When we shop for clothing for ourselves or our children, one of the first things we look at is the tag to note the fabrics used to create the garment. All fabrics are different and offer unique properties and benefits. Over the last few years, viscose bamboo—also referred to as bamboo viscose—has grown in popularity. It has become a common alternative to cotton, and it’s superior in many ways. Find out why viscose bamboo is a better option than cotton.
Defining Each Material
When it comes to dressing your little one, finding apparel that’s durable, breathable, and, of course, cozy is key! Cotton and viscose bamboo are two commonly used materials for children’s clothing, but each has different qualities.
What Is Viscose Bamboo?
Viscose bamboo is a fabric made from the cellulose fibers of bamboo plants. Creating viscose bamboo involves processing the plant to create soft and silky fibers that clothing manufacturers can use to create fabric and clothing.
This fabric is especially popular for baby’s clothing and bedding because it’s breathable and highly absorbent. This lets moisture wick away from the skin, keeping your little one cool and comfortable.
Pro Tip
Sometimes, processing viscose bamboo requires the use of chemicals. However, at Dream Big Little Co., we utilize chemical-free treatments to ensure our family bamboo pajamas are cozy and gentle on the skin.
What Is Cotton?
Many of us are familiar with cotton, as it’s one of the most common fabrics manufacturers use to create clothing, linens, and more. Cotton is a natural fiber from the cotton plant and is known for being soft, durable, and comfortable against the skin.
While cotton may seem like the obvious choice for children’s clothing, it has a few drawbacks. For one, it can be less breathable than viscose bamboo and may not absorb moisture as effectively.
Moreover, cotton clothing requires more maintenance when washing and drying. Too many of us have mistakenly washed cotton garments on hot or left them in the dryer; this causes the clothing to shrink, making it too small to wear.
The Benefits of Viscose Bamboo
Now that we’ve defined both materials, let’s understand why viscose bamboo is a better option than cotton. After all, buying clothing for yourself and the kids can get expensive, so spending your money on long-lasting, durable fabric is important. Here are the main reasons to choose viscose bamboo:
- It’s durable.
- It’s temperature regulating.
- It’s ideal for sensitive skin.
- It’s hygienic.
- It’s sustainable.
- It’s lightweight and breathable.
- It’s highly absorbent.
Knowing the benefits of viscose bamboo over cotton can help you make an informed decision when shopping for clothing. Below, we go into more detail on these benefits to help you understand why viscose bamboo is such a popular option for clothing.
It’s Durable
Unlike cotton, which can wear out and lose shape over time, viscose bamboo maintains its integrity better. This is because viscose bamboo is incredibly strong, so the fabric can easily withstand multiple washes without losing its shape or softness. Cotton also tends to fade the more you wash it. After numerous wears and washes, your cotton clothing may not look as wonderful as it did when you first bought it—that’s not the case with viscose bamboo.
Likewise, viscose bamboo is less prone to pilling than cotton since it has longer fingers. This helps maintain the fabric’s softness and prevents it from becoming rough over time.
Washing Tip
Generally, it’s best to wash viscose bamboo on cold, inside out, and in a garment bag. Tumble dry it on low or allow it to air-dry. Doing this will help further maintain the vibrancy of the color and keep the garment in great shape.
It’s Temperature Regulating
One of the remarkable features of viscose bamboo is its ability to regulate temperature naturally. This fabric keeps you cool in the heat, making it ideal for summer wear, yet it also provides warmth in colder conditions. The adaptability of viscose bamboo across climates ensures year-round comfort, making it a versatile choice for any wardrobe.
Temperature-regulating qualities are essential in infants’ apparel since babies can’t yet regulate their own body temperature. By dressing your little ones in clothing that keeps them at a comfortable body temperature, they can sleep soundly and play happily.
It’s Ideal for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin affects people of all ages, and it’s especially common in young children. Viscose bamboo is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, the material’s soft feel is gentle on the skin, further reducing the risk of irritation.
It’s Hygienic
Viscose bamboo is also antibacterial, meaning it naturally repels and eliminates bacteria. This makes it a great option for those prone to skin infections or for keeping your clothing clean and fresh.
It’s Sustainable
Creating fabrics and clothing can strain the environment, especially when the clothing is made from synthetic materials, such as polyester. Even natural materials like cotton can harm our environment since production requires large amounts of water and pesticides, damaging both the environment and those working in the fields.
On the other hand, bamboo grows quickly and requires minimal resources to thrive. Likewise, using chemical-free treatments to produce viscose bamboo can further reduce its environmental impact.
It’s Breathable and Lightweight
When we buy clothing, specifically loungewear or PJs, we usually look for soft, easy-to-move-in, and cozy attire. Viscose bamboo checks all these boxes, as it’s a lightweight fabric that feels incredibly soft against the skin.
It’s Highly Absorbent
The absorbency of viscose bamboo is another reason to consider it over cotton. Generally, viscose bamboo is more absorbent than cotton and has a higher moisture-wicking rate. This means the material will pull sweat away from your skin faster, keeping you drier and more comfortable.
The high absorbency of viscose bamboo makes the fabric especially useful for pajamas, swimwear, baby clothing, and nursery essentials. Linens, such as sheets, blankets, or baby sleep sacks, are perfect examples of items, aside from clothing, that benefit from the absorbency of viscose bamboo.
Order the Coziest Clothes
We all love wearing comfy clothes, and Dream Big Little Co. has the coziest clothes for children and parents. Our clothes are buttery soft, keeping you and the kiddos comfortable whenever you wear them! Shop our collection to find the perfect apparel to keep you and your little ones snug all year round.