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Recently, the scientists in the GH Textiles Lab noticed an alarming trend: A growing number of bedding and clothing brands were claiming that their products were made of bamboo, eucalyptus or other tree fibers — and consumers seemed interested, based on the growth in online searches. From their experience, our experts knew these products couldn’t contain any trace of the plants promoted in the claims, so after thorough research we selected a wide assortment of items for additional analysis. Here are the details and the results of the investigation: How We TestedOur scientists zeroed in on over 50 products clearly marketed as being made of bamboo, eucalyptus or beechwood fibers, including clothing, footwear and bedding. We bought 10 of them, reviewed their labels and sent them to an outside lab for fiber-identification testing. The result: For all 10 items, the lab could not detect any trace of the claimed plants or trees in the final fabric.What Are the Products Actually Made Of?All 10 products we tested contained rayon. Rayon is the umbrella term for fibers manufactured from plant cellulose. Types of rayon include viscose, lyocell and modal. While they are similar, “they vary based on the manufacturing steps,” explains Lexie Sachs, GH Institute textiles director and head fiber scientist. It can be confusing because the process of making fabric from bamboo, eucalyptus or another tree does start with the plant. “But the raw plant materials are chemically dissolved to the point that they no longer exist in the final fabric,” says Sachs. “All that’s left is cellulose, which is then processed with more chemicals and turned into fibers.” In other words, the products are derived from bamboo or trees, but not made of them. How Is Cotton Different?Cotton grows as a fiber, whereas plants like bamboo and eucalyptus grow as tough stalks and tree wood. When cotton gets processed to make a finished fabric, the fiber isn’t chemically changed and its overall structure remains the same. So when a lab examines cotton from sheets or clothing under a microscope, the original cotton fiber is still visible. How Plants Become RayonA chemical heavy process removes all trace of the original substance

Grow Raw Material

Plants or trees are harvested, then chopped into pieces.

Turn to Pulp

The pieces are chemically processed into pulp consisting of cellulose, leaving behind virtually everything from the original plant.

Dissolve in Chemicals

The pulp gets chemically turned into a liquid, removing any remnants of the raw material.

Form Into Fibers

Next, the liquid goes through a spinneret, a device with small holes, where it’s transformed into fibers in a chemical bath.

Finish The Fabric

The processed fibers are cleaned and made into yarn for fabric.

What the Law SaysThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires brands to use the manufactured name for rayon fibers such as viscose and lyocell. It does allow brands to reference the raw material if it is included along with the generic name — e.g., “viscose from bamboo” — but companies are skipping this qualifier in product names and marketing.

“If it’s not made directly of bamboo fiber, don’t call it bamboo… That’s a mistake.”

