Bamboo
🧪 Semi-synthetic Also called Rayon made from bamboo, Viscose from bamboo, Lyocell from bamboo.
Almost always rayon made from bamboo pulp, not a natural bamboo fiber.
What it's made from
Bamboo pulp dissolved and spun into rayon (viscose), or less often into lyocell. True mechanically processed "bamboo linen" is rare.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | High (4 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | Low (2 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | Very high (5 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | Low (2 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | Low (2 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | Low (2 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | No |
| Biodegradable | Yes, under the right conditions |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
Very soft and silky; drapes like rayon because it is rayon.
Good for
- Pajamas, socks and underwear
- Sheets
Watch for
- The FTC says it must be labeled rayon (or viscose), e.g. "rayon made from bamboo." A label that says just "100% bamboo" is a red flag.
- Claims like "naturally antibacterial" don’t survive the processing.
Care
Gentle cycle, cold. Line dry or tumble low.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Bamboo + cotton · Bamboo + spandex
Compare
Guides
More semi-synthetic fabrics
rayon · modal · lyocell · cupro · acetate
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much bamboo is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →