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Ross B · October 1st, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtsecc


	Surely someone here knows more than I do.

Not so far! Anyway, I get your point: Rayon's rayon, whatever the plant source of the viscose. So, I guess the bamboo fibre is rayon.

Possible a bit devious of the marketers of the bamboo fabric relabelling rayon as "bamboo fabric", but as stated above, for me, it doesn't make a lot of difference to the fact that bamboo appears to have fantastic qualities in the context of our looming environmental crisis.

Cheers

Buechee · October 1st, 2006

"They are as soft (if not softer) than AlternativeApparel.
They are heavier weight than AlternativeApparel/AmericanApparel (which is good if you don't prefer the lighter weight feel)."

Rodney is there a big difference in the shirts?

MotoskinGraphix · October 1st, 2006

According to what sales experience or hands on knowledge? I dont think I have read one post of yours where you have actually resourced or purchased anything. Please tell us all about bamboo fibers.

gtsecc · October 2nd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix


	According to what sales experience or hands on knowledge? I dont think I have read one post of yours where you have actually resourced or purchased anything. Please tell us all about bamboo fibers.

Me?
I don't know much at all about this industry - I came here to learn more.
That is why I said surely someone here knows more.
I do know a little bit about chemistry.
I can read articles on how rayon is made, and how this fabric is made, and it is easy to tell that it is a cotton rayon blend. Maybe it has an extra hydroyl group and holds colorants better - who knows? Mayeb I could email Miliken and find out more. Does anyone know any fabric scientists?

Ross B · October 2nd, 2006

MotoskinGraphix

A bit aggressive, isn't it, to post as you just have, especially since gtsecc is new to the forum and has made the most informed comments of anyone on this thread? I don't understand why you have adopted such a tone. Personally, I welcome the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, such as that gtsecc has shared with us here.

gtsecc · October 2nd, 2006

He does have a point - who am I?
And, he is right to imply I dont' know much about the industry.
But, like many things, an outsider will see through the BS faster.
In this case, It is a simple knowledge of Chemistry, and the will to apply it.
I am still checking on this and doing research, but I am realyl surprise we can't get a fabric chemist in here. I'll call American Apparel.

gtsecc · October 2nd, 2006

Well, I called Milliken, but I couldn't someone with any brains on the phone. they have some great chemists there, but none that I could reach by phone.

Rodney · October 2nd, 2006

Quote:


	Rodney is there a big difference in the shirts?

I listed most of the differences in my original post. Was there a specific difference you were wondering about?

Quote:


	gtsecc is new to the forum and has made the most informed comments of anyone on this thread?

I've read lots of informed comments in this thread. I wouldn't limit them only to gtsecc or say that gtsecc's were the "most informed"

All the comments have been helpful and informative. Without knowing everyone's background, it's a bit early to label anyone the most informed yet

Thanks everyone so far for sharing your knowledge and experiences in this thread.

I do think calling the bamboo "rayonized" fabric bamboo is a smart move rather than just calling it "rayon", if that is the process they use to make the bamboo into fabric.

If the price of the wholesale shirt was lower, I'd definitely use this shirt more often.

Quote:

Originally Posted by farennikov


	what's their wholesale price for mens tees?

See this post here

http://www.t-shirtforums.com/showpos...30&postcount=5

Solmu · October 3rd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodney


	I do think calling the bamboo "rayonized" fabric bamboo is a smart move rather than just calling it "rayon", if that is the process they use to make the bamboo into fabric.

Rayon is a noun rather than a verb, so technically it wouldn't be accurate. But since the end product is more about how it got there than it is about what went into it, it would be a useful shorthand in the right context.

(in other words it's fine to say that here, but you probably shouldn't say that to a manufacturer)

Ross B · October 3rd, 2006

My point was, Rodney, that gtsecc is the only poster who has provided some illuminating information on the process behind so-called "bamboo" fabric - and isn't that information most pertinent to this thread? I didn't know about the way Rayon is made, or that any vegetable material, including bamboo, could be the source of the viscose that is the basis of rayon. I'm simply expressing it as I see it, and while you and others are welcome to disagree, it seems that my comments are being misconstrued as somehow undermining others who have posted here. Not so. Please do not read meaning into my comments that is not actually there! I stand by my assessment, and in doing so, mean no slight to other posters at all.

MotoskinGraphix · October 3rd, 2006

Bamboo's long, durable fibers, stronger than cotton, are pulled from the pulp of the hard part of the stalk. The raw fiber from the stalk is split, broken down and spun into yarn. This quote came from a textile maker me thinks. I also believe there is a process of making Bamboo fabric from the extracts of Bamboo charcoal in conjuction with other chemical processes.

gtsecc · October 3rd, 2006

From Lands End's web site:

More Info
The innovative fabrics created from bamboo are extraordinarily soft and high performance. Bamboo rayon is silky and when blended with combed cotton it yields a fabric that is not only incredibly soft and durable, but absorbent, too. Bath rugs are packed with plush, thirsty loops.

Plus, bamboo plants regenerate quickly and grow abundantly — bamboo grows to full maturation in under seven years. And it does so without the need of fertilizers or pesticides. For all these reasons, it earns the title of a "green fiber" which is an ecologically friendly fiber. 60% bamboo rayon/40% cotton. Machine wash. Imported.

http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0...RCH=PAGE_48458

Rodney · October 3rd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross B


	that gtsecc is the only poster who has provided some illuminating information on the process behind so-called "bamboo" fabric - and isn't that information most pertinent to this thread?

I just thought that both Jasonda and Solmu contributed some illuminating and pertinent information/opinions as well. Not discounting gtsecc's contribution at all

gtsecc · October 3rd, 2006

Ok, this looks definative to me. I got this by writing to the Apparel and Textile Education Xchange . here is their response:

Thanks for writing. YES, in almost EVERY instance in the marketplace, fabrics being promoted as bamboo are really rayon and must be labeled as such according to law.

Rayon can be made, as you undoubtedly know, from a number of different sources of cellulose fiber, including bamboo. However, once made into rayon, it would be difficult, or maybe the better word is impossible, to identify the source of that cellulose. So my understanding is that the FTC commission is allowing labels to read "rayon from bamboo" but you have to trust the source that the rayon really is from bamboo, as there is no proof other than the word of the manufacturer for the fact that the original cellulose came from bamboo.

Now, I am told that you CAN make a fabric direct from bamboo fibers, but I have yet to see one. And when I do see one, I expect it to be very stiff and uncomfortable, probably worse than the jute in burlap. All the lovely, soft "bamboo" fabrics currently on the U.S. market are, indeed, rayon.

Best wishes and please let me know if this answered your question adequately or not.

P**** B****
ATEXINC, Corporation
17738 Vintage Oak Drive
Wildwood, MO 63038 U.S.A.
Tel 636-273-6414
Fax 866-346-9515
E-mail ****.****@atexinc.com
Visit our website at www.atexinc.com

Rodney · October 3rd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtsecc


	Ok, this looks definative to me. I got this by writing to the Apparel and Textile Education Xchange . here is their response:

Thanks for taking the time to ask an authoritative source

I'm not sure how much it matters in actual usage if it's "rayon" or "bamboo fibers", but it is good to know that it is most likely just rayon from bamboo.

Stigma or no stigma, the shirts are darn soft

I think I'll email the company I bought my shirt from to point them to this thread to see if they call it rayon or if it's fabric direct from bamboo fibers.

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