BAM Clothing Review UK: Bamboo Activewear Worth Knowing About
ad. Finding sustainable activewear that actually looks good and feels comfortable is harder than it should be. I’ve tried a few brands over the years where the eco credentials were front and centre but the clothes themselves were a bit of an afterthought: stiff, shapeless, or made from fabrics that sounded impressive on paper but felt scratchy in practice. So when BAM got in touch, I was curious.
BAM is a British B Corp certified brand making activewear from bamboo viscose and other nature-based fabrics. No polyester, no PFAS (the so-called “forever chemicals” that show up in a lot of synthetic sportswear), and every label comes with a traceability code so you can find out exactly who made your clothes. I was sent three items to try: the Effortless Balloon Yoga Pants, the Tie-Back Short Sleeve Top, and a pair of Cosy Gifting Socks, and I’ve had a good run at all of them.
About BAM
Before I get into the specific pieces, a bit of context on the brand. BAM have been going for a while and bamboo viscose is their thing. It’s a soft, breathable fabric that sits nicely against skin, drapes well, and doesn’t require the same volume of water and pesticides as conventional cotton to produce. Their core activewear is also polyester-free, good news if you’re trying to reduce microplastic shedding in your washing machine.
The B Corp certification is a big deal too, because it’s not something you can just buy. It requires meeting verified standards across environmental impact, worker conditions, and governance. It’s one of the more meaningful certifications out there, so it’s a good sign.
The Effortless Balloon Yoga Pants in Mariner Navy
These are the star of the haul for me. The fit is brilliant: a relaxed, wide-leg balloon shape that sits comfortably at the waist without digging in, and a length that works well whether you’re stretching out on a yoga mat or just pottering around the house. I’ve been wearing them at home a lot since they arrived, and I genuinely cannot wait to do some pilates in them. That’s the test I always use for activewear. Do I actually want to move in it, or does it just sit in the drawer?
The fabric is that bamboo-soft feel that BAM talk about, and it delivers. There’s a proper drape to the leg that makes them feel more considered than your average workout trouser, and they don’t cling or pull. The Mariner Navy is a lovely deep navy that goes with everything.
Shop the Effortless Balloon Yoga Pants
The Tie-Back Short Sleeve Top in Cirrus Print
The Cirrus Print is really pretty in person, softer and more wearable than it might look on screen. The tie-back detail is a nice touch, and it actually works without being fiddly, which isn’t always the case with these kinds of features.
One honest note: the back does feel a little exposed with just the top on its own. I wear a vest underneath, which sorts it, but it’s worth knowing if you’re planning to wear it to a class or out and about rather than just at home. With a layer under it looks brilliant and the print really comes into its own.
Shop the Tie-Back Short Sleeve Top
The Cosy Gifting Socks in Damson Mix
Look, they’re socks. But they are genuinely really soft socks, which is saying something. I’ve had bamboo socks before that were a bit scratchy once you got past the initial soft feel, and these aren’t. They’ve stayed soft after washing too. The damson mix is a nice colour and the ribbed style is relaxed rather than restrictive. These are the kind of socks you reach for at the end of a long day, or after a run when your feet need a bit of kindness.
The Sustainability Side
I think what BAM do well is make the sustainability credentials feel like part of the product rather than the whole pitch. PFAS-free activewear is still relatively rare. A lot of sportswear brands use these chemicals for water resistance and stretch, and they don’t break down in the environment, which is a real problem. Knowing that BAM’s core range doesn’t use them, and that the fabrics are either nature-based or from certified circular sources, makes the whole thing feel more considered.
The traceability piece is something I find interesting too. Every label has a code you can use to trace the supply chain, who made the clothes and where. It’s a level of transparency you don’t often see, and in an industry where fast fashion has made it very easy not to think about that stuff, it’s a good prompt to slow down and pay attention.
If sustainable fashion is something you’re building into your life more broadly, it’s also worth having a look at my post on ethical shoe brands in the UK, because a lot of the same principles apply.
My Verdict
The yoga pants are the standout for me and I’d buy them again without hesitation. The top is lovely with a layer underneath, and the socks are a solid everyday staple. BAM sit at a mid-to-higher price point for activewear, but the fabric quality and the brand’s values feel like they back that up. This isn’t the kind of thing you buy and replace every season.
If you’ve been thinking about making the switch to more sustainable activewear, BAM are a good place to start. The bamboo viscose fabric is noticeably different from synthetic alternatives, and there’s something quite nice about wearing something you actually feel good about, not just in.
Have you tried BAM before, or are you looking to make the swap to more sustainable activewear? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments!
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