Fybr is an eco-conscious clothing brand with an interesting resource: bamboo. It recently opened its new brick-and-mortar storefront in Westfield Valley Fair.
Fybr describes itself as offering “world-class quality in bamboo clothing for men, women, and children, as well as home goods and accessories.” It prides itself on promoting an eco-conscious way of life without sacrificing comfort and style.
“In short, we’re here to help you do good and feel good,” said Kamala Allison, who founded the brand with her husband in 2018.
“This journey began about 10 years ago when I purchased a bamboo t-shirt for my now husband, Jason,” explained Allison. “We were both impressed with how soft and comfortable the shirt was. Not long after, my son received bamboo socks which immediately became his favorite pair.
“I began to seek out more bamboo clothing, and through the process became educated on its benefits,” she continued. “Not only is bamboo ultra-soft, it is also eco-friendly, naturally breathable, and high-performing.”
Before moving to its location in Valley Fair in November, Fybr was based in Santa Cruz.
“Many of our loyal, repeat customers would visit us from the Bay Area and we were constantly asked about having a shop on this side of the hill,” Allison explained. “Since many of our Santa Cruz customers shop in the South Bay, we felt it was a central location to better serve our larger community.
“The demand for environmentally-friendly products has definitely grown in the last few years,” Allison observed. “It was always my mission to help make sustainable living more mainstream, not just for a select group. That is why we carefully curate products that are comfortable, stylish, and innovative.”
“In the time we’ve been in business I’ve seen the sustainable trend really emerge,” continued Allison. “However, there is still a lot of work to be done as I continue to see a shocking amount of waste in the fashion industry.”
Bamboo, which is better known as a panda’s food staple than as a fabric for clothing, is increasingly recognized by the fashion industry and consumers alike for being ecologically friendly and versatile.
“The bamboo species used for textiles is called moso bamboo. It’s a very thick timber and grows 3-4 feet per day, making it an extremely renewable resource,” Allison explained. “Bamboo grows organically and requires less water than other textile crops. There are varying manufacturing methods which have improved over the years.
“Basically, the bamboo is harvested and cut into raw chunks,” continued Allison. “Then it is soaked in a solution to create a soft pulp. The pulp is dehydrated and then ground into a material which is spun into a yarn. The finished product is extremely soft, and high quality.”
Besides being ecologically friendly, bamboo has numerous advantages to traditional fibers like cotton or polyester.
“Bamboo fabric is extremely soft and breathable,” said Allison. “It’s high-performing, moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating, odor-resistant, and hypoallergenic.”
For Fybr, being sustainable goes beyond ecological awareness.
“Our products and practices promote sustainability in all areas: environmental, social, and economic,” said Allison. “Environmental sustainability is the responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, now and in the future.
“Social sustainability encompasses human issues such as equity, fair labor, health, safety, philanthropy, and more,” continued Allison. “To be economically sustainable is to be a profitable business while providing livable wages to employees and fair prices to customers.
“It’s important to remember we’re all just trying to do our best,” said Allison, elaborating on the brand’s philosophy. “Our purpose at Fybr is to meet each member of our community where they’re at, and not be preachy about it.”
Fybr is located in Valley Fair mall near Eataly.