Summer Just Got HOT โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘


Our limited edition summer prints have landed ๐Ÿ˜ Oasis, Tropical, Coral & Paradise are here! Shop underwear and pyjamas made for sun, sleep and everything in between ๐Ÿ˜ด๐Ÿ™Œ

Callingย all Bamboo Viscose fans!


My Nameโ€™5 Doddie underwear is now in ultra-soft bamboo viscose ๐Ÿ˜ featuring Doddieโ€™s signature tartan. Feel good, do good - 15% donated to the My Nameโ€™5 Doddie Foundation ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿ‰


Sleepwear, But Make It Iconic ๐Ÿ›Œโœจ

Smurfs ๐Ÿ’™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ๐Ÿข Cookie Monster & Top Gun โœˆ๏ธ - your new favourite pyjamas have arrived. Which one are you picking? ๐Ÿ‘€

Our QUACKING new design is HERE๐Ÿฆ†๐Ÿ’›


Limited Edition What the Duck is here!

Guaranteed to ruffle a few feathersโ€ฆ Available for Men, Women and Kids - plus in our SUPER popular Menโ€™s Bamboo. Weโ€™re quackers about this one.๐Ÿซง๐Ÿ›

Holiday Shop Has Landed ๐ŸŒดโ˜€๏ธ


Get getaway-ready with our holiday must-haves ๐Ÿ˜Ž

From swim shorts and towels to matching accessories, sunglasses and wash bags - weโ€™ve got your suitcase sorted ๐Ÿ–๏ธ

Your Recently Viewed Products

Fast, Tracked Delivery: Royal Mail, InPost, or DPD

FREE UK delivery on all orders over ยฃ35

Buy Now, Pay Later with ClearPay, Klarna & PayPal๐Ÿ’ฐ

Mobile Hero

What Is Bamboo Underwear? Benefits, Fabric Facts & Care Tips

August 07, 2025
7 min read

Nature Called... So We Made Softer, Premium Bamboo Underwear

When it comes to choosing the right underwear, comfort, breathability, and sustainability are key. In recent years, bamboo-derived viscose underwear has grown in popularity - and for good reason. It's known for it's soft, comfortable feel, making it a popular choice for everyday underwear. Explore our full range of breathable bamboo styles, including our menโ€™s bamboo underwear and womenโ€™s bamboo underwear collections.


In this article, weโ€™ll break down the benefits and functional characteristics of bamboo-derived viscose underwear. We'll discuss how it compares to cotton, and explain how each fabric performs so you can make an informed choise based on comfort, care needs and product features.

A man sat down on the couch in Tartan Bamboo Boxer Shorts

What Is Bamboo Underwear?

Bamboo viscose underwearย is made from fibres that come from the bamboo plant, which are processed into a soft, breathable viscose fabric suitable for everyday wear. Most bamboo fabrics used in clothing are forms of viscose.


What Is Bamboo Viscose?

Bamboo viscose is a type of fabric made by extracting the cellulose from the bamboo fibres and chemically processing it into what is known as cellulosic dope. This is then forced through spinnerets to create the fine fibres that are then spun into the yarn that makes our fabric.ย 

Key benefits of bamboo viscose include:

  • A soft, smoothย hand-feel often likened toย silk
  • Very breathableย - great for hot climates or getting hot & sweaty!
  • Gentle on the skin and comfortable to wearย 
  • Good durability when cared for correctly
Three women stood in OddBalls bamboo boxer shorts: commando, ripple and fat cow designs

Benefits of Bamboo-derived Viscose Underwear

Soft & Comfortable

Bamboo-dervied viscose has a naturally smooth fibre surface, which gives the fabric a soft, comfortable feel against the skin and helps reduce friction-based irritation.

Breathable & Moisture-Wickingย -ย 

The lightweight structure of our viscose fabric supports airflow and can help manage moisture through absorption and evapouration during wear.

Comfortable in warm conditions -ย 

It's breathable nature supports airflow, which many people find suitable for sport or warmer climates.ย 

Retains comfort & shape with proper care -ย 

While soft, bamboo-dervied viscose can maintain it's shape and performance when cared for properly.ย 

Is Bamboo Underwear Better Than Cotton?

Bamboo-dervied viscose and cotton each have their own advantages, and the choice comes down to how you prefer underwear to feel. If youโ€™re looking for:

  • A particularlyย soft, smoothย feelย 
  • Lightweight, breathable comfortย 
  • A fabric that feelsย gentle on the skinย 

โ€ฆthen bamboo viscose underwear is alternative to cotton you are looking for.

Cotton is known for it's reliable softness, breathability and everyday comfort which has made it the long-trusted option for underwear. Both fabrics are comfortable - the difference is in the texture and how they feel against your skin.ย 

Two women wearing OddBalls bamboo boxer shorts in commando  and ripple, with one woman stretching her waistband.

Bamboo or Cotton Underwear: Whatโ€™s the Difference?

Cottonย has been a staple fibre for underwear (and just about everything else) for generations, valued for it'scnatural feel, durability, and everyday comfort.ย Bamboo-derived viscose, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the underwear world, offering its own set of unique characteristics that many people enjoy.Both materials have their strengths, and the best choice often comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.


1. Softness:
Bamboo viscose underwear is often described as soft and smooth against the skin, making it a great option if you love a lightweight,silky feel. Cotton can also be wonderfully soft, offering a more traditional texture that many people find cosy and familiar.


