When you think of bamboo, your mind may jump to what pandas eat, rather than an oh-so-soft pair of underwear. But this natural plant can be transformed into some of the softest fabrics around – which means that when it comes to women’s bamboo underwear, we’ve got you covered (literally).
Bamboo is sustainable and eco-friendly – it grows at an amazing rate and needs one-third of the water cotton does to grow, plus it reduces greenhouse gases and produces 35 per cent more oxygen than comparable trees. Plus, it’s antibacterial and anti-fungal, which makes it super good for your lady bits.
But the benefits don’t stop there – the fabric itself is also soft and breathable, meaning your underwear will feel fresher than ever. It’s also hypoallergenic, which means that it’s gentler on your skin than many man-made fibres and is especially great for those who suffer from itchy skin.
The best bamboo underwear is made with bamboo viscose – which has been spun into delicate yarn that feels on par with, or better than silk – and dyed with all-natural dyes. And it’s not just the ladies who can enjoy the bamboo magic – men’s bamboo underwear is also becoming increasingly popular, as brands like Ham & Sam prove. These comfy underwear pieces are made from up to 95% bamboo viscose and 5% spandex, and they’re available in black, navy and white. They’re also GOTS-approved, which means that they meet rigorous organic textile standards. And they’re size-inclusive, with a range that includes sizes from small to quintuple extra-large (5XL).
Another brand that specialises in bamboo underwear for women is Boody. Their pieces are made from a bamboo lyocell blend that’s both OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 approved and certified to ISO 14001, which is an environmental management system. The bamboo itself is grown without pesticides or fertilisers and the lyocell production process uses non-toxic solvents and a closed-loop water system, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics.
Their bamboo lingerie is soft on your skin and comes in bralettes, briefs and thongs. All the bralettes are padded and have adjustable straps for comfort and support, while the thongs are high-waist and feature an anti-microbial bamboo panel for freshness and hygiene. And their high-waist bamboo lingerie is especially good for pregnant women and those with a sporty lifestyle, as the extra-wide waistband helps to prevent chaffing.
And while most bamboo underwear is available in a wide range of colours, Boody also have some snazzy designs to choose from, including a grey marble print. Plus, they’re all a bargain at under £9.