Bamboo material is fairly new for the sportswear sector and with good reason. Over time the need for eco friendly materials has been growing. This shift has prompted sportswear manufacturers to explore sustainable options.
The purpose of this article is to examine the sustainable bamboo fabrics used in sportswear, highlighting its unique properties and advantages.
Of course, there are many reasons for this preference and in the following paragraphs we take a closer look at sustainable bamboo fabric used to create sportswear. This will outline its performance, comfort and overall greenify-ability.

Table of Contents
What Is Bamboo Fabric And How Is It Used In Clothing?
How Is Bamboo Fabric Made?

Bamboo fabric is manufactured using both mechanical and chemical methods. While mechanical methods are greener, they take more time and are less productive. The former is used to grind the bamboo pulp, while solvents are used in the latter.
Key Stages in the Making it:
☞ Harvesting and Pulping: Older bamboo stems are harvested, then crushed mechanically or chemically to release the cellulose fibers.
☞ Dissolving : The cellulose that has been extracted from the bamboo is subsequently dissolved in a blend of chemicals (usually sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide) to produce a viscous bamboo pulp.
☞ Solidification of Bamboo Fiber: extruded filaments travel through a chemical bath that causes the cellulose to coagulate and create solidifying bamboo fiber strands.
☞ Washing and Drying: It is then washed to get rid of any leftover chemicals, and finally dried.
☞ Spinning: The dried bamboo fibers are spun into yarn, which is then woven or knitted to make it.
The end result is a bamboo fabric that is most importantly, super soft, but also breathable and naturally antibacterial with moisture-wicking properties. Usually mixed with fabrics such as cotton or polyester to add durability and performance functionality beneficiation
Bamboo Fabric vs Other Sportswear Materials
Feature | Bamboo | Cotton/Polyester |
---|---|---|
Softness | Softer than silk | Varies, generally less soft |
Moisture-Wicking | Excellent (dries faster) | Moderate |
Antibacterial Properties | Yes (natural) | Often requires chemical treatment |
UV Protection | Up to 97.5% UV filtering | Minimal |
Sustainability | Highly sustainable | Varies (cotton requires pesticides) |
Durability | Strong and resilient | Varies (can wear out faster) |
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Types of Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo Viscose (Rayon)
Bamboo Viscose, also know as bamboo rayon. It is actually derived from dissolving bamboo pulp through a chemical process and then regenerating it into fibers.
Luxuriously soft, light and breathable. Silk-like texture and often used in clothing, bedding or towels.
Bamboo Lyocell
Bamboo lyocellShort Description: Bamboo Lyocell is made with a more sustainable closed loop process than bamboo viscose. Production employs a closed-loop system in which all solvents used are recycled.
Soft & breathable like bamboo viscose, but more eco-friendly. Recently, it is getting used more in high-quality clothing and home textiles.
Bamboo Linen
Bamboo Linen (bamboo is a sustainable plant): The sap of the bamboo cane and crushing it to make fibers, which are combed out just like flax. This procedure is more time consuming and unusual.
Thick, tough cloth with the same look as traditional linen. Like bamboo viscose, Tencel is not as soft but this its a great pick for summertime fabric and very breathable.
Many people recommend bamboo lyocell for its eco-friendly production process, emphasizing its sustainability and high-quality performance in clothing and home textiles.
Aaron William, wholesale clothing suppliers
Benefits of Bamboo Fabric

Environmental Benefits
- Sustainablility: Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth and has a growth cycle between 3–5 years (many trees take over 20 to mature).
- Another attempt to be eco-friendly: Bamboo, which needs no pesticides and 1/3 the water required to cultivate cotton.
- Earth-friendliness: Bamboo is a true friend of the earth as its fabric can dissolve in soil after a year and won’t release any toxic matter.
Health Benefits
Hypoallergenic: Made from nature, this fibrous and porous fabric is perfect for those with sensitive or inflamed skin.
Comfort and Performance
- Softness: It is as smooth in touch and feel, similar to silk with a 300-400 thread count. It is 3–4 times more absorbent than cotton, breathing and wicking moisture away from the skin.
- Insulation: Bamboo fabric cools you 2-3 degrees during hot weather but also keeps warmer in cold, compared to cotton.
If you want to know what fabric are cycling clothes made of, you can also read our guide to help you find the answer you want faster.
Uses of Bamboo Fabric in Sportswear

Bamboo’s comfort, sustainability and performance makes it suitable for many active and leisure garments:
- Yoga and Pilates Wear: Gentle on skin and breathable, perfect for practices where comfort and stretch matters most.
- Running and Cycling Tops: Moisture wicking and odour resistant properties keep you fresh during long runs or rides.
- Gym Shorts and Leggings: Soft on skin and highly absorbent, reduces chafing and irritation.
- Sports Bras and Underwear: Hypoallergenic and anti odour properties are perfect for items worn next to skin.
If you want to find a suitable yoga apparel manufacturer, cycling clothing supplier or underwear manufacturer in China, you can contact our professionals for help. With our 10+ clothing experience, we will definitely satisfy you.
Popular Brands Using Bamboo Fabric
Major activewear brands have been offering bamboo fabrics in their collections as sustainability and performance such as;
Boody: Renowned for its comfortable and sustainable basics, Boody has also integrated bamboo fabric into their collection of performance activewear.
Cariloha: Another bamboo product brand, offering activewear and other bedding and bath items.
Free Fly Apparel: Free Fly combines bamboo fabric with other natural fibers to make some really comfortable and functional outdoor stuff.
Summary
Bamboo fabric is eco-friendly and sustainable. It is soft, moisture wicking and breathable. It’s perfect for sportswear. It is anti-bacterial and offers UV protection, so you don´t have to wash it that often. It also maximizes activity comfort and exercise effectiveness.
If you want to know more about fabrics or need to customize clothing for different occasions, you can disscuss with us at Leelinesports.com or [email protected].
FAQs
★ What makes bamboo lyocell different from bamboo viscose?
Bamboo lyocell is made using a closed-loop process that recycles solvents. It is more eco-friendly than bamboo viscose.
★ How should bamboo fabric sportswear be cared for?
Bamboo fabric sportswear should be washed in cool or warm water and air-dried to maintain its softness and prevent shrinkage.
★ Is bamboo fabric suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, bamboo fabric is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making it a great choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
★ What are some popular brands that use bamboo fabrics in their sportswear?
Many brands are adding bamboo fabric to their sportswear. They aim for sustainability and performance, including eco-friendly companies.