Bamboo blankets are natural, eco-friendly, and versatile. These blankets can be worn as clothing or as bedding. You can use them in your home, on camping trips, and even as yoga mats. If you’re interested in buying a bamboo blanket, there are a lot of options to choose from. Should you buy one that’s handmade, fair trade certified, organic, or unbleached?
What kinds of materials are most common? Are there any things to watch out for when buying them? In this article, we’ll explore what makes bamboo blankets special and how they compare to other natural fiber blankets like wool and cotton. We’ll also go into detail about the different types of bamboo blankets available so that you can make an informed decision the next time you shop for one.
What Makes Bamboo Blankets Special?
Bamboo is one of the most renewable resources in the world. It grows quickly, and harvesting bamboo actually encourages new growth, so it doesn’t deplete the resource. It’s also antibacterial, so it’s ideal for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin. Bamboo also has natural thermal properties that make it suitable for year-round use, making it a practical choice for families. Its natural properties make bamboo the perfect choice for eco-friendly bedding and clothing.
Bamboo is also naturally hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, and eco-friendly. It is considered a sustainable resource because bamboo grows very rapidly, and unlike trees, bamboo is not a tree, so it can be harvested every three years without diminishing the supply and growing cycle. Bamboo is also naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. If you’re sensitive to synthetic materials, bamboo is a suitable material for bedding and clothing. It’s also an eco-friendly fabric made from sustainable resources.
Bamboo vs. Organic Cotton: Which Is Better?
Bamboo and cotton are both natural fibers, and thus are inherently better than man-made fabrics like polyester. However, bamboo and cotton blankets typically require more processing than simpler fabrics like wool. This raises the cost of the blanket and could lower the quality. When comparing the two, it’s important to note that the best bamboo blankets are made from viscose bamboo. This fabric is made from bamboo pulp and is softer than the regular bamboo fabric used in clothing.
It’s also machine washable and easy to care for. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is more eco-friendly than regular cotton because it’s ethically sourced. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which makes it safer for the environment. Organic cotton is also softer than regular cotton. Bamboo blankets are often cheaper than organic cotton blankets, but they are also less comfortable and less durable.
Types of Bamboo Blankets
There are many types of bamboo blankets out there, so it can be a bit confusing to decide which one is best for you. Let’s take a look at the most common types of bamboo blankets available today.
- Bamboo Sheets – Bamboo sheets are simply regular sheets that are made from bamboo fabric. They’re often a lighter-weight option than wool. Bamboo sheets are also less expensive than other natural-fiber options like cotton.
- Bamboo Comforters – Bamboo comforters are thicker than regular sheets, making them suitable for use as blankets. Some comforters can be machine washed, while others are dry clean only.
- Bamboo Blankets – Bamboo blankets are large pieces of fabric that can be used as blankets or as sheets.
- Bamboo Towels – Like regular towels, bamboo towels are made from fabric and can be used as blankets. Bamboo towels are also very absorbent.
- Bamboo Throws – Bamboo throws are similar to blankets but smaller and lighter. They can be used as blankets or placed over a person’s lap during cold weather.
Bamboo Yoga Mats – Bamboo yoga mats are specially made for people who practice yoga. They come in a range of thicknesses and can be rolled up for easy storage.
When Should You Buy a Handmade Bamboo Blanket?
Handmade bamboo blankets are often more expensive than other options, but they are also of higher quality. If you’re interested in buying a handmade blanket, keep an eye out for websites that sell them. You can also check out Etsy, an online marketplace where many sellers sell handmade items like bamboo blankets. Admittedly, it can be hard to tell if a blanket is handmade or not.
Sometimes, manufacturers will state that their blankets are handmade even though they’re not. Other times, blankets are made in a factory, but the company pays their workers above the industry standard and hires a large number of women who are trying to support their families.
You can also look for a Fair Trade USA label. This ensures that the workers who made your blanket are being paid a living wage. Another good indicator that a blanket is handmade is if it costs more than $100. Handmade items are often pricier than manufactured goods.
How to Find a Good Quality Bamboo Blanket?
Bamboo blankets are great for allergy sufferers, but not all are created equally. When buying a bamboo blanket, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the bamboo fabric should be at least 95% bamboo.
You also want to find a blanket that’s machine washable, though you can also choose one that’s dry clean only. Avoid blankets that are very thick or scratchy. Make sure that your blanket has a soft and smooth texture. When you’re shopping for a bamboo blanket, you may notice that it comes in different weights.
A bamboo blanket’s weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the thicker the blanket will be. So if you live in a warm climate, you’ll want to choose a lighter bamboo blanket, while a heavier one is better for colder temperatures.
Other Important Things to Remember When Shopping for Bamboo
Bamboo is a great natural fiber choice for bedding, but there are still a few things to look out for. Bamboo fabrics tend to be more expensive than other natural fabrics like cotton, so choose it wisely if you want to splurge. Also, while bamboo fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, they can lose their softness if they’re treated with harsh chemicals.
So make sure that your bamboo bedding has been ethically sourced and treated without harsh chemicals. Bamboo fabrics are also susceptible to fading in sunlight, so if you live in a warm climate, you may want to avoid them. You can get around this problem by using bamboo sheets or blankets that have been treated with UV protectants.
Summing up
Bamboo blankets are soft, warm, and eco-friendly thanks to their bamboo fabric. They are great for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin because they are antibacterial and don’t contain any harsh chemicals. There are many types of bamboo blankets available, including comforters, yoga mats, towels, and throws.
Handmade bamboo blankets are more expensive than other options, but they are of higher quality. When shopping for a bamboo blanket, make sure that it’s ethically sourced and UV-treated. Bamboo is a great natural fiber choice for bedding, and it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin.
