Bamboo and cotton are two of the most common plants on planet Earth. It's no wonder both were taken and turned into something everyone uses: clothing! Cotton has been woven into fabric since ancient times, making it a staple in the textile industry. Though bamboo has many historical uses, it was only recently used to create fabrics, making it a new player in the world of fabric. That's why everyone has heard of a cotton T-shirt, but not many have heard of a bamboo T-shirt.
Both bamboo viscose and cotton have excellent qualities and be made into beautiful hats for hair loss. So what exactly is the difference between the two textiles? Which option is right for you?
All About Cotton Headwear
Cotton can be processed into clothing in many ways. Depending on how the fibers were handled, the finished cotton fabric can be soft, stiff, wrinkly, thin, thick, and everywhere in between. This means that there are significant differences in how 100% cotton fabrics will feel. All of our 100% cotton head wear is soft and comfortable, but it doesn't all feel the same, drape the same, or have the same texture. For example:
- Our Trinity Turban is made with a super fine cotton knit, so it has more a t-shirt-like feel.
- Our Butterfly Fringe Beanie is made from a heavier cotton knit, so it is considered knitwear, making it ideal for Fall and Spring.
- Our Woodblock Head Scarves are made from woven cotton, giving them more structure.
Pros Of Cotton
- All Natural: 100% cotton is a completely natural fabric.
- Great for All Weather: Can be made into yarn to create thicker or thinner fabrics that are well suited for all types of weather.
- Body & Volume: Cotton typically has a lot of body, meaning the fabric provides volume and fullness. This makes it an excellent choice for head wear!
- Breathable: Cotton is naturally cool and breathable.
- Gentle: Cotton is gentle on sensitve skin, especially organic cotton.
Cons Of Cotton
- Shrinkage: Cotton can be prone to shrinkage, so it may be best to air dry cotton hats.
- Low Elasticity: Less elastic than some other fabric options, so it can be prone to stretching out.
- Wrinkling: Cotton can wrinkle easily.
Fun Facts About Cotton
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Cotton has been used to create fabric for as long as 8000 years with evidence of cotton being used in India and Pakistan as early as 6000 BC.
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The US alone uses approximately 17.3 million bales (8.65 billion pounds) of cotton per year. China produces 35 million bales and India produces 26.5 million bales per year. That's a lot of cotton.
All About Bamboo Viscose Headwear
Bamboo fabric, or "bamboo viscose," is a type of rayon. This means that it is created by extracting cellulose from wood-pulp. Although the weight and thickness of bamboo fabrics can vary, bamboo viscose has pretty consistent feel. It has a soft, luxurious texture that feels like a cross between super fine cotton and silk. The properties of bamboo viscose make it great on its own, and also wonderful as a base layer. Our Bamboo Wig Cap and Bamboo Tank Top are two great base-layer examples.
Pros Of Bamboo Viscose
- Super Soft and Silky: Possibly the biggest benefit of bamboo viscose is its ulta soft feel. This fine fabric makes an excellent chemo hat because it is just so incredibly silky-smooth against the head.
- Cooling Feel: Bamboo viscose is great for regulating temperature. It feels cool and comfortable on the skin.
- Flattering Drape: Bamboo viscose has an elegant, flattering drape. This makes it ideal for pre-tied scarves and dresses.
- Great Elasticity: Most bamboo viscose fabric contains a small amount of spandex or elastic fabric. This means it holds its shape very well.
Cons Of Bamboo Viscose
- Less Body: Compared to cotton, bamboo viscose has less body and volume. To get a fuller look, many of our bamboo viscose turbans and scarf styles are pleated, bustled, or layered.
- Man Made: While the bamboo plant is a natural material, bamboo viscose is a man-made (not natural) material due to the process of creating rayon or viscose fabric. While this is not necessarily a con, cotton may be a better fit for you if you are looking for all-natural hats and clothing.
Fun Facts About Bamboo & Bamboo Viscose
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Bamboo is technically a type of grass. It is one of the fastest growing plants on earth.
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A panda's diet is 99% bamboo.
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Because of bamboo's natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, it is grown without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides.
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Rayon was the first man made fabric. It was patented in 1884 by the Count of Chardonnay under the name "Chardonnay silk."
Bamboo Viscose vs Cotton: Side by Side
Many of our hats are available in both 100% cotton and bamboo viscose options! Here is a side by look at a few of these styles:
Slouchy Snood
Three Seam Turban / Comfort Cap
So Simple Scarf
Shop our selection of bamboo headwear here, cotton hats here, or all of our headwear at this link. Are planning to try out 100% cotton hats, bamboo hats, or both? Let us know in the comments below!