The Green Fabric Showdown: Organic Cotton vs Bamboo

When it comes to the textile world, we are all looking for the best quality fabrics we can find. A good fabric ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, quality, and durability, but also being a sustainable and eco-friendly material. 

When it comes to choosing fabrics for babywear, comfort, safety, and sustainability are at the top of every parent’s checklist. Two standout options are organic cotton and bamboo fabric. Each has unique benefits, but which is the better choice for your baby? Let’s explore the qualities of both to help you make the best decision.

Understanding Organic Cotton and Bamboo

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or GMOs. Farmers rely on natural methods such as crop rotation, composting, and rainwater harvesting to nurture the soil and reduce water use. This creates a fabric that is breathable, gentle on sensitive skin, and eco-friendly.

Organic cotton’s production process ensures that no harsh chemicals come into contact with your baby’s skin, making it a popular choice for parents looking for natural babywear options.

Quick Facts:

• Produced mainly in Turkey, the U.S., India, and China.

• Certified by standards like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for safety and sustainability.

Learn why organic cotton is better for sensitive skin.

What is Bamboo Fabric?

Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable plant that requires minimal water and no pesticides to thrive. Bamboo fabric is made by breaking down the plant into fibres that are then spun into yarn. Its silky softness, moisture-wicking properties, and natural antibacterial qualities make it an attractive option for babywear.

However, the sustainability of bamboo fabric depends on the production method. Bamboo rayon, the most common type, is chemically processed, while bamboo lyocell uses an eco-friendlier mechanical method.

Key Attributes:

• Naturally soft and breathable.

• Antibacterial and moisture-wicking, ideal for humid climates.

Discover bamboo’s benefits and challenges.

Production Processes and Environmental Impact

The way fabrics are made significantly affects their environmental impact and suitability for babywear.

How Organic Cotton is Produced

Organic cotton farming relies on natural techniques that conserve water, maintain soil fertility, and protect biodiversity. After harvesting, the cotton is processed without chemicals, ensuring a safe and non-toxic final product.

Environmental Benefits:

• Uses up to 91% less water than conventional cotton farming (source).

• Promotes healthier soil and protects biodiversity through crop rotation.

Learn more about organic cotton farming.

How Bamboo Fabric is Made

Bamboo fabric can be produced in two ways:

1. Mechanical Processing: Bamboo lyocell is created by mechanically crushing bamboo into fibres. This process is eco-friendly and retains bamboo’s natural benefits.

2. Chemical Processing: Bamboo rayon is made using chemicals like sodium hydroxide, which can harm the environment if waste is not properly managed.

As a side note, sadly there is no conclusive evidence that many of the claimed qualities of bamboo, such as its antibacterial properties or UV resistance, are still present in the fibre after it has been put through such an intensive process.

Environmental Impact:

• Bamboo lyocell is sustainable but less widely available.

• Bamboo rayon, while common, raises concerns about chemical processing (Good On You).

Advantages and Disadvantages

 

Benefits of Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is an excellent choice for babywear, offering safety, durability, and eco-friendliness.

• Gentle on Skin: Its hypoallergenic nature makes it perfect for babies with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

• Durable: Organic cotton retains its softness and shape after frequent washing, making it suitable for everyday use.

• Sustainable: Certified by GOTS, it ensures sustainable farming and ethical labour practices.

Organic cotton’s breathability and moisture absorption also make it ideal for warm climates like Singapore.

Explore our organic cotton babywear collection.

Benefits of Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo fabric is valued for its luxurious feel and practicality in humid climates.

• Luxuriously Soft: Bamboo’s silky texture provides unmatched comfort for your baby.

• Moisture-Wicking: Keeps babies cool and dry by absorbing sweat.

• Antibacterial Properties: Naturally inhibits odours and bacteria, reducing the need for frequent washing.

While bamboo’s fast-growing nature makes it an inherently sustainable crop, the choice between bamboo rayon and bamboo lyocell impacts its overall eco-friendliness.

Learn more about bamboo’s environmental benefits.

Comparing Costs

When it comes to cost, both organic cotton and bamboo fabrics can be more expensive than synthetic alternatives due to their production methods:

• Organic Cotton: Higher due to labour-intensive farming and certification requirements. However, its durability offers better value in the long run.

• Bamboo Fabric: Bamboo rayon is often cheaper than organic cotton, while bamboo lyocell is comparable in price.

Certification and Standards

It's always worth checking labels when buying cotton or bamboo linens to see if your product adheres to standards set out by certification boards. One of the ones you can look for when buying cotton is the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). This ensures that your cotton products meet stringent guidelines set out to ensure that the cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and uses methods that don't cause undue harm to the environment. Not only do these certifications help with environmental protection, but they also influence consumer trust as you know you are buying the real deal. 

Bamboo fabrics have yet to meet the same certification standards as cotton, which can make purchasing a little more complex. However, you can still look for certifications and labels such as the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests for harmful substances in the fabric. Also, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification helps you choose sustainably sourced bamboo. 

 

Choosing the Best Fabric for Your Baby

Both organic cotton and bamboo fabrics have strengths, but your decision depends on your baby’s needs and your values:

• Choose Organic Cotton: If you prioritise durability, hypoallergenic safety, and certified sustainability. It’s a versatile, all-around excellent choice for babywear.

• Opt for Bamboo Fabric: If you’re looking for silky softness and moisture-wicking properties, particularly for sleepwear or humid climates.

At Burrow and Be Asia, we trust organic cotton for its unmatched combination of comfort, safety, and eco-friendliness.

Shop our organic cotton babywear collection today.

Conclusion

Both fabrics are strong contenders in the eco-friendly textile world, but organic cotton stands out for its durability, certified production methods, and suitability for sensitive skin. Bamboo, while luxurious and practical in some cases, depends heavily on its processing method. By choosing organic cotton, you ensure your baby gets the best of both worlds: comfort and sustainability.

Explore our range of organic cotton babywear and experience the difference for yourself.

FAQs

Is bamboo better than organic cotton?

It depends on your priorities. Bamboo offers softness and moisture-wicking properties, but organic cotton excels in durability and certified sustainability.

Which is safer for sensitive skin?

Organic cotton is hypoallergenic and chemical-free, making it the safer choice for babies with sensitive skin.

Why choose organic cotton over bamboo?

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals, ensuring a durable and eco-friendly product that supports sustainable farming.