Some brands list the accurate name in fine print or on a garment’s label, but that’s not enough to comply with regulations. A statement for businesses on the FTC website explains: “If it’s not made directly of bamboo fiber, don’t call it bamboo. Not anywhere, not any way.” In the same statement, the FTC points out: “Some companies seem to think that if they modify their content disclosures to accurately read ‘rayon,’ they’re free to use the word ‘bamboo’ in product titles and descriptions. That’s a mistake.”The FTC provides a concise “How to Avoid Bamboozling Your Customers” guide on its website to prevent brands from making this kind of error. It has sued some companies for false bamboo labeling, but this has only scratched the surface; it hasn’t yet sued regarding false claims involving fibers from trees like eucalyptus and beechwood.Why It’s a ProblemDescribing a product’s fiber with a plant name instead of the correct term can mislead shoppers in a variety of ways, including:Greenwashing This tactic overstates a product’s eco-friendly qualities to drive sales. Bamboo rayon may not be as “green” as you think: Harsh chemicals are often used to make it. Lyocell is considered a better option than viscose because the solvent used to make it is less toxic and can be reused.Besides the environmental impact from chemicals in the production process, fabrics derived from trees may contribute to deforestation if they’re not properly sourced. When you shop, you can check whether companies comply with FSC or PEFC standards to ensure the trees are coming from sustainably managed forests. Deception“Bamboo,” “eucalyptus” or “beechwood” may sound more luxurious and special than rayon, leading consumers to purchase a product for the wrong reasons.False PromisesBrands sometimes highlight properties of the plant or tree in their marketing, as in saying bamboo is naturally antimicrobial. When the plant gets chemically dissolved, it loses all trace of those characteristics. Anil N. Netravali, Ph.D., a professor of fiber science and apparel design at Cornell University, explains that regardless of the plant used at the start, “the purified pulp contains mostly cellulose. All the other chemicals, such as antimicrobials in bamboo, are removed.”FTC attorney Miriam Lederer tells Good Housekeeping that consumers should be able to see clearly that a product has attributes of rayon instead of the raw material. She says having the fiber name in certain places may not be enough, “because consumers might make their purchase decisions before seeing the full and accurate fiber-content disclosure.”The Reason It’s EverywhereWith the rise of start-ups and direct-to-consumer brands, bedding and apparel companies are often run by entrepreneurs instead of people with backgrounds in textiles. “It’s possible that brands don’t even realize they’re making a mistake because suppliers provide them with information that’s either inaccurate or misinterpreted,” says Sachs. While the brands do a great job marketing and getting on consumers’ radar, they may have less understanding of how the product is made and how to follow U.S. regulations.Our Lab pros also spoke with textile experts from SGS, a leading worldwide provider of testing and other validation services. They agreed that marketers could be misled by suppliers about fiber content and product specifications, and they urged brands to verify all claims before relaying them to consumers. Most important, “Claims must be substantiated by technical documents to prove they’re true, accurate, relevant and verifiable,” says Min Zhu, Ph.D., technical director for softlines at SGS North America.Even when suppliers provide accurate information, it can easily be distorted. “Robust storytelling and the disconnect between designer and marketing can lead to incorrect labeling and communications,” says Tricia Carey, director of global business development at Lenzing, a popular fiber manufacturer. “We see more emerging brands that need education on product labeling.”How Brands RespondedWe reached out to all 10 companies to let them know about our findings and to learn about their validation processes. Within days, six brands took steps toward fixing the mistakes, such as adding “viscose” or “lyocell” to their website descriptions and changing product names. Several claimed they’d had no idea the original plants weren’t in the fabrics and said they hadn’t tested their products themselves. Some said they knew the plant was only the raw material but didn’t realize they weren’t allowed to refer to the fabric using a plant name. Two brands did not respond.Where We Found ClaimsThese examples show common places to spot mislabeled rayon fibers, along with specific instances from items we tested. We asked these brands to share how they validate the marketing claims and whether they had considered FTC regulations.

Tags & Packaging

Viscose sheets from Cozy Earth are described as “100% bamboo” and “bamboo fabric” on the hang tag, with a viscose mention in the last paragraph.Cozy Earth told Good Housekeeping they believe these sheets are FTC compliant because they include viscose on packaging and “since consumers use the generic term ‘bamboo’ to describe these sheets…we too have used the term bamboo to help them find what they are looking for.”

The packaging for Luxome’s viscose sheets is marked as “100% Bamboo Bed Sheet Set” without any mention of viscose.A representative for Luxome confirmed it uses viscose from bamboo and said they plan to update the product packaging. They also said they would be updating its website to reflect the viscose mentions included on the fiber labels.

Garment Labels

Modal joggers from Bleusalt claim “95% beechwood” on the tag.The brand first asserted that they were “absolutely beechwood and tree fibers,” then later said they were making it a priority to change the labels after speaking with their supplier.

Emilia George’s viscose/cotton blend dress is marked as “70% bamboo.”The company first told Good Housekeeping that its “supplier screwed [them] over” and after further review said they plan to change its label.

The Rora sheets from Rove Concepts are 100% viscose, but labeled as “100% organic bamboo.”Rove Concepts did not provide a response, and has not made any updates to the bamboo marketing on its website.

Websites

Lyocell fabric from Reebok’s sneaker is marketed online as “eucalyptus tree textile.”A representative for the brand responded for comment by saying the source material for the lyocell is “primarily eucalyptus wood pulp” and has not revised its marketing.

Nook’s crib mattress cover uses lyocell, polyester and cotton, yet boasts being made of “eucalyptus” throughout its online listing.The brand did not provide a response and has not adjusted claims on its website.

Comma Home mentioned lyocell in the specs, but described their “Eucalyptus Comforter” as being made with “real eucalyptus fibers.”The brand said they were told it was eucalyptus fibers from their factories, and have since changed the product names and descriptions to reflect lyocell.

