As the “green movement” grows in popularity so does the interest in organic fibers and clothing.  Organic clothing is made of all-natural and non-synthetic products,  and the application of these alternative materials in the fashion industry has come a long way since the 70’s.

Although organic cotton still remains the most popular of the organic fibers, bamboo clothing is gaining in popularity.  Bamboo has been described as the cotton of the 21^st century and can be found in a wide range of clothing from women’s undergarments to evening dresses and men’s T-shirts to sports wear.  It is adaptable to both cool and warm climates and has the strength and durability of the toughest jean material.

There are significant advantages to bamboo clothing.   Clothing made from bamboo is naturally antibacterial and can remain odor free longer than other materials.   It is hypoallergenic which makes it non-irritating to the skin. Bamboo is much more absorbent than cotton and wicks the moisture away from the body, and it is luxuriously soft.  It is also sustainable and eco-friendly.  Bamboo is the largest member of the grass family and can grow up to a foot a day.  It grows very densely producing up to 40% more oxygen and absorbing up to 35% more carbon dioxide than an equivalent forest of trees. And bamboo can be grown without pesticides or chemicals, making it naturally organic.

In the processing of bamboo into fiber, the crushed bamboo leaves and inner pith are soaked in sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) to produce cellulose.  The bamboo cellulose is then forced through a sieve-like nozzle into an acid bath that hardens the solution into bamboo fiber threads and neutralizes the caustic sodium hydroxide.  The fibers are then spun into threads that can be woven into cloth.  Some concerns have been expressed about the chemicals in the process, but they have been addressed.  Caustic soda does not pose a health concern when handled properly.  It has been shown to be safe and is approved under the Global Organic Textile Standard for use on textiles.

From the fashion runways of New York and Los Angeles, and from low to high-end retailers, bamboo clothing has come of age.  And at competitive pricing with clothes made from other fabrics.