THE KNOWLEDGE

Some brands use bamboo in their socks – particularly BAM, for whom bamboo is the cornerstone of their whole offering. But isn’t bamboo a type of wood? Yes, though the bamboo plant also has leaves and a soft inner pith at the centre of its trunk. These are crushed before being soaked, washed and spun into a yarn. You’re left with a material that feels really soft and silky, and is stretchy and excellent at absorbing moisture away from your skin. It costs less to produce than cotton, and if responsibly farmed and manufactured, it can be a good eco option too. Bamboo: not just for pandas, then.