while cotton can soak up the moisture and leave you with a wet soaky feeling.
It is also reported that Bambo rayon is more breathable and thermal regulating than cotton, helping to keep you cooler, drier and more comfortable all day and night.
Bamboo Viscose and the environment.
Bamboo itself is a fast growing, easily replenished crop that does not require pesticides or fertilizer's, unlike cotton which is one of the most sprayed crops in the world.
The making Bamboo Viscose does require the use of harsh chemicals to convert the stiff bamboo shoots into a usable fiber (called rayon or viscose). However, given that this process occurs each and everyday
to a multitude of items - the use of Bamboo as a foundation seems more ecofriendly than other options.
Federal Trade Commission Update
Recently Gilligan & Ferneman, LLC (the parent company of DriBamboo.com) received notifcation from the FTC informing us that we may be in violation of rules and regulations that have been established to protect the consumer from false or misleading advertising.
Along with 77 other companies, including Walmart, Penny's, Dillards, Macy's, Kmart, Amazon and others, we were requested to review our site and make certain all advertising and claims are true and correct.
The major scope of the letter was to inform us that if a product is labeled as "Bamboo" then it must in fact, be Bamboo. Additionally, all products must also carry a label stating the content of each material used exceeding 5%.
Additionally, the FTC informed us that statements such as "anti-microbial" and "biodegradeable" must be supported by scientific data.
As resellers of Bamboo based products, we want to assure you that we have made every effort to rectify any advertsing, product names, descriptions, or any other information that may be within the scope of the FTC request. We also commit to monitor as best we can, that all of our vendors are properly labeling their items.
We continue to believe that our products are the best, softest, and most comfortable you can find. We also continue to believe that the production of Bamboo based products (including bamboo viscose clothing) is in fact "earth-friendly". The use of Bamboo as a source material for flooring, wall coverings, clothing and more is a key to a greener earth.
Yes, the production process is harsh - just as the production of cotton, corn and most everything else is. But Bamboo is fast growing and abundant, and may be grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
We support the FTC in their commitment to protect the consumer as we continue to offer a superior, friendly product to discerning customers like you.
William Gilligan & Mike Ferneman
