Green your wardrobe with this handy guide to the sustainable and ethical bamboo clothing brands in the UK for men and women.

Fast fashion is addicted to cheap, petroleum-derived fabrics. From polyester and acrylic to nylon and Lycra, brands just can’t get enough.

The problem is that these synthetic fabrics are derived from oil and help drive climate change. In fact, the Changing Markets Foundation says that the production of synthetic fibres currently accounts for 1.35% of our total global oil consumption.

This figure seems small, but when you realise that the total exceeds the annual oil consumption of Spain, then you know that it’s problematic.

The other issue with these synthetic fibres is the microplastics that they shed throughout their lifetime. These are the tiny bits of plastic that slough off our clothes when we wash and dry them – some of which can be invisible to the naked eye.

Again, this seems like a benign issue, but scientists have found these microplastics at the bottom of the ocean’s deepest trenches and in our bodies. Worryingly, we don’t yet know what the long-term impacts of exposure to these microplastics are.

If you’re looking for a more sustainable alternative, bamboo clothing can be a better choice than these petroleum-based fabrics. Derived from renewable resources, it’s naturally soft and breathable, and doesn’t shed microplastics.

The Ethical Bamboo Clothing Brands In The UK To Know

Bamboo isn’t without its negatives, though. To be able to turn this woody plant into soft fabric, the bamboo has to be chemically processed, making it a semi-synthetic fabric. The chemicals used in this process can be harmful to both factory workers and the environment, especially if they are discharged into rivers.

That’s not to say that bamboo clothing can’t be eco-friendly. The most responsible brands process their bamboo in what’s known as a closed-loop process. This retains the solvent and water used, which is then recycled and reused again and again in a loop. This helps to keep workers, local communities and the environment safe.

To help you find these brands, I’ve rounded up the most environmentally responsible bamboo clothing brands available in the UK. From t-shirts and dresses to socks and underwear, you’ll find sustainable alternatives for every wardrobe.

To make things more helpful, I’ve included a rough price guide for you. The price range key for this guide is: £ = Under £50 | ££ = £50 – 100 | £££ = £100+.

BAM

• Budget: £ – ££
• Caters for men (sizes S – XXL) and women (UK sizes 8 – 18)

Looking for bamboo clothing to support your active lifestyle? BAM is my top choice for this.

This UK brand only works with bamboo fibre producers who use safe and responsible chemistry and waste treatment practices. BAM say these producers are committed to investing in the technology needed to further improve their practices, processes, and chemistry where necessary.

From bamboo base layers for walking and hiking, to bamboo clothing for yoga and Pilates, the gym, and running, there’s everything you need to get active the sustainable way.

For rest days, you’ll find bamboo casual wear and loungewear. And you’ll even find bamboo underwear and sweat-wicking bamboo socks.

As well as making its bamboo responsibly, BAM is currently working toward some very ambitious environmental goals. It’s aiming for zero waste to landfill, zero pollution and zero wasted water – all by 2030. This applies to every single process – from the growing of the bamboo to the manufacturing of its clothes, right the way through to the way BAM clothes are recycled at the end of their life.

Sign up for the BAM mailing list and get 10% off your first order.

THTC

Sustainable streetwear clothing brand THTC mainly focuses on hemp clothing, but it does have a small range of bamboo clothing. Here it says that all of the bamboo viscose it uses is produced responsibly, with 99% of chemicals treated and recycled, not released into water supplies.

Get 15% off your first order when you sign up for the THTC mailing list.

Nomads

• Budget: £ – ££
• Caters for men (S – XL) and women (UK sizes 8 – 18)

Nomads (available at Ethical Superstore) is another sustainable clothing brand that makes its bamboo clothing in a closed loop system. Its main focus is on fairtrade cotton, so the bamboo range is small, but as one of the few closed loop brands, it’s worth highlighting.

Nomads follows Fair Trade principles across its supply chain, working directly with producers in India and building long-term partnerships that ensure makers receive a fair share of the profits.

Barekind

• Budget: £
• Caters for men, women and children

Finally, when it comes to bamboo socks, Barekind is high up there on my favourites list.

Barekind makes fun animal print socks for every member of the family – all of which are ethically made from a blend of bamboo processed in a closed-loop system and cotton. With over 40 different animals to choose from, you’re sure to find your favourite.

What makes Barekind special is that every sock features an endangered animal. Each design is then linked with a charity partner that is working to help save that specific animal. So, for every pair sold, Barekind donates 10% of the profits to save the animals on the socks. In the case of these Panda socks pictured, 10% of the profits from each sale is donated to Pandas International. 

For more bamboo sock recommendations, see my guide to the UK bamboo socks.

Get 10% off your first order when you sign up for the Barekind newsletter.

More Eco-Friendly Wardrobe Resources

Looking for more resources to help make your wardrobe more planet-friendly? I’ve got lots – here are just a few:

• Here are the zero-waste UK fashion brands to know.
• Recycled plastic clothes: sustainable or greenwashing?
• And try my big guide to UK ethical t-shirt brands.

Wendy Graham