When you hear the word “bamboo”, underwear is probably the last thing that you would think of. Likewise, when you hear the word “underwear”, it’s likely that bamboo is the furthest thing from your mind. That’s totally understandable, as bamboo is a grass like plant that Pandas love to munch on, and underwear is something that you wear to protect your private bits. At one time, pairing the two together probably would have seemed a bit nutty; however, in the 21st century, bamboo and underwear have joined together to form what many would argue is the perfect union.
Bamboo is hardy perennial grass that grows quickly, is highly sustainable, is super durable, and can be used in a myriad of ways – including fabric. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that bamboo has been used as a textile for thousands of years, though it wasn’t until modern times that the art of transforming the fast-growing wood into material was perfected. Bamboo fabric can be used for virtually any type of garment, including one of the most essential items that men and women, and boys and girls wear on a daily basis: underwear.
The Rise of Bamboo Underwear
In recent years, the environment has become a big concern, and the fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment. The amount of raw materials that are consumed and pollutants that are pumped into the air, earth, and water by the fashion industry is alarming. The fact that more than 6 tons of cloth waste is deposited into landfills every 10 minutes is quite sobering (and that’s just one harrowing data point). Clothing manufacturers have heeded the call to preserve the environment for future generations by making the switch to more sustainable textiles, and of all the different types of fabrics, bamboo stands at the top of the “eco-friendly” list – and it’s the perfect material for underwear.
From superior breathability to outstanding durability – and even incredibly hygienic – here’s a look at some of the incredible benefits of bamboo underwear, and why you should really consider switching out your synthetic boxers, briefs, bikinis, boy shorts, or thongs for certified, organically grown bamboo skivvies.
1. Breathability
Most people don’t realize it, but skin is the body’s largest organ, and it plays a huge role in moderating internal temperature; hence why you sweat. The type of fabrics you wear can have a huge impact on the amount that you sweat. While synthetic materials lock in air, which may be good for, say, for a coat, when it comes to underwear, that definitely isn’t a good thing. If you don’t like sweaty bits and pieces, bamboo underwear is definitely the way to go. Bamboo is super breathable, making it the ideal fabric for your undergarments.
2. Moisture Wicking and Anti-Bacterial
In addition to insane breathability, bamboo is also incredibly moisture wicking and anti-bacterial. It possesses natural antifungal agents, too! What’s more, the fabric retains these traits, no matter how many times they’re washed. When you wear bamboo undies, you won’t have to worry about moisture build-up in your man or lady bits, nor will you have to worry about icky fungus that can lead to infections growing in your underwear. Bamboo resists odor, too, which means less stink, too!
3. Hypoallergenic
If you have sensitive skin, there’s no doubt that you’ve encountered materials that have bothered your skin and caused you to break out in rashes. Bamboo underwear is ideal for sensitive skin sufferers, as it is naturally hypoallergenic, which means you won’t have to worry about itchy, painful rashes in your most sensitive areas.
4. Antistatic
There’s nothing worse than putting on a garment and getting zapped or constantly having to pull it away from your skin because it keeps sticking. Many synthetic fabrics are highly conductive, making static electricity a huge problem. That isn’t the case with bamboo underwear. This natural fabric is surprisingly soft, anti-static, and it won’t cling to your bum or your other bits and pieces.
5. Durability
While you may be able to wear certain garments a few times without washing, like jeans or a sweatshirt, that isn’t the case for underwear. Regularly washing your under garments is an absolute must; if you don’t, unpleasant smells aren’t the only thing you’ll have to contend with, but you also run the risk of developing an infection. While there’s no doubt that regularly washing your skivvies is a must, with so much laundering, they can easily fray, loosen, warp, tear, and become nothing more than a rag in no time. When your underwear is made of bamboo, you won’t have to worry about replacing it as frequently, as this textile is so incredibly durable that it can easily withstand dozens upon dozens of washings without succumbing to wear and tear.
6. Pesticide- and Fertilizer- Free
While it’s true that underwear can be made of other natural materials, such as cotton, often, fertilizers and pesticides are applied to these natural materials while they’re growing. It’s no secret that fertilizers and pesticides contain harsh chemicals, which aren’t only bad for the environment, but they can be absorbed through your skin and make their way into your bloodstream.
7. Biodegradable
When you toss out old undies, have you ever stopped to think about what happens to them? Like most people, you probably just toss them into a bin and never think about them again; however, just because they are out of your sight, that doesn’t mean that they’re completely gone. Synthetic materials can take years, if not centuries, to break down, which means that your old skivvies can end up sitting in a landfill for a long, long time. Bamboo, however, is fully biodegradable, which means that when you toss them out, they’ll break down quickly, so they’ll really be gone, and not just buried in the ground.
8. Sustainable
Last but certainly not least, bamboo is super sustainable. It grows at such an incredibly fast rate that entire forests of bamboo can be regrown and harvested numerous times in the time it would take to regrow just one tree.