2. Breathability:
Both fibres are breathable, helping to keep you comfortable all day. Bamboo viscose fabrics tend to feel light and airy, which some people find more suitable for warmer conditions or sports. Cotton's natural breathability and softness make it a dependable choice for year-round everyday wear.


3. Moisture-Wicking:
Bamboo viscose wicks the moisture away from your skin by absorbing and allowing for easy evaporation during wear, contributing to a comfortable feel. Cotton absorbs moisture well, which can feel comfortable for shorter wear, but may hold onto it longer - something to consider depending on activity levels and climate.


4. Environmental Considerations:
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, but bamboo viscose must be chemically processed to turn the cellulose into a usable fibre. Cotton, by contrast, is a natural fibre that does not require chemical regeneration, through it's environmental profile varies depending on farming methods, water use and sourcing practices. Because both materials have different production processes and and impacts, it's important not to assume one is automatically more environmentally beneficial than the other. Consumers may base their choice on feel, comfort, care preferences and the level of transparency offered by individual brands.ย 

Two men stood in bamboo boxer shorts in filthy animal and hibiscus bamboo boxer shorts

Environmental Benefits of Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo isnโ€™t just gentle on your skin - itโ€™s soft, breathable and designed for everyday comfort. Hereโ€™s what makes bamboo underwear special:

Bamboo as a plantย -ย 

Bamboo grows quickly and can regenerate from its root system. These biological traits mean that bamboo can be cultivated efficiently when responsibly managed. This also means that there is no genetic modification to its seed stock, unlike with conventional cotton.

Cultivationย -ย 

Bamboo can often be grown with lower inputs, such as pesticides and fertilisers, compared to some other crops. This does depend on the growing region and specific farming practices.ย 

Water needs during cultivationย -ย 

Some bamboo species can be grown with comparatively low water needs relative to waterโ€‘intensive crops such as conventional cotton. Bamboo cultivation requires between 300-500 L/kg of bamboo where cottons requires between 7,000 โ€“ 10,000 L kg. It MUST be noted there that the processing of the bamboo into the viscose yarn can be water intensive.

Chemical processingย -ย 

Although bamboo is a natural raw material, bamboo viscose production requires chemical treatment to convert cellulose into a fibre, similar to other viscoseโ€‘type regenerated fibres, unlike other natural fibres that use generally chemical free processes to get to yarn stage.

Discover Our Bamboo Bestsellers

Conclusion

Bamboo-derived viscose underwear isnโ€™t just a trend - itโ€™s the future of everyday comfort.

Its lightweight texture and breathable nature make it a comfortable alternative to more traditional fabrics, including cotton.

Whether youโ€™re looking for underwear that feels particularly soft, cooling and moisture wicking on hot days (or during hot workouts) or gentle against the skin bamboo viscose provides an appealing option. Cotton remains a reliable, familiar classic, while bamboo viscose introduces a modern alternative with its own distinctive feel.


In the end, the โ€œbestโ€ choice comes down to what you find most comfortable - and both fabrics offer plenty to love and come in our favourite prints for both men and women.


Not a fan of bamboo? Check out our super-soft, breathable cotton underwear range instead.

Bamboo Not Your Thing? Try Cotton Instead

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bamboo viscose underwear and why is it better?

Bamboo-derived viscose underwear is made from bamboo viscose, a soft, breathable fabric derived from fibres that comes from the bamboo plant. It could be seen as better than traditional fabrics like cotton because of itโ€™s soft, breathable, and gentle to skinย characteristics.

Is bamboo viscose underwear good for sensitive skin?

Yes bamboo viscose fabric is a great choice for people with sensitive skin. It has a naturally smooth fibre surface, which gives the fabric a soft, comfortable feel against the skin and helps reduce frictionโ€‘based irritation. Making it ideal for people with skin sensitivity.

Does bamboo viscose underwear help with sweat and odour?

Bamboo viscose underwear is great for sweat control. The lightweight structure of our viscose fabric supports airflow and can help manage moisture through absorption and evaporation during wear.

Is bamboo viscose underwear breathable for hot weather?

Yes. Bamboo viscose fabric is breathable and supports airflow, making it ideal for warm weather or active lifestyles.

How should I wash bamboo viscose underwear?

Wash your bamboo viscose underwear at 30ยฐC on a gentle cycle, and avoid using fabric softener or bleach. Air dry if possible. This helps maintain softness and shape, whilst helping to keep the vibrant prints.ย 

Does bamboo viscose underwear last longer than cotton?

Bamboo underwear is both soft and durable. With the right care, it holds its shape and stays comfortable wash after wash, maintaining it's softness over time.

Is bamboo viscose underwear suitable for working out?

Absolutely. Bambooโ€™s moisture-wicking properties make it great for exercise and activewear. It keeps you feeling dry, fresh, and supported during workouts.

What does bamboo viscose feel like?

Bamboo viscose feels incredibly soft and silky, often compared to cashmere or modal. Itโ€™s smooth to the touch, with a luxurious feel thatโ€™s gentle on the skin.

Does bamboo viscose underwear absorb sweat?

Yes, bamboo viscose underwear is known for its moisture-wicking properties, which means it effectively absorbs and draws moisture (like sweat) away from the skin.ย 

Related Reading