What Is Bamboo Charcoal Fabric?

Whenever we show garments made from our CLUB120 bamboo charcoal fabric, the reaction is often the same. People pick up a custom running vest or technical t-shirt, rub the fabric between their fingers and say:

“Ooh, that’s soft.”

It’s one of the most common comments we hear at running events, trade shows and club meetings.

The next question is usually:

“What exactly is bamboo charcoal fabric?”

Is Bamboo Charcoal Fabric Actually Made From Bamboo?

No, not in the way most people imagine.

If you look at the care label on one of our garments, you won’t see bamboo listed as a separate fibre. That’s because our CLUB120 bamboo charcoal fabric is made from 89% polyester and 11% elastane.

So where does the bamboo come in?

• The Bamboo: Natural bamboo is harvested and heated at very high temperatures until it becomes charcoal.
• The Powder: The charcoal is then processed into an extremely fine powder.
• The Blend: That powder is blended into the polyester during manufacture before the yarn is spun and knitted into fabric.

So despite the name, bamboo charcoal fabric isn’t a bamboo fibre fabric. It’s a polyester performance fabric that incorporates charcoaled bamboo as part of the manufacturing process.

Why We Use It

There is no single “best” sportswear fabric. Different sports, budgets and performance requirements all call for different solutions, which is why we offer several fabric options across our custom sportswear range.

Bamboo charcoal fabrics are often associated with improved moisture management, breathability and odour control compared with standard polyester performance fabrics.

The particular bamboo charcoal fabric we use across our running and sports teamwear ranges features a lightweight mesh construction and combines the durability of polyester with the stretch and freedom of movement provided by 11% elastane.

We chose it because we believed it offered the right balance of comfort and performance. The positive feedback we’ve received from runners, clubs and teams since then suggests we made the right choice.

Of course, it’s not the only fabric we offer. Different clubs, events and teams have different priorities, which is why our range also includes a lighter PRO100 and slightly heavier CORE140 (including a recycled option). Bamboo charcoal has simply become one of our most popular options.

What Makes This Fabric Popular?

• Lightweight 120gsm construction
• Soft feel
• Stretch and freedom of movement
• Breathable mesh structure
• Excellent comfort during activity
• Colour vibrancy and sharp detail when sublimation printed

For running clubs and sports teams, it strikes that balance between performance and comfort that many appreciate. It’s the sort of fabric that feels light, but not so light that you’re wondering how long it’s going to last. If you’ve ever picked up an ultra-lightweight top and wondered whether it’s going to become see-through after a few sweaty miles, you’ll know what we mean.

The Feature People Notice Most

Technical specifications are useful, but they rarely tell the whole story. What people tend to remember about this fabric isn’t the weight, composition or how it’s been made. It’s the feel.

Whenever we’ve displayed garments made from this fabric, comments about the softness come up again and again. In fact, it’s probably the most common piece of feedback we receive when somebody handles it for the first time.

That’s difficult to communicate through words, but it’s one of the reasons we’ve continued to use the fabric across a growing number of products.

Is It Only Used For Running Tops?

No. Although many customers first encounter the CLUB120 fabric through our custom running vests, t-shirts and long-sleeved tops, it performs well across a wide variety of sports and activewear products.

Its weight, stretch and comfort make it suitable for many sports where freedom of movement and breathability are important.

As with any fabric, suitability depends on the garment and intended use, which is why we are always happy to advise on the best option for a particular club, team or event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bamboo charcoal fabric made from?

Our CLUB120 bamboo charcoal fabric is made from 89% polyester and 11% elastane, with charcoaled bamboo incorporated into the polyester during manufacture.

Is bamboo charcoal fabric made from bamboo fibres?

No. Despite the name, it is not a bamboo fabric. The bamboo charcoal is incorporated into the polyester yarn rather than forming the main fibre content of the fabric.

Does the bamboo charcoal wash out?

No. The bamboo charcoal becomes part of the yarn during manufacture rather than being applied as a surface treatment, so it does not wash away during normal use.

If it’s got charcoal in it, why isn’t the fabric black?

Although bamboo charcoal itself is black, only a small amount is incorporated into the yarn. The finished fabric remains white, making it ideal for sublimation printing and vibrant custom designs.

Is the fabric stretchy?

Yes. The 11% elastane content helps provide excellent stretch and freedom of movement during exercise.

What sports is the fabric suitable for?

We use it across a wide range of sportswear products, including custom running kit, training wear and team apparel.