FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

As the world’s industrial populations come to understand their real and negative impact on the health of the global environment, and consequently, the health of every living thing on earth, we, at Spun Bamboo, are providing choices to individuals we hope will have a positive impact on our planet. Spun Bamboo does this through the creation of consumer goods made from an amazing, versatile, renewable resource: Bamboo.

Fabric & Comfort

Yes. Spun Bamboo fabric is noticeably softer than traditional cotton and feels smooth against the skin from the first wear. Many customers describe it as “silky” or “buttery soft,” without feeling slippery.

Absolutely. Bamboo viscose fibers are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps regulate body temperature and keep you feeling cool and dry throughout the day.

Yes. Bamboo fabric naturally resists odor buildup by wicking moisture away from the skin, which helps reduce the conditions that cause odor — especially helpful for everyday wear, travel, or warm weather.

Yes. Our bamboo fabric is gentle, smooth, and non-irritating, making it a popular choice for people with sensitive skin or those who find traditional fabrics itchy or rough.

It depends on the fabric weight and style.

Spun Bamboo offers different fabric types designed for different temperatures:

  • Lightweight bamboo styles (around 190 GSM, 95% bamboo viscose) — like our lounge T-shirts — are very breathable and comfortable for hot climates, including places like Florida and warm summer weather.
  • Heavier bamboo styles (around 220 GSM) — such as our classic T-shirts — feel more substantial and may feel warmer in very hot or humid conditions, but work well for everyday wear and milder climates.
  • French terry and fleece styles are intentionally designed for cooler weather and colder seasons and provide extra warmth and coziness.

This allows you to choose the right Spun Bamboo piece based on your climate, season, and personal comfort preference.

Fit, Sizing & Feel

Most Spun Bamboo styles fit true to size with a comfortable, classic fit.

Some pieces are intentionally designed with a relaxed lounge fit, while others offer a slimmer, more tailored fit.

We recommend checking each product’s description and photos for specific fit details, as fit can vary by style.

Fit tip:If you prefer a looser feel, consider sizing up in slimmer styles. For a more relaxed look, our lounge styles are designed to feel roomy and comfortable.

If you prefer a more relaxed fit, we recommend sizing up. If you like a closer, more tailored feel, choose your usual size.

It depends on the fabric blend.

  • Styles made with bamboo viscose and spandex (for example, 95% bamboo viscose / 5% spandex) offer noticeable stretch for easy movement and added comfort.
  • Styles made with bamboo viscose and organic cotton (such as 70% bamboo viscose / 30% organic cotton) have little to no stretch and feel more structured.

If stretch is important to you, we recommend checking the fabric content listed in each product description to see whether spandex is included.

Everyday Use & Lifestyle

Yes. Many of our core pieces are designed specifically for everyday wear.

For daily use, our men’s classic T-shirts and women’s scoop neck T-shirts offer a comfortable, easy fit that works well for work-from-home, errands, and casual outings.

Yes. Spun Bamboo clothing is a great option for travel and long days thanks to its comfort and breathability.

Our loungewear, as well as hoodies and leggings, are especially popular for travel because they’re soft, comfortable for sitting long periods, and easy to layer.

Yes. Many customers choose Spun Bamboo for sleep because the fabric feels soft, breathable, and non-restrictive.

Our boxer shorts and men’s and women’s loungewear are especially comfortable for sleeping.

Absolutely. Comfort is at the core of Spun Bamboo.

  • For colder months, our fleece lounge pants provide extra warmth and coziness.
  • For warmer weather, our men’s and women’s loungewear offers a lighter, breathable feel that’s perfect for relaxing at home.

Yes. Our bamboo socks are versatile and comfortable for everyday wear, whether you’re lounging at home, running errands, traveling, or wearing them with casual or athletic outfits.

Care & Longevity

We recommend washing in cold water on a gentle cycle and laying flat or hanging to dry for best results.

Yes, but we recommend low heat to help maintain softness and extend the life of the garment.

Some shrinkage can occur, especially when garments are exposed to high heat.

Most Spun Bamboo fabrics are pre-shrunk and designed to shrink up to about 10%, which is within normal expectations for natural fiber garments. However, shrinkage can vary depending on the fabric blend and the specific production batch.

