When it comes to choosing the right fabric for children's clothing, parents are increasingly focused on comfort, sustainability, and safety. Two popular choices in the eco-friendly world are bamboo and TENCEL™ (Lyocell). Both are marketed as sustainable and soft, but are they truly equal? In this post, we'll break down the key differences between bamboo and TENCEL™ so you can make an informed choice for your little one.
1. Sustainability: The Story Behind Each Fabric
Bamboo: Bamboo is often promoted as an eco-friendly option because the plant grows quickly, requires little water, and doesn't need pesticides. However, transforming raw bamboo into a soft fabric typically requires a chemical-heavy process to break down the fibres, especially when it comes to bamboo viscose or rayon. These chemicals can harm the environment, and some manufacturers might not recycle or dispose of them responsibly.
TENCEL™: Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (primarily eucalyptus), TENCEL™ offers a more eco-conscious alternative. Its production follows a closed-loop process, which recycles 99.8% of the water and organic solvents used to break down the wood into fibres. Lenzing, the company behind TENCEL™, sources the wood from certified sustainable forests, ensuring a lower environmental impact from start to finish.
The Verdict: While bamboo itself is a fast-growing and sustainable crop, the processing method can negate some of its eco-friendly benefits. TENCEL™ shines in this area thanks to its closed-loop production and commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility.
2. Softness and Comfort: The Feel of Each Fabric
Bamboo: Bamboo fabric, especially when processed into bamboo viscose, is undeniably soft. It’s breathable, making it a popular choice for baby and children’s clothing. However, depending on the manufacturer, bamboo fabric can sometimes lose its softness after repeated washes or wear out faster over time.
TENCEL™: TENCEL™ Lyocell is known for its luxurious softness and long-lasting quality. The fabric is smooth to the touch, making it gentle on delicate and sensitive skin. Additionally, TENCEL™ is highly breathable and has excellent moisture-wicking properties, helping to regulate temperature. This means your child will stay comfortable, whether it's warm or cool outside.
The Verdict: Both bamboo and TENCEL™ are soft fabrics, but TENCEL™ tends to have a more luxurious and durable feel. It’s also a bit more reliable in terms of long-term softness and quality, making it a solid choice for kids who need clothes that can withstand daily adventures.
3. Environmental Impact: Beyond the Production Process
Bamboo: As we mentioned earlier, bamboo is fast-growing, but its manufacturing process often involves harmful chemicals like carbon disulfide, which can cause pollution if not handled responsibly.
TENCEL™: TENCEL™ is often praised for its closed-loop production process, which minimizes waste. The raw materials come from responsibly managed forests, and the solvents used in processing are non-toxic and biodegradable. TENCEL™ works with many regulatory bodies to ensure it is free from harmful substances and safe for your child’s skin and the environment.
The Verdict: TENCEL™ has the edge in minimizing environmental impact, thanks to its closed-loop process, sustainable raw material sourcing, and certifications.
4. Skin Sensitivity: What’s Safer for Delicate Skin?
Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is often labeled hypoallergenic, but that largely depends on how it was processed. Bamboo viscose (the most common type of bamboo), for instance, may still retain traces of chemicals used in production. If you're considering bamboo for sensitive skin, make sure the fabric has the right certifications, like OEKO-TEX, which ensures there is no residual harmful chemicals.
TENCEL™: TENCEL™ Lyocell is inherently hypoallergenic, as it is processed using non-toxic solvents. The fibres are smooth, which reduces irritation, making it an excellent choice for children with eczema or sensitive skin. The breathability of TENCEL™ also helps keep skin cool and dry, reducing the risk of rashes or discomfort.
The Verdict: While both fabrics can be gentle on the skin, TENCEL™ has an added level of safety due to its non-toxic production process and hypoallergenic properties, making it the superior option for sensitive skin.
5. Durability: How Well Do These Fabrics Hold Up?
Bamboo: Bamboo fabric can be strong but tends to wear out more quickly, especially after several washes. The long-term durability may depend on how the fabric was manufactured and treated.
TENCEL™: TENCEL™ Lyocell is known for its strength and durability, even when wet. Clothes made from TENCEL™ hold their shape and softness over time, even after many washes, making them ideal for children's clothing that needs to endure daily wear and tear.
The Verdict: TENCEL™ comes out on top in terms of durability, offering a longer-lasting option for your child's wardrobe.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
When comparing bamboo and TENCEL™, both fabrics have their merits. Bamboo is often softer than cotton and can be a good option if you're looking for something breathable and affordable. However, if sustainability, skin sensitivity, and long-lasting quality are top priorities for you, TENCEL™ stands out as the superior fabric. Its eco-friendly production process, hypoallergenic nature, and durability make it the ideal choice for parents seeking premium, safe, and sustainable clothing for their children.
At Mama Pyjama, we proudly use premium TENCEL™ Lyocell made with extra fine yarns to ensure your little ones stay comfy, safe, and stylish. Try it for yourself, these TENCEL™ pyjamas will be the pyjamas your kids won't want to take off!