Performance socks manufacturer Bridgedale has launched a new range of socks for spring 2009, made from sustainable and renewable bamboo. 

Bridgedale says that several years of research and development have gone into creating the Bamboo Series, which offer comfort and durability for everyday use, sport and travel. Four styles include the Bamboo Crew and the low, ankle-height Bamboo Lo in both men’s and women’s-specific fits and colours.  The new socks blend silky, naturally anti-microbial and breathable bamboo yarn with Coolmax, a moisture-wicking yarn which helps keep feet dry. The Bamboo Series will be showcased in compact packaging made of 100% recycled paper and printed with vegetable-based inks.

Bridgedale says that with the new Bamboo Series, it is proud to support the Plant A Boo campaign, which is dedicated to demonstrating that bamboo can be used to fight global climate change. Plant A Boo was launched by Booshoot (booshoot.com), a biotech company that pioneered the tissue culture technology that helps ensure an abundant supply of bamboo plants for the future, whether for carbon mitigation, reforestation, agriculture or as a manufacturing resource for popular bamboo products such as textiles, flooring and paper.

According to Bridgedale, bamboo offers many beneficial attributes as a textile.  “It has a soft, silky feel against the skin due to its smooth and round fibre structure, but additionally, it is naturally anti-microbial, odour-fighting and hypoallergenic.” A spokesperson for the company said, adding that: “Bamboo is a very absorbent, highly breathable fibre that doesn’t stick to the skin and is two degrees cooler than wool or cotton and three times more absorbent than cotton. It is also more durable than cotton.”

Coolmax, is a synthetic polyester fibre known for its ability to move moisture by transporting it via a unique channelized construction.  When used in everyday or performance apparel, it helps to keep users cool and dry.

Women’s-specific fit is a specialty of Bridgedale socks. According to the company, on average, women’s feet are distinctly different than men’s. Their heel and forefoot are narrower, the overall volume is less, and calf height is lower and broader. Bridgedale socks for women are anatomically designed and knit to accommodate these differences.

One-year guarantee of ‘enduring comfort’ is what Bridgedale offers with the Bamboo Series as its technology fuses bamboo and Coolmax fibres into a custom yarn that has lasting power and actively keeps feet comfortable. 

Bridgedale specializes in socks, with nearly 100 years of knitting experience behind every pair, which are respected for their technical construction, durability and comfort. Based in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, Bridgedale manufactures in a community that once supplied socks to the British soldiers of World War I. Today’s line of technically advanced socks for skiing, outdoor, sport and every day use are created by experienced craftsmen that carry on a tradition of innovation, including the development of WoolFusion yarn technology, the first women's outdoor socks, and sculpted cushioning.