I am already a fan of BAM sports clothing. I like the soft feel of the fabric , the fit of many of the items and the eco-credentials of the company. Of course, pretty much all clothing products have an impact on the environment due to the process of sourcing materials, manufacture processes, transportation and delivery to the consumer, but bamboo is known to be one of the better sources of material. See my in-depth report of bamboo in BAM’s clothing production.
I have been testing the BAM Sculpting Training Top, a BAM Thermo Luxe base layer, a Horizon Luxe Long Sleeve Top, Bamboo Bikini Brief and a Bamboo Crop Bralette. Here are my thoughts.
Review: BAM Sculpting Training Top
The Sculpting Training Top is a neat-fitting, full-zipped long-sleeved jacket. It is made with BAM’s
Enduro fabric, which is is a 355gsm jersey.
More features:
Fabric: 68% Bamboo Viscose, 28% Organic Cotton, 4% Elastane Machine
Hip pockets
Thumb loops
Colours: Black and Storm Navy
Sizes: UK8 to UK16
Price: £59.
The fabric is quite heavy and feels durable, while also being fairly stretchy and smooth against the skin. I have worn it as an outer layer when going to the gym or for trail walking. It’s also been a great top for causal wear, such as going to the pub.
It feels warming and quite windproof but it’s not a top I’d choose for running or mountain hiking as it’s too heavy.
The fit is slim-fit tight, so if you are not keen on any bulges being on display, you should go up a size or avoid this top as there are others that a looser fit.
I like the length, fit and also the thumb loops and full zip.
I reserve this top for wearing as an outer layer for the gym or yoga and then take it off as I get warmer.
Review: BAM Thermo Luxe Zip-Neck Base Layer
This is a classic BAM performance base layer, with a zipped higher neck. It feels really soft and smooth against the skin and it’s neat-fitting and easy to wear.
More features:
Fabric: Soft bamboo jersey with organic cotton
Zipped neck
Thumb loops
Sizes: UK8 to UK16
Colours: Deep Emerald, Deep Emerald/Pistachio Stripe, Pistachio Stripe
Price: £52
The baselayer is heavier than my synthetic tops so I wear it on colder days. I’ve worn it both in the summer and winter as an outer baselayer and also as part of a full layered system, on lop of a t-shirt and below an insualted jacket.
It fits very neatly so you should go up a size or choose an alternative looser fit top if you do not want your shape to be on show. I find I can wear the fabric against my skin because it’s so soft despite being very sensitive to many materials that are not polyester.
The arms are not long enough for me to comfortably use the thumb loops but the rest of the top fits well.
I have found it a useful top for mountain hiking, casual walking and also for general wear, such as around the house or going to the pub.
I really like it although it’s not a cheap long-sleeved baselayer.
BAM Horizon Luxe Long Sleeve Top
The soft skinny-fit oxblood red top is made from BAM’s luxe bamboo cotton jersey. This is a superfine stretch jersey and ideal for layering, especially in winter.
More features:
Material: 68% Bamboo Viscose, 28% Organic Cotton, 4% Elastane
Sizes: UK 8 to UK16
Price: £38
It’s a lovely baselayer top if you are looking for a lighter bamboo fabric and a neat fit. It’s a simple design with a round neck and no thumb loops. The sleeves are long enough to cover half ,y hands though.
Again, it might be a bit neat fitting for many people, although I like tops that fit well.
Strangely, I can’t wear the top fully against my skin and prefer to pair it with a polyester t-shirt underneath. I have very sensitive skin so I expect most people will be fine with wearing it as a baselayer.
There are about 10 different colourways and patterns in the range, which offers plenty of choice.
The top os simple, straightforward and made with more sustainable bamboo. It’s a slightly eye-watering price, although the fabric is likely to be hard-wearing.
BAM Bamboo Bikini Brief
The bamboo fabric pants offer good coverage (I do not like skimpy knickers!) and they have a wide and simple waistband. There are no irritating seams or fancy lace or embroidery, just easy-to-wear pants.
Features include:
Material: 90% bamboo viscose and 10% elastane
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Six different colours
200gsm single jersey knit
Price: £16.
They are not cheap, especially when you compare to a pair of cotton pants, but I find bamboo fabric long-lasting. I also prefer good bottom coverage to skimpy briefs or a thong, and these pants are excellent. They are a decent size pair of pants, although not overly large.
There a no irritations from seams and the wider wasitband is really comfy.
Overall, although quite expensive, the pants are lovely to wear and offer a nice amount of bum support and coverage.
BAM Bamboo Crop Bralette
Bamboo Crop Bralette that has a range of fastening sizes and adjustable straps, so you can wear the bra as a traditional shape or with a racer back.
Features include:
Material: 90% bamboo viscose and 10% elastane
4 rows of fastenings for a range of fits
Double layer of fabric
Racer back hook is included to convert the staps to suit racer-style vest tops
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Five different colours
Price: £30
This bra is a cross between a sports crop top and a more traditional bra. I am not a fan of fastenings because I find they irritate my skin but this bralette is better than the last one I tested for BAM. There is a flap of fabric to protect the skin from the fastenings.
It’s a good fit – I have the size medium – and it feels fairly supportive although I would call it a low-impact sports bra so it is best reserved for activities such as yoga and not running.
It’s great having the versatile straps, which means you can hide the shoulder straps of the bra whatever type of top you are wearing.
The fabric feels nice and soft yet still manages to be supportive in the right places.
You can buy all these products and more at BAM bamboo clothing.