From superior sustainability to comfort and breathability, there are many reasons to wear luxurious bamboo loungewear for sleeping and hanging out at home. However, not all bamboo loungewear is created equal. Quality can vary widely between brands, and some pieces are blends instead of 100% bamboo. If you’re planning to purchase bamboo loungewear for your family, here are four tips to help you choose the best.
1. Research the Production Process
Bamboo is widely regarded as a sustainable material. However, some bamboo fabrics are more sustainable than others. Fabrics that are manufactured with a mechanical process are more eco-friendly, but chemical processes cost less and offer more options. Whichever process you choose, bamboo fabric still uses fewer pesticides and less water than many other natural fabrics.
You should also research how the specific loungewear you’re considering was manufactured. Some important things to know are where it was made, whether it was made by hand or by machine, and how the manufacturing facility handles things like waste and chemicals.
2. Avoid Bamboo Blends
If you want the luxurious softness and moisture-wicking coolness of bamboo, avoid choosing blends of bamboo and other fibers. A combination of bamboo and synthetic fabrics offers few of the benefits of pure bamboo, which means your loungewear may be hot, itchy, or wrinkle easily.
Blends of bamboo and natural fibers like cotton or silk are better, but the only way to get the full bamboo experience is to choose 100% bamboo loungewear. However, bamboo blends are a good option for those who want to save money. Blends are also necessary for some types of garments, such as workout clothing that needs spandex to stretch.
3. Know the Different Types of Bamboo Fabric
There are several different types of bamboo fabrics, but the most common type used in loungewear is viscose. Bamboo viscose is soft, silky, and cool, which makes it ideal for loungewear and sleepwear. Viscose is also affordable, which means you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy bamboo loungewear.
Bamboo linen is more natural and retains more of the bamboo’s natural texture. This type of fabric is rarely used in pajamas because of its rougher texture when compared to viscose, but its durability makes it a good option for casual clothing like dresses and pants.
4. Take Accurate Measurements
When you’re ready to purchase bamboo loungewear, take care to get accurate measurements for every member of the family. Because bamboo is a natural fabric, it doesn’t stretch much and may shrink if exposed to high heat in the washer or dryer. Accurate measurements are even more important if you’re ordering bamboo loungewear online. If you’re in doubt, err on the larger side.
Consult the brand’s size chart when taking your measurements because sizes can vary a lot from brand to brand. Use a flexible tailor’s measuring tape, and take each measurement two or three times to make sure your numbers are accurate. Print out the size chart and use it to record each measurement. Know that each brand uses their own measurements so it’s important to look at individual sizing instead of choosing a size that you normally wear.