Last Updated on March 14, 2023
Bamboo viscose and 100% bamboo fabric are both popular materials in the textile world, and for a good reason. The two fabrics offer a variety of benefits, including being breathable, sustainable, and durable.
Below we’ll explore how these two fabrics differ from one another to give you an informed understanding of what each material has to offer.
What Is Bamboo Viscose?
Bamboo viscose is a type of cellulosic rayon fabric made from the pulp of bamboo grass. It is a semi-synthetic material between natural and artificial synthetic fibers regarding softness and durability.
What Is 100% Bamboo Fabric?
On the other hand, 100% bamboo fabric is a natural fabric made directly from the fibers of the bamboo plant. This fabric has better breathability than its synthetic counterpart but is less soft and more prone to wrinkling.
Is Bamboo Viscose the Same as 100% Bamboo?
No, bamboo viscose and 100% bamboo are not the same. Bamboo viscose is a type of rayon fabric made from bamboo that is highly absorbent and soft but less durable than 100% bamboo fabric. 100% bamboo fabric is made from the plant fiber itself, making it more environmentally friendly and longer lasting than bamboo viscose.
The Difference Between Bamboo Viscose & 100% Bamboo Fabric
Several differences between these materials could lead you to choose one over the other depending on what you want from your fabric.
This table compares the differences between bamboo viscose and 100% bamboo fabric in terms of their durability, softness, sustainability, and usage.
| Characteristics | Bamboo Viscose | 100% Bamboo Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Weaker | Superior |
| Softness | Very Soft | Softens over time |
| Sustainability | The chemical process required, less environmentally friendly than bamboo | No additional processing is required, more environmentally friendly than bamboo viscose |
| Usage | Clothing, bedding, towels, baby products | Upholstery, home decor, industrial applications, paper products |
Here are the detailed difference’s between bamboo viscose & 100% bamboo fabric:
1. Durability
100% bamboo fabric offers superior durability compared to bamboo viscose, making it ideal for upholstery or home decor that must be washed frequently. In contrast, bamboo viscose is weaker, so it’s best used for items such as bedding, towels, clothing, or baby products where strength isn’t essential.
2. Softness
Due to its slightly synthetic makeup, bamboo viscose feels much softer than 100% bamboo fabric right away without having to break in like one would with jeans or a new pair of shoes.
However, 100% bamboo fabric eventually softens after being washed several times while retaining its natural breathability properties. This type is great for bringing extra comfort during hot summer days!
If you’re interested, Is Fabric Softener Bad for Your Washing Machine?
3. Sustainability
Both types of fabrics have their advantages in terms of sustainability; since they are derived from plants rather than relying on chemical processes like some synthetic materials are made with. There’s less waste created overall when using either type!
However, those who care very deeply about their environmental footprint would do better by choosing pure bamboo fabrics due to their chemical-free process that does not require any additional processing, unlike regular rayon products like bamboo viscose.
4. Usage:
Bamboo Viscose and 100% Bamboo Fabric have a variety of uses due to their unique properties. Here are some examples:
Usage of Bamboo Viscose:
- Clothing: Bamboo Viscose is often used to make soft, comfortable clothing items like t-shirts, leggings, and underwear.
- Bedding: Bamboo Viscose sheets and pillowcases are highly sought for their softness and moisture-wicking properties, which can help regulate body temperature during sleep.
- Towels: Bamboo Viscose towels are highly absorbent and can be used for various purposes, including bathing, hand drying, and cleaning.
- Baby products: Bamboo Viscose is often used to make baby clothes, blankets, and towels due to its softness and hypoallergenic properties.
Usage of 100% Bamboo Fabric:
- Upholstery: 100% Bamboo Fabric can be a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional upholstery fabrics.
- Home decor: Bamboo Fabric can make curtains, tablecloths, and other home decor items due to its natural texture and aesthetic appeal.
- Industrial applications: 100% Bamboo Fabric is sometimes used in industrial applications like filtration, where its natural anti-bacterial properties can be useful.
- Paper products: Bamboo Fabric can be used to make paper products like tissues and paper towels, as it has high absorbency and is more eco-friendly than traditional paper products made from trees.
Bamboo Viscose vs. 100% Bamboo Fabric: So Which Type Is Better?
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference regarding durability vs. softness and deciding if sustainability matters most. Luckily, both types have strong points, making them suitable choices depending on the application. Those looking for something stronger may prefer 100% bamboo fabric, whereas those looking for thinner fabric can try bamboo viscose!
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