Bamboo Kun is a property which enables bamboo fabric to retain anti-bacterial qualities despite constant washing. This alone makes bamboo a particularly attractive alternative to traditional fabrics.

Benefits Of Bamboo Fabric

- Keeping bacteria off the skin is a problem with many types of fabric. Not so bamboo. Then there's the issue of body odor which can be caused through bacteria on the skin. By wearing clothes that are made of bamboo, you can reduce the amount of bacteria that thrives on your skin thus also effectively reducing the likelihood of emitting offensive body smell.

- The absorbent qualities of bamboo is another big plus in it's favor. Research has shown it can hold up to three times it's weight in water. This ability to hold a lot of water makes bamboo fiber ideal for inner clothing.

- The porous nature of bamboo fibers means it helps in keeping and absorbing moisture away from the skin helping it to evaporate away. This means that if you are wearing clothes that are made of bamboo fabric during a hot day, you do not have to soak in your sweat uncomfortably for a long time.

- Many people who may be allergic to other fibers including wool should consider bamboo fabric because of it's hypoallergenic qualities. If you are one of those people who are allergic to wool or hemp, you should consider using bamboo fiber instead and save yourself from all the itching, sneezing and discomforts associated with fiber allergies.

- The versatility of bamboo fabric also needs to be mentioned. It has a silk-like look and feel yet it is more resistant to a washing machine cycle and will handle a drier. Many other fabrics need the addition of additives to prevent wrinkling but bamboo has the ability to withstand this. In other words, it is a sturdy fabric yet can hold it's own in the fashion stakes.

Clothing is a multi billion dollar industry and materials such as cotton have dominated the scene for a long time. Those thinking green are now looking for alternatives and bamboo looks a natural choice.

One of the benefits of bamboo clothing is it's hypo-allergenic qualities. The plant has a strong anti bacterial nature assisted by what is known as Bamboo Kun. Allergy sufferers can benefit greatly through using bamboo clothing. Anti bacterial agents within the plant resist the risk of multiplying bacteria.

Bamboo Versatility

Another big benefit with bamboo clothing is it's great versatility. As a resource product, it's known for it's versatile nature and is now being recognized in the same light by the fashion world.

Why?

Simply because of it's ability as a fabric to adapt to the seasons. In other words, it has the ability to keep you cool in summer and warm in the winter. Bamboo clothing has insulation qualities unmatched by many other materials and from an economic point-of-view, this has got to represent big savings for the day-to-day shopper.

Alternative To Cotton

One of the major factors bamboo clothing is gaining ground on cotton materials is simply because of it's production aspects. As a plant, bamboo doesn't need to be sprayed with pesticides to keep it free of bugs and disease. The same cannot be said for cotton.

From and environmentalists point-of-view, this is a major factor in choosing bamboo clothing over cotton. Bamboo in it's natural state also retains water making it a viable farming product and when you consider it is one of the most sustainable plants on the planet, then the argument for it's widespread use continues to gather momentum.

Bamboo 54 and Gucci are two big names in fashion, designing entire lines around bamboo. Gucci recently included bamboo amongst it's line with products such as clutch bags and sandals carrying it's name. More and more fashion designers are using bamboo to manufacture shoes, handbags or jewelry.

One of the big attractions with bamboo fiber is it's comfortable nature and it's easy feel. Bamboo enthusiasts will tell you it's very easy to wear and this enthusiasm is spreading by the day among consumers. The potential for bamboo fashion is enormous. It's been described as having a similar finish and feel to silk. With that, the possibilities are endless.

What about bamboo accesories? Well, accessories are just a natural follow on to main fashion wear. Hats and bags to match dressess, skirts, t-shirts and the like along with a range of jewelry accessories and the outfit is bamboo complete. Further good news is bamboo clothing is extremely soft, breathes extra well and is machine washable. That's just perfect in western society.

With continuing concerns over our environment it was just natural manufacturers, looking to earn environmental "brownie points," would be targetting a product that promoted the qualities natural earth watchers spruiked. Bamboo was the perfect subject choice because of it's versatile nature and while our eastern neighbors have been harnessing the all round abilities of this plant since ancient times, the west has "cottoned on" and is embarking on a bamboo crusade of it's own.

Given it's versatility and resistance, bamboo has indeed become somewhat of a miracle material. Watch it's progress through the fashion ranks during the next years.

Indians have used bamboo for expression of tribal art since ancient times. Bamboo masks adorning both mud houses and the homes of the rich along with a wide range of decorative items including mats and baskets are commonplace on the bamboo landscape. Even fisherman have adapted bamboo to their advantage.

Farmers and gardeners use colorful bamboo headgear while objects such as umbrella handles have been fashioned from this versatile plant. Add to this, furniture items to suit modern homes and you begin to get an idea of just how useful bamboo has been in the east.

Tripura, in north eastern India, is very famous for its bamboo works. There, bamboo use has been refined to such a fine art that finished products resemble something of an ivory finish. In Assam and Bengal,the manufacture of baskets and mats are synonymous with this area of India. Assam is rich in raw materials leading to the creation of some exceptionally beautiful bamboo crafts. Musical instruments, baskets, hukkas and mugs are just a small sample of end the bamboo product.

Elegant screens made of split bamboo are also a specialty in Tripura. Mizo baskets for storing rice are another popular bamboo craft with four long bamboo splinters at the corners. The baskets and mats manufactured in Bengal and Tripura look very similar.

Beautiful bamboo crafts are manufactured in Orissa as well. In Manipur you will find unusual baskets, with dome-shaped lids made from bamboo. Tamil Nadu is famous for its kora grass mats. However, the most aristocratic and delicate mats in the world are manufactured in Kerala. Attractive square bamboo boxes in a black and white design.

The western world has a long way to catch up in regard to bamboo use . However, during the last decade in particular, a lot of inroads have been made in adapting bamboo to western culture.