Easy Ways to Shop Smarter Keep an eye out for specific fiber names instead of unsubstantiated eco claims. For a legitimately sustainable option, look for Lenzing fibers, such as its Tencel-branded lyocell. It’s sourced from responsibly managed forests and made via a greener process with safer chemicals and less waste. If brands use it, it’s often listed on their websites and labels. GH Lab–Approved PicksIf you’re looking for soft, sustainably made rayon options, you can trust that these products use responsibly sourced Tencel fibers without going overboard on their claims.

Bedsheets
Tencel Sheet Set

West Elm
westelm.com

$150.00

This 100% lyocell fabric is moisture wicking and incredibly smooth, and it’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Bath Towels
Legends Hotel Cotton & Tencel Bath Towel

The Company Store
thecompanystore.com

$42.00

Their ultra-plush feel is achieved through combining cotton with lyocell fibers.

Clothing
French Terry Puff Sleeve Pullover

Summersalt
summersalt.com

$75.00

Soft, stylish and not too heavy, this lyocell-blend sweatshirt is the perfect wardrobe staple.

Shoes
Neumel Natural

Ugg
ugg.com

$140.00

A hemp and cotton upper, a lyocell lining and soles of consciously sourced rubber help reduce these boots’ eco footprint. 

Baby Products
Organic Cotton Tencel Wearable Blanket

Pottery Barn Kids
potterybarnkids.com

$59.50

Breathable cotton muslin is mixed with smooth lyocell in this sleep sack for crib use.

Bottom LineThe fact that these products are mislabeled doesn’t mean they’re low quality. In fact, several of our top-tested products contain rayon. Just be wary of plant-content claims. More

The creative force behind Create & Cultivate, a media company for ambitious women, Jaclyn Johnson prioritized having a stylish place to unwind. “Before the pandemic, I was on a plane every other week, so my husband and I wanted help making a forever home that let us do more of the things we wanted, like cooking and spending time by the pool,” she says. With a few smart moves, her interior designer Ginny Macdonald turned her California home into a chic and sunny space that fully embraces the summer weather all 365 days a year. Bedroom

Jessica Bordner

Bring in some trendy cane.You can find this style of rattan in headboards, chairs, screens and more. Its texture and craftsmanship adds depth and character.Kitchen

Jessica Bordner

Display your favorite objects.Jaclyn Johnson’s open kitchen shelves and large island are used to store everyday essentials like glassware and dinnerware, but they also show off the entrepreneur’s ceramics, books and decorative pieces.Get the look: White Oak Floating Shelf, etsy.com.

Jessica Bordner

Make a statement with storage.Crafty nooks can corral wine bottles, cutting boards or anything else you need to stow in style.Ginny’s Design Tip: Be smart about placement. Adopt a thoughtful approach when styling shelves with decorative accents. An example: “You’d never light a candle underneath a shelf, so don’t put it there.” Dining Room

Jessica Bordner

Embrace a timeless palette.”I like the black-and-white modern style and the cozy California aesthetic, so we really tried hard to marry the two,” says Jaclyn.Ginny’s Design Tip: Stick to a consistent palette. If you’re mixing patterns in one room, make it cohesive by picking a few main colors to use alongside a couple of daring shades for visual interest. Bathroom

Jessica Bordner

Layer shades of a single tone.Combining variations of one hue is a no-fail way to introduce character into a design. The powder room’s soft pink walls, layered with square tiles in a deeper shade, complement the terrazzo vanity top. Ginny’s Design Tip: Experiment with different shapes and heights. “Have lower elements that lead into higher elements, and try not to be too symmetrical with things, because that could feel forced.”

Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Try top-to-bottom tile. Besides a luxe soaking tub, the primary bathroom’s highlight is reflective green wall tiles that suit the chevron-patterned flooring. “The darker tile makes the room feel quite special and complete,” designer Ginny Macdonald says.

