Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world.
This ensures its sustainability credentials are valid for myriad reasons. First, bamboo absorbs five times more carbon than other hardwood trees. It stores this carbon in its plant and roots, in turn helping to regenerate soil health.
Secondly, bamboo requires little to no pesticides that fellow materials such as cotton typically need to flourish. This protects surrounding habitats and ecological systems from harsh chemicals used to grow crops.
Bamboo viscose, a fibre crafted from bamboo, is also divinely soft. Hence why you may have noticed an influx of bamboo blends slowly seeping into the fashion sphere in the past year or so, particularly in the lingerie department.
What are the benefits of buying and wearing bamboo underwear as opposed to standard cotton underwear?
Helen White, Product and Brand Director at BAM, says, “Bamboo fabric is known for its softness, which can make bamboo underwear more comfortable, especially for those with sensitive skin. Bamboo fabric has natural moisture-wicking properties, meaning it can absorb moisture away from the skin.
“Bamboo is also a highly renewable resource that grows quickly and requires minimal water and pesticides to cultivate. Plus, it’s biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to cotton, which often requires more water and chemicals to grow and process.”
How is bamboo harvested and turned into clothing?
White says: “Bamboo is harvested from areas of land where it’s difficult to cultivate other crops. It doesn't need any fertilisers or pesticides to grow profusely, and it is irrigated naturally, so doesn’t use up valuable water resources. Bamboo is, in effect, a grass. It’s harvested by cutting the stems and leaving the roots in the ground. This means that the roots, which have sequestered the carbon can keep it underground, rather than releasing any sequestered carbon as happens with crops that are uprooted.”
“The harvested bamboo is turned into dried pulp and then into fibres. Once the fibres are ready, they are sold to yarn and fabric producers. Fibres are often blended (like bamboo viscose and organic cotton) and spun into yarn, then yarn is knitted or woven into fabric, which is then dyed and finished, ready to be made into garments.”
Intrigued? Discover the best bamboo knickers and upgrade your pre-existing underwear drawer with style and sustainability in mind.
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Baserange Surprise Pack 3 Elastic Bell Pants
Everyday lingerie never need be devoid of excitement: Baserange’s gum-drop hued array of bamboo blend underwear promises comfort and colour.
Founded in 2012, Baserange has always emphasised clean lines and everyday silhouettes, with every piece crafted from natural, recycled materials. Reduced energy use, water consumption and dye usage are very much part of the brand’s MO, making the collection kind for the planet and kind for your skin.
The brand’s surprise pack offers three mystery colourways crafted from bamboo jersey and cotton rib. Add to your shopping bag and wait for your surprise trio to arrive.
Buy now £76.00, Baserange
BAM Women’s Seamless Bamboo Thong
BAM is a pioneer of bamboo clothing and has a plethora of pieces to elevate your ethical wardrobe. A barely-there thong to wear on the reg, BAM’s all-back piece is sexy sustainability summed up. This seamless silhouette is created from super-soft bamboo viscose, which has been blended with elastane for added stretch and with Amni Soul Eco, a synthetic that degrades quickly. Wham, BAM thank you, ma’am.
Buy now £16.00, BAM
Boody Classic Bikini
Treat your booty to some Boody. The Australian brand incorporates soft-touch bamboo into its adorable lingerie collection which is fit for everyday and ‘occasion’ wear. Sink into the comfort of the classic, mid-rise cut of these bikini bottoms, made from breathable, comfortable bamboo viscose. 11 colours available from sizes XS-XXXL.
Buy now £11.95, Boody
Sockshop 3 Pair Women's Briefs
Stretchy and soft on sensitive skin, Sockshop’s three-pack of briefs are an excellent bulk buy for those on a budget.
The drawer fillers are finely crafted from 95 per cent viscose from bamboo and a small dash of elastane. Machine wash yours at 40 degrees and enjoy ample wear thanks to the cloud-like touch of these sustainable briefs.
Sizing is available from UK8 to UK20.
Buy now £9.99, Sockshop
Tummy Ache Sleep Set
Support independent brands and browse Tummy Ache’s cool-gel collection of bamboo underwear. Sadly the brand’s popular thong designs have sold out, but you can still treat yourself to a boyish boxer piece when purchasing the sleep set. Sweet dreams are made of bamboo.
Buy now £80.00, Tummy Ache
Patra Bamboo-Cotton Briefs
Hypoallergenic and hyper-cute, Patra’s lacy offerings come in a breathable bamboo fabric. Select from myriad colourways including punchy teal to traditional black and romantic raspberry. A blend of 70 per cent bamboo and 30 per cent cotton make for a mindfully made piece that prioritises ease of wear.
Buy now £17.00, Patra
Lotties Eco Womens Bamboo Hipster Knickers
Lotties Eco offers the most generous array of bamboo knickers, showcasing 24 diverse prints and colour schemes ready to tickle your fancy. The hip-hugging designs are constructed from 95 per cent bamboo and further showcase coconut shell detailing and upcycled lace trims.
Buy now £16.95, Lotties Eco
Bella Bodies Bamboo Knicker 2-Pack
Love pastels? Love the planet? Bella Bodies’ feminine knickers will become a solid companion for lazy days at home when comfort is needed.
Available in six stylish colourways, the twosome are designed in a luxurious, eco-friendly sustainable bamboo viscose-natural fabric and feature a moisture-wicking cotton loop gusset - perfect for mid-period and post-pregnancy wear.
Buy now £23.95, Bella Bodies
Peachaus Asagao Seamless Stretch-Bamboo Briefs
Feel covered in comfort thanks to Peachaus. The brand’s Asagao briefs are made from a soft, stretchy bamboo-blend which will smother your skin in light softness. An easy-wear mid-rise silhouette suits any occasion. Not only do the pants come in teal and lilac tones but they are finished with a sweet scallop trim and the Peachaus swallows in contrasting jacquard.
Buy now £18.00, Peachaus
