Is Bamboo Fabric Good for Kids' Loungewear? What Parents Should Know
Once a child wears bamboo, it is hard to go back. Parents tell us the same thing again and again: it is the softest thing in the drawer. Here is what the fabric actually is, why it feels the way it does, and how to keep it that way.
What "bamboo" fabric really is
Bamboo clothing is not woven from bamboo stalks. The bamboo plant is broken down into pulp, and that pulp is turned into a soft fiber called viscose (also known as rayon). That is why, in the United States, the correct name on a label is "viscose made from bamboo" or "rayon made from bamboo."
Most kids' bamboo pieces blend this viscose with a small amount of spandex, often around 5%, so they stretch with a growing child and keep their shape.
Why it feels so good
- Silky softness. The fibers are very smooth, so the fabric feels gentle on sensitive skin.
- Cool and breathable. Bamboo viscose drapes lightly and absorbs moisture well, so it stays comfortable on warm afternoons and long car rides.
- Stretch. With a little spandex, lounge sets, zippies and bubbles move with the child and are easy to put on.
Made for lounging and play
Our bamboo pieces are loungewear: for slow mornings, playdates, movie afternoons, cuddles on the couch and coming-home-from-the-hospital photos. They are designed to be easy, cozy and pretty enough to wear out of the house.
How it should fit
Bamboo lounge sets are cut to fit close to the body, so there is no extra fabric bunching at the knees or twisting around little legs while they play. Because the fabric stretches, most families order their child's current size and enjoy the extra room the stretch gives as they grow. If your child is between sizes, size up.
How to wash bamboo
- Cold water, gentle cycle, ideally inside out.
- Mild detergent, no bleach.
- Skip fabric softener. Bamboo viscose is already soft, and softener can build up on the fibers.
- Hang or lay flat to dry, or tumble dry on the lowest setting. High heat is what causes shrinking and wear.
- Wash similar colors together, especially with bright prints.
Little things that help it last
- Close zippers and snaps before washing, so they don't snag the fabric.
- Don't iron. If needed, a quick steam or hanging in a steamy bathroom is enough.
- Rotate a few sets, so no single one gets washed every day.
From newborn zippies to big-kid lounge sets
Bamboo is lovely at every age: zippies and bubbles for the littlest ones, two-piece lounge sets for toddlers, matching prints for siblings on holiday mornings. Treated gently, it stays soft wash after wash, and is often passed down still looking new.