Get the Statement Tile Used in Jaclyn’s Home More

These pro tips will help lower cooling costs and prevent hot-weather mishaps. More

If you’ve ever stepped foot in TJ Maxx, Marshalls or Home Goods, then know about Rae Dunn. Her porcelain pieces are hard to miss: There are hundreds of cream-colored mugs, dishes, canisters and planters with words like “thankful,” “family,” and “but first, coffee” etched in the designer’s signature font. The minimalistic design lends itself to any farmhouse-style home, but really, the fascination stems from the thrill of the hunt. Some Rae Dunn fans will travel from store to store to find the perfect addition to their collection. Serious collectors will even beeline straight to the Rae Dunn aisle in their local TJ Maxx, Marshalls or Home Goods as soon as the stores open, as shown in this now-viral TikTok. In the video above, Marie, _simplyandrews_ on Instagram, shows Good Housekeeping her extensive Rae Dunn collection, which she keeps on display in a hutch in her dining room. It all started back in 2017 when she bought a flour canister and loaf dish adorned with the word “bake” — and now she has hundreds of seasonal and non-seasonal porcelain pieces, totaling an estimated value of $7,000. You’ll see how she organizes her most-used pieces and packs away her holiday items during the off-season. Plus, if you’re also a collector, get plenty of tips about how to track down rare Rae Dunn pieces on eBay or other online retailers, like the canisters from the “Take Note” line valued at around $400 to $700.

Build Your Own Rae Dunn Collection

Stem Print Pasta Bowls

Rae Dunn by Magenta
wayfair.com

$105.00

4 Quart Sauicer Pan With Lid

Rae Dunn
tjmaxx.tjx.com

$24.99

Stem Print Crown Cookie Jar

Rae Dunn by Magenta
wayfair.com

$54.00

Good Dog Wooden Lid Canister

Rae Dunn
tjmaxx.tjx.com

$16.99

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Climate experts explain what’s at stake, plus how to calculate and reduce your own impact on the planet. More

Grab a few toothpicks and water to enjoy this pretty houseplant. More

Whether it’s redoing your kitchen cabinets, painting the kids’ bedrooms, or completely overhauling your backyard, a year spent inside our homes has inspired many of us to refresh and renew our spaces. But even if it’s not your first time picking up a paint roller or hammer, taking on new DIY projects can be tricky. That’s why Country Living and Good Housekeeping decided to team up to host our first-ever Makeover Takeover Renovation Summit on May 12 and 13. The two-day virtual event (sponsored by Trex, Pergo Extreme and Dutch Boy Paints) featured DIY demos, intimate panel discussions and fireside chats packed with design advice, renovation hacks and money-saving secrets from some of our favorite design experts, including the Property Brothers, Emily Henderson, Brian Patrick Flynn, Candace Cameron Bure, Ellen Pompeo, Tia Mowry, Tamron Hall and so many others. What they’ve learned from years of experience — and more than a few missteps! — will help you pull off that amazing DIY home makeover on a real-world budget. Below, watch each day’s programming in full, or take a look at highlights and clips from each of the panels. Watch All of Day 1

Yes, You Can Do That!

Rachel Hardage Barrett

Editor in Chief, Country Living

Orlando Soria

Interior Designer and Host, HGTV’s Build Me Up

Jenni Yolo

Founder & Blogger, I Spy DIY

Max Humphrey

Interior Designer, Art Director, & Stylist

Our experts tackled how to take on big design risks and renovation projects. “Start simple and just go for it” was the biggest takeaway. They also shared lots of ideas for small changes that have big impact — from changing out all the wall switches in your home, to using paint to create faux moulding around a doorway. Get a pen and pad ready —you’ll want to start a list of inexpensive DIY projects to try while watching this panel.Watch Now

Highly Debatable: This or That Part 1

Ellen Pompeo

Actress, Producer and Director

Emily Henderson

Professional Stylist, Designer, NYT Bestselling Author and Founder of Style by Emily Henderson

Tamron Hall

Host and Executive Producer, Tamron Hall

Joni Lay

Blogger, Lay Baby Lay

Jordan Slocum & Barry Bordelon

The Brownstone Boys

Tara L. Paige

Creator, Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living Spaces

Jean Brownhill

Founder and CEO, Sweeten

TVs in the bedroom: for or against? Toilet paper: over or under? Matte or glossy paint? Our favorite design-obsessed celebrities, interior designers, home bloggers and stylists share their thoughts on these and other polarizing design questions.Watch Now

Secrets of a Serial Decorator

Kayla Keegan

Senior News & Entertainment Editor, Good Housekeeping

Tia Mowry

Actress, Producer and Author

Actress, author, and producer Tia Mowry shares her passion for all things design in this one-on-one chat led by Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping’s Senior News & Entertainment Editor. Mowry has smart solutions for collaborating with a partner whose design aesthetic is totally different than yours, plus tips for creating a stylish home that is also cozy and kid-friendly. Watch Now

Design Trends: What’s Hot In Paint, Tiles, Cabinetry, Flooring & More

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Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping

