Organic Cotton vs. Bamboo: What’s Really Better for You and the Planet?
Let’s start by saying this: making conscious clothing choices is no small thing. It’s a quiet kind of activism. Every time you choose something that’s kinder to your skin, your body, and the earth—you’re part of the ripple. We see you, and we celebrate you for that.
Now, let’s dive into a conversation we hear often in our dea community: Is bamboo better than organic cotton? And what’s the difference?
A Quick Look: What Are We Comparing?
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Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. Breathable, durable, and gentle on the skin.
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Bamboo (Viscose/Rayon): Derived from bamboo plants, but can be heavily processed into a fibre using chemical solvents.This is not a close-looped process, so the chemicals can be released into the environment. Alternatively, tencel/lyocell is a closed loop process.
1. Farming & Growth Process
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Bamboo grows fast. Really fast. It needs no pesticides and very little water, which sounds incredible on paper. And from a purely agricultural perspective, bamboo is a regenerative superstar.
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Organic Cotton, while slower to grow, is also cultivated without harmful chemicals and often in rotation with other crops—promoting biodiversity and soil health.
So far, bamboo seems like a win... but the twist is in what happens next.
2. Processing & Production
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Bamboo Fabric (Rayon or Viscose) is created through a chemical-heavy process. To turn hard bamboo stalks into soft fabric, manufacturers use solvents like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide—substances that are harmful to both workers and the environment if not handled properly.
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Organic Cotton, by contrast, doesn’t need to be chemically broken down. The fibre is spun straight from the fluffy cotton boll, processed with low-impact dyes and minimal treatment.
There i called lyocell (sometimes labeled bamboo lyocell or Tencel), which uses a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, and is made with eucalyptus or wood. But unless a brand explicitly says so, most bamboo fabric is made using conventional viscose methods.
3. Skin Feel & Comfort
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Bamboo is praised for being silky-smooth, moisture-wicking, long-lasting and naturally antibacterial.
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Organic Cotton offers a soft, breathable experience—ideal for sensitive skin and all-day comfort. It’s not just about how it feels when you first put it on, but how it holds up over time. dea's organic cotton, for example, only gets softer with love.
4. Impact on People & Planet
This one’s big.
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Bamboo, unless carefully sourced and processed, can be greenwashed. While the plant itself is sustainable, the chemical processing can harm ecosystems and factory workers if safety isn’t prioritised.
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Organic Cotton supports healthier farming communities. Certified organic farming avoids toxins, protects water sources, and upholds labour standards. However, it does use more water than bamboo.
So... Which One’s Better?
It depends on what lens you're looking through. Bamboo can be a sustainable superstar if it's processed responsibly. Organic cotton is a more transparent and skin-safe option, especially for intimate wear and those with sensitivities.
At dea, we’ve chosen organic cotton because we know every stage of its life. From seed to bum, our fabrics are traceable, toxin-free, and crafted in a way that honours people and planet alike.
Whichever You Choose—We’re With You
Sustainable living doesn’t come with a rulebook. It’s made up of small, intentional decisions that stack up over time. Whether you wear bamboo, cotton, or a little bit of both—what matters is that you’re choosing to care. To ask questions. To consider your impact.
And we love that about you.
Keep choosing what feels good on your skin and good in your heart.
With love,
dea xx
