We get it – we went ga-ga for bamboo fabric at first too. Super soft, stretchy, and eco-friendly — what’s not to love? But the difference between fabrics made with bamboo and TENCEL™ Modal lies not only in how they feel, but most importantly, in how they’re made.
 

A little background to start: most bamboo fabric is produced using a process where bamboo gets pulped, dissolved with a solvent, spun into strands, and then woven into fabric.
 

Now, here's the catch: The solvent used, carbon disulfide, is not just toxic but also incredibly wasteful. Most factories only manage to recover about 50% of it, while the other half ends up polluting our precious environment. Chronic exposure to carbon disulfide can cause nervous and reproductive system damage and has been linked to a host of health problems for the workers in bamboo textile factories.
 

In "Fake Silk: The Lethal History of Viscose Rayon," Paul D. Blanc, a professor of occupational and environmental medicine, wrote that, "For workers in viscose rayon factories, poisoning caused insanity, nerve damage, Parkinson’s disease, and increased risk of heart disease and stroke." Carbon disulfide-based viscose production is no longer allowed in the United States because of these dangers.

According to the FTC, clothing made with bamboo pulp that has undergone this chemical process, must be labeled and advertised as “rayon (or viscose) made from bamboo.” The FTC advises that companies should review the labeling and advertising of textile products they are selling, and remove or correct any misleading bamboo references.

When the chemical process is complete, those same harsh chemicals are then released as hazardous air and waste pollutants. It also requires multiple washes to remove the chemicals from the processed fabric, leading to water and energy waste. Not only that, but in some cases, land is cleared to grow bamboo, which threatens ecosystems (including those of our favorite bamboo-lovers, the Giant Panda).

To be candid, we felt a bit blindsided when we found out bamboo fabric wasn’t as eco-friendly as we’d been led to believe and maybe you’re reading this, having some conflicted feelings as well. Trust: if you love bamboo and want to continue buying jammies for your kiddos, you’ll find zero judgment from us! We believe in doing what’s best for you and your family. ❤️

Here at Little Legends, our hearts were telling us not to give up the search, that something more sustainable was out there! Something we could feel good about clothing our babies and toddlers in while doing less harm to the planet.
 

We rolled up our sleeves and scoured the textile world for a sustainable alternative. That's when we stumbled upon TENCEL™ Modal — a fiber that's friendly to Mother Earth, has the same silky-smooth feel as bamboo, AND a low carbon footprint. Check out our blog post where we fan-girl about TENCEL™ Modal.

Here at Little Legends, we think it’s cool to be kind to the planet, and TENCEL™ Modal checks all the boxes for us. It’s irresistibly soft, breathable and oh-so comfy for your little one. Our team feels good knowing we can offer something sustainable for our own children, while also giving thanks to our planet and its abundance of natural resources. 

We hope you’ll join us on our journey to disrupt the baby and toddler sleepwear world, and spread the word because bamboo pajamas just got a heck of an upgrade! 🙌

TENCEL™ Modal – the feel good fabric. Look Good. Do Good. Feel Good.

TENCEL™ Modal — the feel-good fabric. Look Good. Do Good. Feel Good.