The latest trend in the textile industry is in antimicrobial, antibacterial performance fabrics. Sami-Designs is concentrating on one particular area in new performance textiles - a new generation of high performance fabrics. Bamboo fabrics encorporate the technology to inhibit the growth of microbes and fungus that cause odor.

"There is a growing expectation from consumers that garments must do more than just clothe them," said Alistair Williamson, nylon filament sales manager with Nurel S.A. of Barcelona, Spain, a leading producer of filament yarns for performance apparel fabrics. "Antimicrobial fabrics contribute to a consumer feeling fresh and clean, and they do wonders for one's comfort and self confidence."

Natural

Bamboo can thrive naturally without the use of pesticides and is grown organically. It is rarely attacked by pests or infected by pathogen. Scientists discovored that bamboo contains a property commonly called "bamboo kun." This substance causes it's natural resistance to bacteria.  It is molecularly bonded into the cellulose fibers during fabric processing.

Bamboo fiber and therefore fabric has natural antimicrobial, anti-odor and resilience-added benefits. Microbes love cotton, and a warm moist climate breeds germs and causes odor. The bacteria begin to thrive and multiply on their host, causing the cotton garment to break down and yellow.

Antibacterial fabric prevents textile breakdown and discoloration from bacteria and germs. The warm wet environment is eliminated by the very nature of the fiber which contains hollow cavities enabling moisture to wick away from skin at twice the rate of conventional cotton.

The China Textile Industrial Testing Center, CTITC, performed a quantitative antibacterial capability test during July, 2003. One hundred percent bamboo fabric and cotton were exposed over a 24-hour period to bacteria strain type Staphyloccocus aureous. After that period the numbers of live bacteria were counted in each sample. The results showed that the 100% bamboo fabric had a 99.8% antibacterial kill rate, much better than the cotton fabric, which exhibited bacterial growth.

Studies at the Japan Textile Inspection Association, JTIA, revealed the long term antibacterial efficacy of the fabric. Quantitative testing was perfomed using 100% bamboo fabric that has been industrially washed 50 times. Incubation over a 24-hour period with bacterial strain type MRSA Staphlococcus IID 1677 was followed by a count of live bacteria. Results showed that bamboo fabric exhibits greater than 70% antibacterial efficacy, even after 50 industrial washings. (Results obtained from Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile LtD)

Comfort with Benefit

Sami-Designs ecoKashmere base layer clothing offers comfort with benefit:

• inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause odor;
• available in hypoallergenic alternatives for even the most sensitive skin;
• offering increased comfort through moisture wicking;
• providing twice the moisture absorbency of conventional cotton;

published March 10, 2006
written by Bonnie Siefers
Owner/Designer
jonano
bamboo and antimicrobial fashions
A Division of Sami Designs, LLC

Copyright 2006 Sami Designs, LLC All Rights Reserved.
ecoKashmere trademark application pending.
Comfort with Benefit trademark application pending.