Bamboo has been used in China for thousands of years to make all kinds of everyday products, including textiles, building materials, and homewares. There are over 1000 documented uses for bamboo. Bamboo textiles have many fantastic properties that when combined make this a truly amazing fabric. It is breathable and cool, has a nice lustre, is extremely soft, has fast water absorption and is anti-bacterial. Bamboo fabric also successfully avoids pilling and shrinkage problems.

Bamboo fibres are quickly emerging now in the fashion world. The fabric woven with bamboo yarn is light, almost translucent, and softer than cotton. It has a natural sheen that feels like silk or cashmere, but has the advantage of being machine-washable. Many people who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibres such as wool or hemp, do not complain of this issue with bamboo. The fibre is naturally smooth and round without chemical treatment, meaning that there are no sharp spurs to irritate the skin.

Bamboo also has many anti-bacterial qualities, which the fabric is able to retain even through multiple washings. This helps reduce and even eliminate bacteria that thrive on clothing and cause unpleasant odours. In addition, bamboo fabric has insulating properties to keep the wearer cool in summer and warm in winter. The fabric is also able to take bright dye colours well, drape smoothly, and star in a variety of roles from knit shirts to woven skirts.

Finally, in-keeping with ASICS commitment to producing environmentally sound products, bamboo is enviro-friendly! Anyone who has ever planted bamboo knows it grows fast and abundant. It can be harvested and harvested and it will grow again and again, requiring very little water to do so. Bamboo also does not usually require the use of pesticides or herbicides to thrive, so plantations can easily be kept organic and replanted yearly to replenish stocks. The process of making unbleached bamboo fibre is also very light on chemicals which could potentially harm the environment. Last but not least, when your bamboo garment finishes it’s useful life, it can be returned to the earth as it is biodegradable.

Overall, the versatility and overwhelming benefits of bamboo fabric make it an excellent choice for ASICS’ designers exploring alternative textiles and sportswear technology.