Cashhmere-Soft Bamboo Fabric Is Fashionable Eco Clothing
Bamboo fabric gets rave reviews. E/The Environmental Magazine calls it “eco-chic” that is, “Softer than cotton and with a texture more akin to silk or cashmere, bamboo clothes naturally draw moisture away from the skin, so it's great for hot weather or for sweaty workouts. It also dries in about half the time as cotton clothing” (Dec. 22, 2008). The London Mail praises the green clothing fiber as soft, absorbent, durable, and lightweight (Apr. 27, 2008). Bamboo fabric is used for the fleecy hoodies, available in five colors: Midnight, Pink, White, Stone, Espresso. Bamboo is soft enough for bathrobes and house slippers, shown below. All are machine washable. Bamboo Fiber May Be Chemically
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Eva Kokopeli explains that “bamboo’s root system actually stabilizes the proximate dirt, preventing erosion” (The Wave magazine online).
Farmers don’t have to replant this self-propagating species. It can be grown without the heavy applications of chemicals required by cotton production. Shirt, left, is 67% bamboo, 29% cotton, 4% Spandex jersey by alo™ and is designed with sustainability in mind. A rolled neckline adds style to your gym ensemble. Evaluating the environmental impact of processing bamboo fiber into fabric may be challenging.
E/The Environmental Magazine notes that harsh chemicals are needed for hydrolysis-alkalization and bleaching. The Earth Talk column adds, “The Green Guide counters, though, that bamboo still has a much lower environmental impact than pesticide-laden conventional cotton and petroleum-derived nylon and polyester fabrics.”
Not All Bamboo Clothing Uses Organically Processed Fiber
Dreamsacks says its Bamboo Pajamas, left, are pesticide free. and made from a sustainable and renewable resource. The Asian-inspired set may be casually worn outside the home.
The bamboo material is hypoallergenic allowing for better breathability which will make you feel even more comfortable. Bamboo is sustainable, enviromentally friendly, and easy to care for.
Anna Mae McKinney, taking up the cause for organic products, writes that crushing the stalks and using natural enzymes is an environmentally sensitive alternative to chemical processing.
She explains this reduces “the bamboo walls into a slushy mass so that the natural fibers can be mechanically combed out and spun into yarn” (Sherbrooke, Quebec, Record, Oct. 15, 2007, p. 11).
Shop SoftSurroundings.com has a luxe hoodie and slacks woven of stretch bamboo fiber rayon, as well as sheets and towels that use this remarkable green product.
If you're not ready to try bamboo fabric, read about organic and non-organic cotton.
Silk is the empress of fabrics; learn why and find luxury silk clothing.