  • Bamboo viscose blended with cotton may shrink more than bamboo fabrics with added stretch.
  • In some cases, especially when garments are tailored close to size specifications, additional shrinkage can be more noticeable.

To help maintain the original fit, we recommend:

  • Washing in cold water
  • Using a gentle cycle
  • Avoiding high heat when drying (air dry or tumble dry low)

! We continuously work with our suppliers to improve consistency and minimize shrinkage across all styles and colors.

Yes. With proper care, Spun Bamboo clothing is durable and made to last, while maintaining its softness over time.

Many of our customers have returned to reorder the same styles years later — some after 5 years or more — which speaks to the longevity and comfort of our fabrics when cared for properly.

Materials & Sustainability

As awareness grows around the environmental impact of traditional textiles, Spun Bamboo aims to offer clothing made from more thoughtful, renewable materials. Bamboo is a fast-growing, versatile resource that allows us to create soft, comfortable everyday essentials while reducing reliance on more resource-intensive fibers.

Our focus is on making clothing people love to wear — with materials that can have a positive impact when responsibly sourced and produced.

Our bamboo is grown on managed farms and plantations in Southeastern China. Because bamboo processing and fiber production currently take place there — and bamboo grows abundantly in the region — sourcing bamboo locally helps reduce unnecessary transport during fiber production.

We hope that as bamboo textile infrastructure develops in the U.S., sourcing closer to home will become possible in the future.

No. We have found no evidence that old-growth forests are being cleared to make way for bamboo farms.

In fact, China has significantly expanded its forested land over the past decades through large-scale reforestation programs. These programs include strict protections for existing forest land and ongoing efforts to plant billions of trees.

Yes. There are two main types of bamboo-derived fiber:

  • Mechanical bamboo fiber – Linen-like, coarse, and rarely used for apparel.
  • Viscose from bamboo – Soft, smooth, and suitable for garments like T-shirts, underwear, socks, and loungewear.

Spun Bamboo uses viscose from bamboo, which provides the softness, drape, and comfort our customers expect.

Like many soft textiles (including cotton and organic cotton), bamboo viscose requires a controlled processing method.

The primary chemical used is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), which is widely used across industries including food production, soap making, paper manufacturing, and textile processing.

Important points to know:

  • Sodium hydroxide is not toxic when properly used
  • It is neutralized into salt and water
  • It does not enter the food chain
  • Our fiber is produced in a closed-loop system, meaning the chemicals are recovered and reused rather than released into the environment

The final fabric is thoroughly washed, safe to wear, and meets textile safety standards.

Some of our products do meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, while others do not carry the certification.

We do not actively pursue certification for every product, but the bamboo viscose fibers we use meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 requirements, meaning they have been tested for harmful substances and are considered safe for human use — including for sensitive skin.

It’s also important to note:

  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifies a product at a specific stage of production
  • It does not mean no chemicals were used, but that the final product is safe
  • Certification does not evaluate entire facilities or all production processes

We prioritize comfort, safety, and responsible sourcing, whether or not a product carries a formal label.

Bamboo viscose production — like all textile manufacturing — can always be improved, and ongoing research continues to make these processes better.

That said, bamboo offers several important sustainability advantages:

  • Grows without pesticides or chemical fertilizers
  • Requires little to no irrigation
  • Regrows quickly without replanting
  • Can be harvested in 3–5 years
  • Produces more oxygen than many tree species
  • Helps prevent soil erosion

In addition, bamboo viscose fabric is:

  • Highly breathable
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Odor-resistant
  • Soft and comfortable for everyday wear

We believe sustainability is a balance, not perfection — and bamboo remains a strong step in the right direction.

Not all bamboo fabrics are created equal. Softness can vary based on several factors:

  • Type of bamboo fiber used (viscose vs mechanical)
  • Yarn construction (ring-spun yarns feel softer than open-end yarns)
  • Fabric weight and knit
  • Finishing and dyeing processes

Even small differences during production can affect the final feel of the fabric. This is why some bamboo garments feel lighter and silkier, while others feel more structured.