[Steve Dudley]

I've been so impressed with the various bamboo-fibre garments I've bought in recent years, I decided to write a short article and share my experience and thoughts on this little known natural clothing material.

The full article is on my blog here.

[Andrew Clarke]

Thanks for the article Steve. Like yourself I try to shop ethically/consciously if possible (weighing up factors such as performance, price, source and how things look on me) and you highlight some good points about the environmental impact of certain fabrics etc.

I've not tried the bamboo t shirts etc yet but have several pairs of BAM lightweight socks which all the local wholefood shops were selling cheap a whle ago, presumably as a promotion. They're great - cool n comfy.

Im a big fan of Patagonia gear myslef - excellent performance, great eco credentials etc and if you shop around its possible to pick up some real bargains.

Good Birding & Best Wishes

Andrew

[Steve Dudley]

Hi Andrew. Forgot about the socks. BAM sent me a pair as a 'sorry' when one of the t-shirts I ordered arrived was the wrong colour. Yes, they're great and I've a note to order some more when I next place an order - which wont be long as they've currently got an offer on whereby you order any four items and get the cheapest free - so socks and a neck snood are in the offing.

I also bought some bamboo fashion socks from an online store which have been excellent. I forgot just how comfy and cool feeling they were until I wore a pair yesterday.

I'd like to see more outdoor brands getting greener and actively showing us what they're doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Thats was how I found the Tog 24 stuff, although they hardly push it in this respect. The store manager was gobsmacked when he found me fondling one of their bamboo shirts and he quite boastfully said 'I bet you don't know what thats made from?'. 'Bamboo' I confidently replied and his smile disappeared momentarily as he admitted I was the only person to know the answer!

[chris butterworth]

I have to admit I'd never heard of bamboo fibres being used in clothing ( in fact, I thought Steve had been smoking one of his old hemp T-shirts when I first saw the post). I'm going to have to look into this. Thanks for the head-up .

Chris

[Steve Dudley]

Originally Posted by chris butterworth

I thought Steve had been smoking one of his old hemp T-shirts

[nick scarle]

I can second your recommendation, I've been wearing t-shirts from BAM over the last four years or so - they are excellent.

Nick

[Steve Dudley]

BAM have a sale on, so some lines discounted, plus their usual 4 for 3 offer, plus, if when you get to checkout, if you put HOLIDAY in the coupon/voucher window you get a further 15% off.

I've just ordered some more of their fab t-shirts myself.

[MKinHK]

I have a bamboo blanket I got rather bizarrely, as a freebie for attending a corporate dinner a couple of years ago, which also does a terrific job.

Cheers
Mike

[Steve Dudley]

Originally Posted by MKinHK

I have a bamboo blanket I got rather bizarrely, as a freebie for attending a corporate dinner a couple of years ago, which also does a terrific job.

Cheers
Mike

I've also been using bamboo dishclothes in the kitchen for some time! Amzing how bamboo gets around aint it.

[StokeOwl]

Interesting stuff, didn't realise clothing could be made from bamboo.

I'm just in the process of installing bamboo flooring in my house. It looks amazing and has a 25 year guarantee and of course is more environmentally friendly than hardwoods.

Bring on the bamboo revolution :)