By: Daisy Hemmen
You may already be aware of the negative impacts the fashion industry has on the environment. Pollution, unsustainable production, and mountains of barely-loved clothes in landfills are just some of the serious problems.
This has led to a renewed fashion industry focus on sustainable fashion manufacturing practices, starting with material selection—and viscose fiber is one of the many new entrants to the raw material fabric market.
You may have a lot of questions when it comes to viscose. The questions might include if viscose is biodegradable, does viscose shrink, or is viscose a good material. But let’s start with this question: is traditional viscose eco-friendly?
Because viscose fiber is derived from natural raw material sources, it’s definitely more sustainable than its synthetic counterparts. However, the sustainability of a particular viscose fabric depends on the way it’s sourced and processed. In this short guide, we’ll explain the ins and outs of natural fiber viscose.
What is viscose?
First things first—what is traditional viscose?
The natural fiber viscose is a soft and sustainable fabric made from plant-based cellulose that is spun into yarns. Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls and can be derived from sources including:1
- Wood
- Bamboo
- Seaweed
How does wood or bamboo become a soft, silky, and eco friendly fabric? In short, the plant matter is treated with chemicals to form a viscous liquid (hence the name viscose), which is reshaped before it congeals into a mostly-cellulose yarn. That yarn can then be woven to create sustainable fabric.
While viscose is made from natural materials, the use of chemical processors makes this sustainable fashion fabric semi-synthetic. Nonetheless, viscose’s plant-based roots make it surprisingly similar to fabrics woven from natural fibers. Viscose fiber looks like silk and feels like recycled cotton, making it a soft and versatile cloth.
What makes viscose eco-friendly?
Is viscose sustainable compared to other options on the market?
While chemicals play a role in the production of viscose fibre, most of the matter is derived from natural sources, giving viscose some potential advantages over synthetic fibers and even some natural fibers.
Is viscose environmentally friendly compared to these options? It all depends on the source from which it was derived.
Not all viscose is created equal
How do you know if your viscose garment is sustainable?
Viscose does not add microplastics to the environment. However, its relative advantages to cotton and other natural fibers vary based on its plant source and the farming methods employed.
Some viscose is made with wood pulp. In this case, trees are harvested for their cellulose. Without responsible planting and growing practices, deforestation can upset the balance and health of the ecosystem in a forest, putting animals and plants at risk.
However, cloth made from fast-growing plants like bamboo can actually have a positive impact on the natural environment. Bamboo requires much less water than cotton and carries additional benefits:
- Bamboo adds oxygen to the environment—in fact, 30% more than an equal area of trees.
- It’s also fast-growing and can gain up to a meter in height in just a single day.
- Unlike some other crops, bamboo adds nutrients to the soil and prevents soil erosion.
Look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified viscose products that come from sustainably managed land.
Is viscose biodegradable?
Because viscose is derived from natural sources, and in some cases contains no chemicals in the final product, it can be biodegradable, breaking down in about one year.
However, keep in mind that this applies only to 100% viscose fabric—and just like cotton, hemp, and linen, viscose is often mixed with acrylic or spandex to ensure form-fitting stretch.
Viscose’s body-friendly benefits
Sustainably-farmed bamboo viscose can have benefits for planet earth. But how does it actually feel to wear? Viscose is:
- Breathable, light, and airy, making it the perfect fabric for summer essentials, sustainable underwear, and other sustainable clothing staples.
- Super absorbent, which is important for activewear
- Hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with more sensitive skin. This is due to the fabric’s low permeability.
Boody’s bamboo viscose
Here at Boody, we prioritize sustainable fashion and eco-friendly design for our bamboo-derived viscose. We are anti-fast fashion and aim for the highest standards in environmental stewardship.
Our organically grown bamboo is never treated with pesticides, fertilizers, or artificial irrigation, making the entire process healthy and sustainable for the environment.
We love spreading the word about bamboo benefits. Our bamboo viscose essentials are incredibly breathable, soft, and eco-friendly, created with your comfort in mind. So go ahead, do something nice for yourself and planet earth—stock up on bamboo viscose staples with styles ranging from men’s bamboo shirts, to women’s underwear, women's bras, socks, and more!
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:
- Treehugger. What is viscose fabric? https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-viscose-fabric-5070642
- Blue Green Tomorrow. The terrifying effects of polyester on our environment and health. https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/environment/terrifying-effects-of-polyester-on-environment-health/
- World Wildlife Federation. Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton
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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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