Crazy 'Bout Bamboo

Life is too short not to be comfortable as far as I'm concerned. I've also learned that life is too short to not wear clothes you love. I suppose that's why I tend to wear yoga-esque clothes everywhere. (Don't worry -- I dress them up if I'm going somewhere other than a yoga class/workshop.)

Recently I did a closet overhaul because I decided it was high time that my wardrobe was congruent with said beliefs. No, my inspiration for this wasn't an episode of TLC's "What Not to Wear." It was my discovery of bamboo. Not only is this amazing (dries quickly, doesn't wrinkle, drapes in a flattering fashion) material feel and look good, but it's eco-friendly. That was enough inspiration for me to make the change.

My closet still contains lovely cotton pieces, but bamboo is making a bid for queen of the closet. Finding amazing bamboo clothes isn't too easy, but I've found a few gems that I love so much I have to pass on:

1. TranquiliT -- hands down Kimberly Wilson's TranquiliT Boutique is the best source for comfortable, stylish, delicious bamboo clothes. I first ordered from TranquiliT a little over two years ago. The customer service was incredible and I received my order in a matter of days. The clothes were lovely, but a few of the pieces didn't fit as I would have hoped or washed as well as I would have expected. Fast forward a few years -- Kimberly has completely overhauled the line and now everything is made mostly of bamboo. The quality is incredible and well worth the prices (which seemed high to me until I slipped into one of the sassy garments). As time has gone on, Kimberly has made some delightful changes -- she's added color (black was the main color a few years back), she's added just the right amount of variety (there are a number of different mix and match tops and bottoms but not too much so as to overwhelm), and she's remained true to the spirit of yoga (eco-friendly all the way AND made in the USA). I can't speak highly enough of Kimberly and her versatile and stylish clothes. The fall line will be coming out soon, so more goodies will be added shortly.
2. EvenKeel -- the Even Keel store is new but is the perfect example of getting it right straight off the bat. The selection is somewhat limited (3 styles of pants and 1 style of shorts) but the quality is excellent. My favorite product is the Glam Guru pants, which feature a ruched pant leg. Not only do the pants fit perfectly and feel amazing (it's the bamboo!), but they look very funky (they're also quite slimming). I suppose that's why they call them Glam Guru pants! If you're looking for some very cool bottoms in great colors, check out Even Keel. I look forward to additions to their line.
3. Acacia -- the Acacia catalog has some very cool items, not limited to clothing. Unlike the other two sources above, Acacia only offers a select few pieces of bamboo clothing. Still, they're worth a gander. Right now they have a lovely bamboo outfit that you can wear just about anywhere and look stylish. You have to hunt to find the bamboo clothes in the catalog, but it's definitely worth a look.

I can't tell you the joy that I experience when I walk into my newly organized closet knowing that whatever I put on will look and feel amazing. For once, I feel like I'm wearing my yoga.

Namaste!

Comments

[Relationship Coaching]

I have noticed many changes in your blog and they are like improvements for you.

[Diane Cesa]

Hi Kiki -- I love teesforchange too! Thanks for chiming in and mentioning them! Stay positive.

[Diane Cesa]

I hear you Adam. Thanks for speaking up. Check your email -- I sent you some info. Sorry about the oversight!

[Kiki]

Another great place to shop for bamboo t-shirts is teesforchange.com. Their motto is "sustainable tees on a mission, and the shirts are made with bamboo or organic cotton. The shirts themselves sport inspiring phrases like "choose happiness," "laugh often," "breathe deeply," "live passionately," and "practice yoga." I wear mine as often as I can, and they keep me happy and positive all day!

[Diane Cesa]

Hi Lainie --
Thanks for your comment. I try to lessen my impact on the environment, but I'm certainly not perfect. Sometimes it's picking the lesser of the evils because no evil just isn't an option. I like that the TranquiliT clothes are made in the US, but I suppose the practices around the bamboo aren't as good as I had hoped. At least it's better than other clothing. Thanks for the eye-opening info.

[Diane Cesa]

Thanks for the recommendation Cathy. I'll definitely check them out.

[Adam]

How about some yoga clothes for men... I can't be the only guy who reads this site, can I? I find it difficult to find anything comfy outside of shorts and sweatpants, as a guy (and a tall one at that) to wear to class.
I would totally appreciate if you did a post on this. Cheers.

[Lainie]

Bamboo is indeed a highly renewable plant but there are some concerns with regard to its sustainability that are usually overlooked in all the hype. In order to turn stalks of woody bamboo into soft fabric, harsh chemicals are used (as with many fabrics). Production of bamboo takes place in China, and there is little transparency with regard to processing methods and ethical labor practices. And while bamboo grows well without pesticides, it's simply not true that pesticides are never used on bamboo -- just do a search for the words bamboo and pesticides and you'll see.
Bamboo has great promise as a source for sustainable fabric, but improved processing, guarantees of fair labor, and accurate claims are all areas where further market development is necessary.

[Cathy Cochrane]

Hey - just came across your blog and wanted to say that you should check out 100% Bamboo yoga pants they're from Dear Lil' Devas and they're to die for - they're loose and super comfy. dearlildevas.com