By: Heather Bien
When choosing the clothing you want to wear, there’s a lot to consider, from price point to eco-friendly fabric to fit. The equation gets more complex if you want to make sure your garment is as good for the planet earth as it is for your confidence.
In recent years, many brands have begun to create clothing made from earth-friendly fabrics. For example, plant cellulose-derived viscose fabric comes from a natural fiber , sustainable sources like bamboo fiber. But is viscose biodegradable and is viscose a good material for eco-friendly clothing?
The short answer is that 100% viscose fabrics can indeed break down in about one year.1 However, keep in mind that many garments are made with viscose fiber blends that may not be completely biodegradable.
Read on to learn about the ins and outs of this eco-friendly fabric and its advantages.
Bamboo viscose’s life cycle
While you’re out browsing racks of potential new duds, you might come across a silky number labeled “viscose” and wonder where, exactly, the fabric comes from and if viscose is sustainable.
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from plant cellulose.
- Cellulosic fiber is the main component of plant cell walls. This fibrous substance has a number of potential commercial applications and is the basis for products from biodegradable plastics to viscose.
- Viscose fiber is made by applying chemical softeners to raw plant material (be it wood pulp, bamboo fiber, seaweed, or another source of a natural fiber).1 This process creates a viscous liquid that is then shaped and hardened into strands that can be woven into sustainable fabric from activewear to curtains to sheets.
In its sustainable fabric form, sustainable viscose is super smooth (and lays softly much like artificial silk), breathable, and feels cool on the skin.
Because most of the remaining material is natural plant cellulose, sustainable viscose fabric can be biodegradable. As mentioned, 100% viscose takes roughly a year to break down, although that depends on factors like weight, density, and environment. This is a short time frame compared to other fabrics like wool that could take five years or more depending on how they’re manufactured.
Know your viscose
While viscose can be biodegradable, you shouldn’t assume the top you’ve been rocking is okay to put in your backyard composter. Just like cotton, linen, and 100% natural fibers, viscose is often combined with other materials for improved stretch and may lead you to question, does viscose shrink?
If your garment contains any of the following features, it will not biodegrade:
- A synthetic fiber blend including nylon, spandex, or other materials added to give your garment shape and give.
- Buttons, zippers, or other adornments that are not made with 100% natural components.
- Tags that are not biodegradable.
But that doesn’t mean you should place your old viscose in the garbage can either.
What to do with your used viscose
While it’s possible to opt for all-natural fibers for some garments, others won’t have shape or stretch without the addition of plastics.
When it comes to sustainable clothing, and activewear in particular, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any options that are completely biodegradable. But not to despair! There are still ways to ensure that your worn-out viscose garments never end up in a landfill.
Instead of composting, you can:
- Bring your garments to a sustainable textile recycling center where they can be repurposed for insulation and other meaningful uses.
- Think of crafty ways to reuse old garments yourself—think quilts, pet bedding, and more!
The other sustainable benefits of viscose
Sad to find out that your viscose might not completely biodegrade? Take heart in the other benefits of choosing fabrics that are derived from natural sources.
While not all viscose is equally eco-friendly, fabrics like bamboo viscose use a rapidly-growing, sustainable plant source. This carries advantages like the following:
- Less deforestation – Viscose derived from wood pulp can lead to deforestation. Likewise, some completely natural fabrics are grown on monoculture farmland where native plants have no chance to thrive. In contrast, bamboo viscose allows for more native plants to continue growing, which slows down deforestation.3
- More fresh air – Bamboo fibre creates 30% more oxygen in a given area compared to the same area size that trees would take up, meaning that the environment relishes in more fresh air for you and for everyone else when more bamboo is around.3
As an added bonus bamboo benefit, bamboo-derived viscose is light, breathable, and absorbent. That way you can feel good from head to toe every time you don your favorite viscose duds.
Bamboo viscose from Boody Eco Wear
While viscose can be completely biodegradable, it’s difficult to find form-fitting undies, leggings, and leotards that are free from stretchy nylon and elastic. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Shopping consciously for bamboo viscose means you’ll find comfortable basics that still carry benefits for the environment.
At Boody Eco Wear, we strive to make it effortless to find essentials for your day-to-day that are durable, eco-friendly, and accessible. Using sustainable growing practices and recyclable and compostable shipping containers, we have planet earth in mind at every step of your clothing’s journey.
From your favorite basic men’s bamboo shirts to your most trustworthy (and comfy) pair of sustainable underwear, we’ve got you covered on all fronts. You can feel good knowing that your staples are doing some good for the earth.
About the Author:
Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. When she's not with laptop and coffee in hand, you'll find her planning her next weekend getaway, working on her budding green thumb, or scouting for her next great vintage find.
