Bamboo vs Polyester: Battling Threads - Unraveling the Ultimate Fabric Face-Off!

July 6, 2023

When it comes to bamboo vs polyester fabric for clothing, we all want to know 3 things: Firstly, is it comfortable, secondly, is it durable and strong, and lastly, is it sustainable? We’ve got all the deets you need to make an informed decision!

But first, let’s look at what these fabrics are before deep diving into their properties!

What is Bamboo fabric?

Bamboo fabric manufacturers create this type of textile from the fibers of the bamboo plant. It entered the market relatively recently, making its debut in the early 2000s. We dedicated a whole article to exploring the origins of Bamboo fabric: Where is Bamboo Fabric From?

What is Polyester Fabric?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum. The production of polyester requires large amounts of energy and releases harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, polyester is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. Therefore, it is rather concerning that it has a wide range of uses in today’s textile industry.

Comparison between bamboo and polyester fabrics

So we all want to get to the bottom line. Which one is better? Bamboo or Polyester. Let’s get down and dirty with some of the intricate characteristics of these fabrics.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Bamboo vs Polyester

One of the main advantages of bamboo as a sustainable choice is its rapid growth rate. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, with some species able to grow up to 91 cm (36 inches) in a single day. This means that bamboo harvesting occurs much more quickly than with traditional trees, positioning it as a more sustainable source of material than others like PVC. Additionally, bamboo requires less water than other crops, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

On the other hand, polyester is created from petroleum. It is derived from crude oil, which comes from the ancient remains of animals and plant life. Petroleum takes millions of years to form, which means it is not a sustainable option. Furthermore, polyester-based attire can take up to 200 years to degrade when it makes its way to the landfill. So apart from being unsustainable. It’s creating a massive pollution problem all over the world.

Comfort and Feel Bamboo vs polyester

In addition to its sustainability benefits, bamboo fabric is also known for its comfort and softness. Bamboo fibers are naturally smooth and hypoallergenic, which makes them less likely to irritate the skin. Additionally, bamboo fabric has moisture-wicking properties, which help to keep the skin dry and comfortable. This makes it an ideal material for activewear, underwear, and outdoor clothing.

In addition to Polyester’s devastating environmental impact, it also has several disadvantages when it comes to comfort. Polyester is not a breathable material, which means that it can trap heat and moisture against the skin. A 2018 study also confirmed that wearing synthetic fabrics like polyester can lead to higher instances of male yeast infections in sensitive areas (like your nether regions). Furthermore, polyester does not have a lot of stretch to it which can impede your freedom of movement in some instances.

Bamboo vs Polyester Care and Durability

Bamboo fabric is relatively easy to care for. You can machine wash it on a gentle cycle using warm water and mild detergent. It is best to avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the fibers. In addition, you should air-dry or tumble-dry the bamboo fabric using a low-heat setting. Bamboo is naturally abrasion resistant, resilient, color fastness, longevity, and shrinkage resistant.

Lastly, Bamboo clothing can last anything from 3 years to 5 years (depending on how often you slip on your bamboo besties). And, after they’ve been all used up, they will degrade naturally.

Polyester is a synthetic fabric, which means it is prone to shrinkage. You should wash polyester in cold or lukewarm water and, if you put it in the dryer, always use the low-heat setting.

In contrast to Bamboo clothing items' durability, Polyester has a relatively short wear-lifespan. By wear-lifespan, we are specifically referring to the number of times a person can wear it before it becomes worn out, stretched out, and faded from use. People don’t tend to wear polyester items for long, however, when they make their way to the landfill they can take up to 200 years to degrade!

Conclusion to the Showdown

When it comes to sustainability and comfort, bamboo fabric is a clear winner over polyester. Bamboo is a natural material that is biodegradable and renewable, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, bamboo fabric is soft, comfortable, and breathable, making it ideal for clothing, bedding, and attire for sensitive areas.

Contrasting with that, polyester represents a synthetic material manufactured from nonrenewable resources. It has a significant environmental impact and is not biodegradable. Additionally, polyester is not a comfortable or breathable material and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Is bamboo better than polyester?

Yes. I think it is safe to say that Bamboo is the better choice especially when it comes to clothing and underwear. When lounging in some Bamboo attire, you can have a clean conscience while being comfortable! Polyester has its place in the textile industry, but that place should not be in your closet!