You Definitely Should Add Bamboo to Your Wardrobe, Here's Why

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Step aside organic cotton, linen and hemp. Bamboo is fast becoming the eco-friendly textile of choice.

Sustainability, especially within the fashion industry, is a hot topic right now with new eco-friendly brands appearing and big retailers like H&M and Levi's spinning up sustainable, "conscious" collections.

Another emerging trend, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19, is loungewear. Something about the pandemic had us reaching not only for our favourite tracksuit but for fabrics that felt soft and comforting.

Combine our inherent need for comfort in these trying times with our growing desire to protect our weary old planet, and you will arrive at one potential answer: Bamboo.

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Why is Bamboo So Great?

Bamboo, a member of the grass family, offers a range of excellent benefits, all while being one of the most renewable resources on earth.

Eco Friendly

Unlike cotton, bamboo is an eco-friendly resource that can be grown without nasty pesticides, fertilisers or chemicals. It doesn't sap the earth of resources, requiring little water and no need for irrigation. Bamboo also works wonders, absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting 30% more oxygen than trees.

Sustainable

Bamboo is reportedly one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, taking just five years to mature compared to trees which can take up to 30 to 40 years. Bamboo also has an impressive and extensive root system which will continue to grow new shoots once harvested.

Biodegradable

Bamboo is a natural cellulose fibre and is 100% natural and biodegradable. Winning!

But What Makes Bamboo a Good Clothing Material?

In clothing items, bamboo's natural properties shine. Bamboo clothes offer a huge swath of benefits, including being:

Soft, Silky and Comfortable
Hypoallergenic
Breathable
Thermo Regulating
Absorbent
UV Protective
Antibacterial
Colourfast

What are the Best Bamboo Clothing Brands?

Bamboo Body

Bamboo Body, based in Sydney's south, was founded by sisters Amanda and Elouise. They launched their first line of everyday style essentials in 2006, and business has since boomed with Bamboo Body now offering a vast collection of bamboo clothing for women, men, and kids.

This chic burgundy two-piece set from their Ribbed Collection is ideal for Autumn. Each piece is crafted in bamboo fine rib fabric (70% bamboo 25% organic cotton 5% spandex blend).

The top has a semi-fitted shape, flattering boatneck and long sleeves whilst the skirt has double layers for extra warmth.

burgundy chic bamboo two piece — bamboo body, Burgundy Chic ($179)

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Boody

Sydney-based Boody is the brainchild of friends David and Neil, who set out with the mission to create softer and comfier clothes while keeping the environment top of mind.

The brand has been doing good in more ways than one; minimising fabric wastage, using organically grown bamboo free of pesticides, using rainwater to grow bamboo and donating to nonprofits and charities including 1% for the Planet, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Thread Together.

The company stocks basic tees, dresses, leggings, activewear, undies and socks for men, women and babies. We love their range of activewear, these breathable and bang on trend bicycle shorts in particular.

The Motivate 8" High-Waist Shorts are soft and stretchy and made from an organically grown bamboo and organic cotton blend.

Screen Shot 2021-04-01 at 9.44.13 am.png — boody, Motivate 8" High-Waist Shorts ($55)

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O2WEAR

The idea for O2wear was born when founder, Anna, went on the hunt for an everyday base layer that ticked all the boxes. After coming up empty, she began manufacturing leggings and camisoles made from bamboo—a fabric that was both lightweight, breathable and sustainable.

O2wear is the ultimate in cosy bamboo base layer thermals and basics, including tops, leggings, tees and underwear. The brand also carries a line of travel accessories which includes toiletry bags, packing cubes and pouches.

Best of the base layers is this versatile Bamboo Long Sleeve Crew Neck Top in black with generous length in the arms and body for tucking in and a high crew neckline for warmth and insulation.