Sources:
- Close The Loop. End of Life.https://www.close-the-loop.be/en/phase/3/end-of-life
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Wearing underwear is part of your everyday routine. You hop out of the shower and pull on your panties, bra, socks, and outfit; usually without overthinking the finer details. You might notice a stray thread on your favorite sweater, or a little fluff on your black pants. But what about the finer details of your undergarments? Chances are, you don’t pay much attention to them. You wear them every day - so no surprises, right? Maybe not. Have you ever wondered what the little pocket piece piece inside your panties is for? It’s a small detail many people overlook, which is why questions like “why do women’s panties have a pocket?” come up so often. That small piece of fabric is called a gusset and it’s there to keep your intimate area comfortable and protected.1 Let’s explore what a gusset does and why it’s an important feature in underwear. Why Gussets Exist in Women’s Undergarments (and What That Little “Pocket” Really Does) Now that we’ve drawn your attention there, you may be thinking about that small square of fabric at the bottom of your panties.2 It’s easy to wonder what the pocket in women’s underwear is used for when you first notice it, but this tiny panel plays a big role in comfort and hygiene. Without a proper gusset - especially in underwear made from synthetic materials - your underwear could be far less comfortable. In fact, the state of the gusset often indicates when it’s time to replace underwear. You don’t only find gussets in panties. This extra piece of fabric is also common in: Tights Pantyhose Leggings Workout pants and shorts In all of these garments, the gusset helps keep your genitals protected and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. Protection & Hygiene: The Real Function Behind the Pocket-like Gusset So… what is the pocket in panties for? The main answer is protection. Many undergarments are made with fabrics that feel soft but aren’t breathable or moisture-wicking. That’s why the gusset is generally made from a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, often similar to the bamboo-viscose blend used in many comfy underwear designs. This is ultimately the reason why panties have a pocket built into the design. Your body naturally produces moisture in the form of vaginal discharge, - this is normal and healthy.3 However, when you wear underwear that traps moisture and doesn’t allow airflow, you may be increasing the risk of: Yeast infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Bacterial vaginosis A well-designed gusset helps keep the genital area dry, ventilated, and hygienic. That said, choosing underwear with the right fabric isn’t enough - how you wash your underwear, especially around the gusset area, also matters for maintaining hygiene. You can read more about proper care in our guide on how to wash underwear. Comfort & Fit: How the Gusset Works Like a Soft Pocket Layer Aside from hygiene, comfort is another major reason why panties have a pocket. Sensitive skin around the vulva can easily be irritated by rough fabrics or seams. If your underwear is made from materials like satin, silk, polyester, lace, nylon, lycra, or spandex, those fabrics can bunch up or chafe - especially without a gusset to provide a soft, protective layer. Without it, the answer to why there is a pocket in panties becomes clear… it acts as a soft barrier against irritating fabrics. Imagine going commando in a pair of jeans: the friction from seams rubbing against skin can be painful. A gusset gives you a soft cushion between your skin and potentially irritating fabric making underwear wearable all day long. For breathable comfort and secure fit, you might also consider underwear crafted from natural fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo viscose and designed to allow airflow around your genitals. Browse some of our options in the women’s underwear collection, or explore specialised designs like period & leak-proof underwear or maternity-friendly underwear. Do All Women’s Undies Have That Pocket-Style Gusset? Here’s What to Know Most do. Because the gusset offers both comfort and protection, it’s rarely left out. You’ll see it across everything from everyday panties to period & leak-proof underwear, where the gusset adds a soft, breathable layer for comfort. As for how the gusset is constructed: often it’s sewn on three sides, creating a pocket-like section that is open on the fourth side. This design choice is less about function and more about efficiency - it’s faster and more cost-effective to sew only three sides. Buying New Underwear? Here’s Why the Pocket-Like Gusset Should Be on Your Checklist Leaving the gusset open isn’t the only cost-cutting shortcut some underwear makers use. Cheap fabrics, poor stitching, rough seams, and uncomfortable adornments also signal lower-quality underwear - which can compromise comfort and hygiene. For best results, choose underwear that: Uses natural, breathable fabrics such as organic cotton or bamboo viscose Fits well around your waist, hips, and legs (not too tight or too loose) Lets your skin and genitals breathe and stay dry Do Men’s Underwear Include a Gusset, Similar to the Pocket in Women’s Panties? Yes! Men’s underwear typically includes a gusset,4 often located around or along the inseams. So the reason as to “why does underwear have a pocket?” Is that the gusset reduces the number of seams that rub against the skin, which decreases chafing and improves overall comfort. Whether you prefer boxers or briefs, the presence of a gusset helps the underwear conform better to the body. You can read more about design differences in our boxers vs briefs guide. The Bottom Line: What That Little ‘Pocket’ in Women’s Underwear Actually Does When someone asks ‘what is the little pocket in women’s underwear for?’ now you know. The gusset provides comfort, moisture-management, and protection for sensitive skin. For optimal comfort and hygiene, choose underwear made from high-quality, breathable, moisture-wickling materials like bamboo or organic cotton. If you’re interested, many of our styles deliver just that. About the Author: Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community. Sources: Health. 6 Underwear Rules Every Woman Should Live By. https://www.health.com/condition/yeast-infection/6-underwear-rules-every-woman-should-live-by Business of Fashion. Gusset. https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/gusset MedlinePlus. Vaginal Itching and Discharge: Adult and Adolescent. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm Textile School. Anatomy of Men’s Underwear. https://www.textileschool.com/308/anatomy-of-mens-underwear-briefs/#:~:text=In%20men's%20underwear%2C%20the%20gusset,thus%20formed%20%E2%80%93%20fitting%20and%20comfortable
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