Bamboo fabric is fast emerging as high-quality material known for its anti-bacterial properties. But how do you turn a texture like that of Bamboo’s into something soft and comfortable to wear, especially as socks? How are bamboo socks made, and what makes bamboo fibre soft are the two questions we will answer in this article.
How Are Bamboo Socks Made?
To turn Bamboo into the much craved, luxuriously soft and comfortable fabric, it must undergo a very lengthy process. Here are the steps it takes to manufacture bamboo fabric:
- First, the bamboo leaves are crushed, its inner pith, and the trunk to break down the material physically.
- Second, the crushed Bamboo is soaked in a sodium hydroxide solution at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius for one to three hours. The process forms alkali produces alkali cellulose.
- Third, the cellulose is pressed to remove excess sodium hydroxide from the mixture, and then it is crushed in a grinder and left to dry for 24 hours.
- Fourth, add almost three times the amount of carbon disulphide to the cellulose as it will turn it into jell.
- Fifth, decompress the jell to evaporate any excess carbon disulphide and then add sodium hydroxide to the resultant sodium xanthogenate, which produces a viscose solution of 5% sodium hydroxide and seven to 15 per cent bamboo fibre.
- Bamboo cellulose is squirted into a sulfuric acid solution via a spinneret nozzle, which produces bamboo threads that are spun into bamboo yarn.
- The yarn is then knitted to create socks, bed sheets, clothing, etc.
What Makes Bamboo Fibre Soft?
It is a marvel how a woody plant like Bamboo can turn into a material twice as soft as cotton. You may not believe us because we didn’t believe it until we tried it either. Not only is the bamboo fabric soft, but it is also incredibly durable. The secret to the transformation of the texture lies in the process.
Bamboo is crushed and then soaked in sodium hydroxide and later in carbon disulphide. Doing so alters its chemical composition producing viscose, which then creates the fibre that manufacturers turn into yarn. The same process is also used to provide a transparent cellulose film.
It is also incredibly light. Bamboo naturally has a porous texture that produces porous fibres. The resultant fabric is light and incredibly breathable, making it ideal for summer wear. Its porosity is also the reason why bamboo socks are gaining popularity.
Bamboo fibres are also soft because they are thin and smooth in texture with round surfaces. People with sensitive skin can significantly benefit from bamboo socks. Moreover, they are usable all year round as they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Bamboo socks have anti-bacterial and anti-sweat qualities that make it ideal for those with feet odour issues. Bamboo fabric absorbs sweat faster than other materials and proves useful in the prevention of harmful bacteria build-up.
It is only natural to be curious about what is relatively new. In this article, we have answered the questions: how are bamboo socks made and what makes Bamboo fibre soft to create awareness about its benefits.
If you are looking for quality bamboo socks then you have come to the right place. At Sock Snob UK we manufacture our own branded bamboo socks. Our goal: to create a range of bamboo socks that aren’t just only super soft, but cost effective and affordable for all our customers.
Connor Doughty