Banana Fiber and how to care for it!

by Sophie Dohnt June 30, 2026

What the heck is Banana Fiber

One of the most common questions we get is what banana fiber actually is, why it's being used in clothing, and how to care for it!

So here’s your guide to going bananas for banana fiber!

Keep an eye out as we are developing new designs soon to be released!

If you’ve browsed the winter wear collection you might have noticed some products listed with Banana Fiber and thought, “Wait… bananas?” you’re not alone.

From Fruit Waste to Usable Fiber

Banana fiber is a natural textile made from the stem of the banana plant after the fruit has been harvested. Traditionally, once bananas were collected, the rest of the plant was often discarded as agricultural waste. Rather than waste the stems, artisans and textile producers are transforming those leftover banana plants into soft, durable fibers for clothing and textiles.

The process involves extracting long strands of fiber from the banana stem, drying them, and weaving or blending them into other fibers. This is what you will see with our products, 30% Banana Fiber and 70% Merino Wool. It’s a practice where banana fiber has been used for centuries in weaving, rope making, ceremonial textiles, and garments. Blend it with wool and the possibilities are endless.

By using what would otherwise be waste material, banana fiber gives new life to an existing resource rather than requiring an entirely new crop to be grown for fabric production. We blend banana fiber with wool in our knitwear to create garments that are warm yet breathable, while adding extra durability and longevity to each piece.

Why Put Bananas in Clothing?

As unusual as it sounds, banana fiber has some incredible qualities that make it ideal for wearable textiles.

Naturally Durable

Banana fiber is known for its strength and longevity. The fibers are naturally sturdy while still remaining breathable and comfortable to wear. Pieces made with banana fiber are designed to last and soften beautifully over time.

Lightweight & Breathable

Banana fiber fabrics and knitwear are light and airy, while also being incredibly durable at the same time. Creating great items to layer beautifully across seasons. It brings our knitwear a wonderful breathability to contrast the installation features of wool, keeping you warm and comfy.

Lower Waste Production

Because the fiber is created using agricultural byproducts from banana farming, it helps reduce waste from existing crops. Rather than discarding banana stems after harvest, producers can transform them into usable materials. This also reduced the use of other materials that do have a higher ecological footprint.

Beautiful Texture

Banana fiber has a natural texture that gives garments depth and character. Depending on the weave and blend, it can feel similar to linen or hemp, while still maintaining its own distinct softness and drape. Our blend feels much the same as full woollen wear, with a light touch to it.

How to Care for Banana Fiber Clothing

As with most natural fibers, banana fiber thrives with gentle care. Looking after your garments properly helps them maintain their texture, shape, and longevity. Love your knitwear and it will love you back is something to always remember.

Washing

Hand wash in cold water, use mild detergent, avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, wash with similar colours

Drying

Air dry in the shade where possible, do not tumble dry, reshape garments while damp if needed

General Care

Store in a cool, dry place

Natural pilling can occur as part of the character of the fabric, treated with care when removing pilling. Best results are seen when hand pulled the pilled areas so as to not cut or damage the fiber of the knitwear.

Banana fiber softens with wear and becomes even more beautiful over time.

Why We Love It

We’re constantly drawn to materials that tell a story and how fibers connect craftsmanship, resourcefulness, and thoughtful production. Banana fiber represents all of those things, transforming agricultural waste into something functional, wearable, and lasting.

Each piece highlights the beauty of natural materials and the innovation of the artisans and producers working with them.

So yes there really are bananas in your clothing. And honestly, we think that’s pretty incredible.

If you have purchased one of our banana fiber products we’d love to hear from you on how you loved it, and any further tips or tricks when caring for them!

Shop our current Banana Fiber Collection HERE! and look out for more to come!

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