bam bamboo

Bamboo is fast becoming a popular choice of materials when it comes to creating more sustainable and eco-friendly clothing, it is well known that bamboo is fast growing but what might not be common knowledge is the wonderfully soft material it produces. BAM has recently announced a radical goal to become impact positive by 2030. This is not just about the carbon footprint – it relates to the six key spheres of impact: carbon, water, chemical, waste, land use and people. We received three items from BAM to test out, starting with the Women’s Zip Neck Bamboo Base layer, an essential item for this time of the year.

gaThereD hem bamboo T-shIrT

This T shirt comes in True Red Marl, Pink Mink Marl, Granite Marl, Deep Purple, Black and Yellow Harvest Marl, looking much more like a fashion top than workout top however it is happy to do both. When it comes to exercise, resistant training, yoga or Pilates are probably better suited than high intensity. The gathered hem creates a flattering look that is tighter at the hip and looser at the waist, great for eating massive meals in and disguising the bloat. It is easily one of the softest t-shirts I have put on, it feels so lovely against the skin and the freer fit means you can constantly feel it moving with your body and keeps things feeling light and airy. So it was not surprising to discover this top used Bamboo Air Jersey which is 160gsm of 68% Bamboo Viscose, 28% Organic Cotton, 4% Elastane, this also provides a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+, which blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. The mini scoop neckline and the short -capped sleeves deliver an attractive profile, this top would even be suitable for early maternity wear. Bamboo fibre is absorbent, which means moisture doesn’t sit on the surface, and it keeps air from getting to odorous bacteria – so you don’t have to wash it so often, which is great for the environment. There recently was a BAM Get Fresh challenge which was to dare customers to wear their BAM top for a week without washing it.

£29.00

£49.00

meN ’ s ZIP-NeCk bamboo base layer This men’s base layer comes in Black, Rust Dawn and Washed Navy/Black Space Dye (the version we received), it is made from the same? 200gsm Bamboo Jersey material as the women’s base layer, it also features the zip neck, zip guard, set-in sleeves, thumb loops and the long body length. This version has side panelling for a little extra ventilation and gives the top an interesting look with a tailored effect. This top can be worn underneath multiple layers without adding bulk and or as a stand-alone layer, the stretchy material hugs the skin in a flattering way and regulates your temperature well. This top is suitable for exercise and outdoor adventures, but it is stylish enough to be worn in social situations too, plus the luxurious soft material will make you want to wear it as much as possible. For more information on the Men’s Zip-Neck Bamboo Base Layer click here 47

This top comes in Magenta Marl or Black, designed to be worn under your workout gear but equally looks good as a single layer, it has a quarter zip with protective zip guard, set-in sleeves with thumb loops to protect your hands and a shaped back hem for added coverage. Constructed from the Bamboo Jersey material which is 68% Bamboo Viscose, 28% Organic Cotton and 4% Elastane. This results in an extremely soft material that lays comfortably on bare skin, it is also highly stretchy to allow for unrestrictive natural movements. Another great property of bamboo material is that it is both naturally insulating and highly absorbent which means sweat will be wicked away if things hot up. The long body and sleeves provide a good amount of coverage whilst the flatlock seams prevent chaffing and irritation.

£45.00

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All three of these tops are highly versatile and a pleasure to wear, they keep you warm or cool when you need it and feel oh so soft, an added bonus for me was the black tops didn’t attract too much cat hair, which is rare for a clothing item in my wardrobe.