Are you tired of working up a sweat in the gym only to be self-conscious about the way you or your clothes are smelling? Fear not, because bamboo fabric is here to save the day! Not only is bamboo incredibly soft and comfortable to wear, but it also has amazing moisture wicking and odour fighting properties. Say goodbye to stinky workout clothes and hello to fresh, clean confidence with fitness clothing made from premium bamboo fabrics! Trust us, your nose (and those around you) will thank you.
Sweat itself is naturally odorless, but it can cause odors when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin. The bacteria that live on the skin, particularly in areas like the armpits and groin, feed on the proteins and sugars found in sweat and produce substances called thioalcohols as a byproduct. Thioalcohols are what give sweat its characteristic bad smell. While all people have some bacteria on their skin, the specific types and amounts can vary, which is why some people are more prone to body odor than others.
Now that you're sold on the idea of bamboo fabric for your workout gear, you may be wondering just how exactly it manages to keep you smelling fresh and clean. Not to worry, we'll dive into the science behind bamboo's odor-fighting abilities in just a bit. But first, let's talk about how bamboo fabric wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry during even the most intense workouts. Below are two citations from scientific studies that illustrate the antibacterial nature of the bamboo plant:
https://www.researchgate.net/deref/http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1080%2F00405000.2011.614742
“It was demonstrated that at the lowest concentration, 5% of bamboo extract in water was sufficient to achieve 100% sterilization rate against strong bacteria such as E. coli.”
Tanaka, A., Shimizu, K. & Kondo, R. Antibacterial compounds from shoot skins of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). J Wood Sci 59, 155–159 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10086-012-1310-6
“this study elucidated some antibacterial compounds contained in bamboo shoot skins and established the possibility that bamboo shoot skins could serve as antibacterial materials.”
Bamboo Kun
Bamboo fabric is known to have natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help fight odors. This is due to the presence of a chemical called bamboo kun, which is found in the bamboo plant. Bamboo kun has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause odors. Additionally, bamboo fabric is highly absorbent, which helps to wick away moisture and sweat from the skin, further helping to reduce odors. Finally, bamboo fabric is naturally breathable, which allows air to circulate and helps to keep the skin dry and odor-free.
MOISTURE WICKING PROPERTIES
Moisture-wicking is a property of a fabric that helps to keep the skin dry by drawing moisture away from the skin and moving it to the outer surface of the fabric where it can evaporate. This can be especially helpful in preventing odors, as moisture and sweat can provide a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant odors.
Bamboo fabric is known for its ability to wick away moisture and sweat effectively for several reasons:
- Bamboo fabric is highly absorbent: Bamboo fabric is able to absorb moisture quickly and effectively, which helps to draw sweat away from the skin.
- Bamboo fabric has a high moisture vapor transmission rate: This means that bamboo fabric is able to allow moisture to evaporate quickly, which helps to keep the skin dry and comfortable.
- Bamboo fabric is naturally breathable: The pores in bamboo fabric are larger than those in other fabrics, which allows air to circulate and helps to wick away moisture and sweat.
- Bamboo fabric has a smooth and soft surface: The smooth surface of bamboo fabric helps to reduce friction and irritation against the skin, which can help to prevent sweating and moisture buildup.
By wicking away moisture and keeping the skin dry, bamboo fabric can help to prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce odours. In addition to moisture-wicking, the presence of natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents, such as bamboo kun, can also help to fight odours.
By contrast, synthetic fabrics generally are far less effective at both wicking sweat away from the skin, and allowing for evaporation. Sweat is produced by the sweat glands in the body, and is composed mainly of water, salt, and small amounts of other substances such as urea and lactic acid. When sweat comes into contact with clothing made of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, the fibers of the material can absorb some of the liquid. However, these fibers are not breathable like natural fibers such as bamboo, or organic cotton, so the sweat cannot evaporate easily.
As the sweat is absorbed by the fibers that make up clothing fabric, bacteria that are naturally present on the skin begin to break down the sweat and other substances, releasing unpleasant-smelling compounds such as ammonia and volatile fatty acids. This process of bacteria breaking down sweat is known as bacterial fermentation. Because synthetic materials are not as absorbent as natural fibers, the sweat remains on their surface, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and proliferate. Over time, the accumulated sweat and bacteria can create a noticeable odor on the clothing. This is why clothes made of synthetic materials may start to smell bad after being worn for extended periods, particularly in hot and humid conditions or when participating in activities that cause heavy sweating.
In conclusion, bamboo fabric is an excellent alternative to traditional synthetic fabrics for those looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Its natural moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties make it an ideal choice for clothing as well as linens, as it helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable while also reducing the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, bamboo fabric is known to retain less odor than synthetic fabrics, making it a great choice for those looking for a fresher smelling wardrobe. With all the benefits that bamboo fabric has to offer, it's no wonder why more and more people are turning to it as their preferred choice of textile. Not only it is better for the environment, but it also offers many benefits for the users, it may be worth considering to add some bamboo clothes to your wardrobe!
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