Is Bamboo Really as Eco-Friendly as People Think?

When I first started Ivy Coast, I knew I wanted to create more than just stylish dresses. I wanted to build a brand that felt good—inside and out. That meant using fabrics that were not only beautiful and breathable, but actually sustainable. Bamboo sounded like the dream solution: it grows quickly, requires no pesticides, and is gentle on the skin.

But here’s what I didn’t know then (and what most people still don’t): not all bamboo is created equal.

🌿 The Truth About Bamboo in Fashion

Bamboo has been marketed as a miracle fabric—eco-friendly, ultra-soft, even antibacterial. And while those things can be true, it all comes down to how the bamboo is processed.

Most “bamboo” clothing on the market is actually bamboo rayon or viscose. It may start as bamboo, but it undergoes an intense chemical process involving toxic solvents like carbon disulfide. The result? A fabric that has lost all of bamboo’s natural benefits—and doesn’t deserve its “green” label.

In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stepped in to crack down on misleading marketing. If you see a garment labeled as “100% bamboo,” but it's actually rayon, that’s a red flag. Brands are legally required to disclose when bamboo has been chemically processed into rayon.

So What Is Sustainable Bamboo Clothing?

There are three main ways bamboo is processed into fabric:

1. Mechanically Processed Bamboo – The most natural and rarest method. Involves crushing the bamboo plant and using natural enzymes to create fiber. Time-consuming and expensive.

2. Bamboo Lyocell – A cleaner, closed-loop process that uses non-toxic solvents and recycles water. This method keeps the integrity of bamboo’s natural properties while being far more sustainable than rayon.

3. Bamboo Rayon/Viscose – The most common and the least eco-friendly. Uses harsh chemicals that strip away any plant-based benefits.

 Why we Chose Bamboo Lyocell for Ivy Coast

At Ivy Coast, we made a conscious decision to source bamboo lyocell for our dress linings. Here’s why:

• It’s antimicrobial, meaning it stays fresh longer and resists odors.

• It’s temperature regulating, so you stay cool in the heat and comfortable when it’s breezy.

• It’s moisture-wicking, unlike synthetic linings that trap sweat and cause that sticky, clingy feeling.

• And it’s even known to be moisturizing to the skin, making it ideal for sensitive types.

In short: it feels luxurious, but it performs like a dream—especially for long summer days spent outdoors.

💬 Don’t Just Take Our Word for It...

Margot/Nautical Stripe “I absolutely love my new dress from Ivy Coast collection! It’s a softer fabric than I expected, and the fit is super flattering. The fact that I can wear this gorgeous dress and be protected from the sun is mind blowing! Interior lining that gives the UPF protection is super soft and comfortable” - Erika

Maris/Ditsy Floral “I ordered the Maris and I LOVE it. The quality of the dress and also the packaging is definitely high end. I ordered a small and fits true to size. I wasn’t sure if I would be hot in a long sleeve dress in the heat of summer but it was actually cooling” - Vicky 

Sable/Floral Stripe “This is the perfect new addition to my closet and it has become a staple. The quality is fantastic and it is made of the softest and most luxurious fabric” - Liza K