Bamboo underwear can refer to any type of garment worn under clothing that is made from the pulp of bamboo plants. The soft inner core of this hard, reedy plant is the primary ingredient used in creating this type of clothing. This material's beneficial properties include its ability to wick moisture away from skin, its natural intolerance of fungus, and its smooth and silky texture.
The bamboo underwear is made from viscose of bamboo. The leaves of the plant and soft inner core are treated in a series of soaking and steaming solutions that produce a pulp like material. The pulp is then hardened and spun into fibers that can be used in the weaving of fabric. These fibers are often combined with a small amount of organic cotton to increase the durability of the material. Usually cotton comprises less than 30% of the total fiber content in such blends.
A wide variety of sizes and styles are available in bamboo underwear. Women may choose between standard briefs, low rise bikinis, or thongs, as well as undershirts and tank top style camisoles. Men can also purchase undershirts, a boxer or brief style of underwear, or a bamboo jockstrap when ordering from an athletic distributor. This type of clothing must typically be ordered online or purchased from a specialty boutique.
This material is soft in feel, similar to a blend of cashmere, silk, or model. It promotes air circulation between the fibers, making it naturally moisture wicking. Perspiration is carried away from the body and air is allowed to flow around and dry the skin. In addition to bamboo underwear, these woven plant fibers are found in bed sheets, socks, undershirts, T-shirts, pants, and shorts. Some sport performance clothing pieces are woven entirely from bamboo to aid athletes in maintaining a lower body temperature while exercising.
Using bamboo for clothing fibers is thought by environmentalists to have a positive impact on the Earth. Bamboo forests grow quickly, and can reach maturity in a shorter time span than most other types of wood, making it a popular choice for furniture and flooring materials, as well. Once established, this plant spreads outward and typically does not require replanting following a harvest. Unlike other materials used in the production of clothing, such as cotton, bamboo forests do not need insecticides or herbicides to thrive, and do not contribute to local land and water toxin pollutions as a result.
