Does my bamboo look big in this?

10:30am Saturday 19th July 2008

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WELCOME to the latest fad in cheap and sustainable clothing but don't stray too near any pandas.

Bamboo clothing is hitting the high streets of Sussex on its way to a crack at world wardrobe domination.

The ar-cane product is poles apart from other clothing fibres because of its organic and sustainable properties.

And it is taking off in Sussex thanks to entrepreneurial young mum Kate Mitchell.

The 28-year-old set up Pure Mama, selling bamboo maternity wear from her home in Worthing, in March.

The business has gone from strength to strength and will tour eco-fairs in the South East over the coming months.

Miss Mitchell got the idea when she was pregnant with her son.

The clothing is made by pulping the inner pith of bamboo and mixing it with caustic soda, which is then spun and woven. The result is a fibre as soft as cashmere, which is highly durable, has thermal qualities and is anti-bacterial.

To read the full story see this weekend's Argus.