COTTON VS BAMBOO VS MERINO WOOL SHIRTS & CLOTHING

A common question we often hear is what is better when it comes to clothing, cotton vs wool or bamboo vs cotton. While each fabric has it pros and cons here we try and simplify things. Hopefully your clothing choice a little easier by looking at several areas of where each excels.

Odour Resistance in Cotton vs Bamboo and Wool

1. Merino Wool – Wool is a hygroscopic fiber, which means it can absorb moisture up to 35% of its own weight, keeping the skin surface drier and inhibiting bacterial growth. It also absorbs and locks away odors during wear. The wool fiber actively binds odors within itself, creating an environment where bacteria do not thrive.
2. Bamboo – Bamboo fabric is naturally odor-resistant due to its antimicrobial properties. The bamboo plant contains a bio-agent called “bamboo kun,” which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. This means that bamboo fabric can effectively inhibit the development of odors, keeping you feeling fresh for longer periods. Additionally, bamboo fabric is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, which further contributes to its ability to stay odor-free by keeping the skin dry and reducing the conditions in which bacteria thrive. Although not as good as merino it’s better than most other fabrics.
3. Cotton – Cotton fabric is less odor-resistant compared to bamboo or merino wool due to its moisture retention properties. Cotton tends to absorb and hold onto moisture, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and produce odors. Unlike bamboo, which has natural antimicrobial properties, and merino wool, which can absorb large quantities of moisture while keeping the skin dry, cotton does not have these inherent qualities. This makes it more prone to developing and retaining unpleasant smells. Although different types of and fabric thickness can make a difference it generally falls last in this category.

Sweat Wicking

1. Merino Wool is by far the best with the reason mentioned above
2. Bamboo is second here for reason mentioned above
3. Cotton just doesn’t quiet compare to the others when looking at the reasons mentioned above.

Comfort

1. Bamboo – Bamboo is almost always very soft and breathable
2. Cotton – depending on the type of cotton, poor qualities will be less comfortable than meirno wool but pima and other finer knits will likely be a little more comfortable
3. Merino Wool – Although by know means is this fabric uncomfortable it is just not quiet as soft as bamboo or good quality cotton.

Durability of Cotton vs Bamboo and Wool

1. Cotton – One of the best things about cotton is its durability, it can last for years with the correct care.
2. Bamboo
3. Merino Wool

Washing & Care

1. Cotton – wash cold, hang dry or dry low for longer life but you can tumble dry
2. Bamboo – wash cold, hang dry or dry low for longer life but you can tumble dried
3. Merino Wool – wash cold delicate or by hand, hang dry. It dries quickly, most of our merino wool shirts will dry overnight.

Traveling in Cotton vs Bamboo and Wool

1. Merino Wool is best for travelling because it is lightweight. It also takes up less space and requires less washing due to it’s odor resistant properties as mentioned above
2. Bamboo is right in the middle between the others with being lightweight and odor resistant. Just not as good as merino
3. Cotton isn’t bad for travel but doesn’t have the quality of odor resistance. It’s generally heavier and takes up more space.

Price

1. Cotton is generally the least expensive but some finer organic cottons may cost more than bamboo
2. Bamboo is the mid price fabric as the production process is more expensive than conventional bamboo.
3. Merino Wool is definitely the most expensive of these three for several reasons including the production process and limited supplies

Tencel Lyocell vs Merino Wool

Tencel Lyocell in also another fabric we did not include with this list because it’s very similar to bamboo. They share the same properties, it’s just as breathable, feels the same, and looks the same. Most are unable to tell the difference when it comes to performance but it may be a little stronger and longer lasting than some bamboo fabrics.

Cotton vs Dry Fit and other synthetics

We also did not include polyesters like dry fit and nylons because the are synthetic fabrics. The majority of synthetics use chemicals that become absorbed by our skin or wash out within a short time.

Summary

While each has its strengths and weaknesses there isn’t one fabric that is best for everything. It often comes down to a matter or personal choice and what your intend use is. If your physically active merino is great and a nice soft organic cotton for when you want to relax. Bamboo is good middle ground that works for both.