Sashay Magazine / May 2010 / The Appeal of Bamboo Clothing?

 Email  Print

The Appeal of Bamboo Clothing?

Many women today strive to be eco-friendly in an effort to be kinder on the environment. While bamboo has been used for many years in applications such as flooring, paper and furniture, making fabric out of the inner fibers of the bamboo plant is a relatively new process. Bamboo clothing has exploded onto the marketplace because it offers many advantages over traditional fabrics such as cotton and polyester.

The first concern that many have about bamboo fabric is that it could negatively affect the food source of the Panda. In fact, there are many different types of bamboo and the type that is typically grown and harvested for the manufacture of bamboo clothing for women is not the same type eaten by Pandas. Moreover, bamboo grown for manufacturing is planted and tended on land specifically used for that purpose, meaning it does not affect the habitat of animals. Since bamboo is a fast growing grass that is harvested in as little as three to four years, it is a sustainable resource with little environmental impact. This benefit is extended due to the fact that bamboo is naturally pest and disease resistant, making it possible to grow the crop without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Bamboo is actually helpful because it prevents soil erosion and improves the soil itself.

There are various means of processing bamboo into a fiber that can be used for clothing.  Some of the techniques do in fact use chemicals that can be hazardous to the environment. Thankfully, there are more eco-friendly alternatives that do not utilize harmful chemicals.  It is best to seek out clothing that is certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Clothing that meets the testing of the International Oeko-Tex Association will be labeled as such, and is a sign to the consumer that the fibers in the clothing is free from harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process.

Of course, the most important factor to consider when you are thinking about purchasing bamboo clothing is whether or not you will actually like the piece. Most consumers find that bamboo clothing is effortless to wear. It is extremely soft with a beautiful drape that hangs nicely on the body to flatter your curves. It is a breathable fabric that is naturally anti-bacterial and has anti-fungal properties that are carried over from the original plant and are fortunately not lost during the manufacturing process. This makes bamboo an ideal fiber for workout clothing.  Additionally, bamboo clothing does not hang on to nasty odors, which is common in clothes worn while exercising. This feature also makes washing a more eco-friendly process because it is not necessary to use chemical-laden detergents and bleach on bamboo clothes.

If you are on the hunt for some new clothing and are an environmentally conscious person, you should consider buying bamboo clothing for women. Not only will you feel better knowing that your clothing comes from sustainable sources, you will also be confident in knowing that no animals are losing their habitat or food source as a result of your new shirt! Check out these items at http://www.livecofriendly.com/bamboo-clothing-for-women.html
and find eco-friendly tips on http://www.livecofriendly.com/