Stacey-Ann Blake

Founder and Blogger, Design Addict Mom

Nicole Gibbons

Founder and CEO of Clare

Young Huh

Owner and Founder of Young Huh Interior Design

Presented by Pergo Extreme

Presented by Pergo Extreme, Blake, Gibbons and Huh share notes about what’s on-trend in home design — from paint colors to floor plans to wall decor — and which trends are on their way out. Their advice on how to choose what to do in your own home? Go with what you love — even if it’s not so trendy. Watch Now

Real-Life Design Dilemmas With Beth Diana Smith

Beth Diana Smith

Owner & Principal Designer, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design

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Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell

Co-Founders, Beekman 1802

Take an exclusive peek inside Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge’s new farmhouse renovation. The founders of Beekman 1802 discuss building their new kitchen around an existing fireplace, using various shades of paint on cabinets to create more depth and height, and dedicating a new room solely to displaying travel treasures. Watch along and get inspired to make unique adjustments to your own home.Watch Now

Design 101 (First Lesson: Call a Friend)

Ellen Pompeo

Actress, Producer and Director

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Interior Designer

Interior Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard joins his longtime friend and “design partner in crime” Ellen Pompeo to talk about their shared passion for upscale home design that embraces comfort. They discuss the ins and outs of home renovations they’ve done together, as well as share their tips on creating gorgeous-but-practical spaces. Watch Now

Makeover Takeover DIY: Gallery Wall 2.0

Brian Patrick Flynn

Interior Designer, Founder of Flynnside Out and Host, Magnolia Network’s Mind For Design

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn shows you how to turn a basic wall into a decor statement. Watch Now

Furniture DIYs with Alex Mata and Elisabeth Engelhart

Alex Mata

Craft Stylist, Good Housekeeping

Elisabeth Engelhart

Visual Styling Director, Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping stylists Alex Mata and Elisabeth Engelhart gave the same cabinet two completely different looks. Use the tips in their step-by-step tutorials to add personality to a piece you already own with cheap materials like stick-on wallpaper, fabric, and a few tools from your handy-dandy toolbox. Watch Now

Watch All of Day 2

Great Outdoor Spaces: Dream Decks, Pretty Patios, Al Fresco Kitchens & More

Leslie Adkins

Vice President of Marketing, Trex Company

Chris and Peyton Lambton

Hosts, DIY Network’s Yard Crashers and Lawn & Order

Allison Rhodes-Messner

Co-founder and CEO, Yardzen

Lori Bergamotto

Style Director, Good Housekeeping

Presented by Trex

When considering a major backyard transformation, where do you start? Presented by Trex Company, four outdoor design pros share secrets on picking the perfect layout, materials, lighting and shrubbery to best compliment your unique space and create an environment that is both stylish and functional. Watch Now

The Truth About Total Flips

Monique Valeris

Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping

Nischelle Turner

Co-host, Entertainment Tonight

Nischelle Turner, co-host of Entertainment Tonight and longtime DIY enthusiast, joins GH’s Monique Valeris to discuss her past experiences with home renovation projects, where she gets inspiration for new projects, and what is was like to work with an all-female team. She also shared deets about her new gig hosting the upcoming series Celebrity Home Renovation.Watch Now

Quick Fixes for Old Houses

Candis & Andy Meredith

Hosts, Magnolia Network’s Home Work

Eddie Ross

Co-founder and Chief Content Creator, Maximalist Studios

Holly Williams

Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Retail Entrepreneur and Serial House-Flipper

Elizabeth Finkelstein

Host, HGTV’s Upcoming Series Cheap Old Houses

Buying a fixer-upper can be a major time and money commitment. But with the right tools and guidance, turning it into the home of your dreams doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Listen in on this candid discussion with our old-home pros to learn from their mistakes and pick up priceless design tricks. Watch Now

Start Small, Conquer All: A DIY Painting Workshop Presented By Dutch Boy® Paints

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At Home With Gail Simmons

Gail Simmons

Host, Bravo’s Upcoming Series Top Chef Amateurs

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Finding Your Personal Style

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New York Times Best-Selling Author, Producer, Actress and Entrepreneur

Rachel Hardage Barrett

Editor in Chief, Country Living

Candace Cameron Bure reflects on her past roles on hit sitcoms Full House and Fuller House, and shares her exciting new home-makeover projects to come in the near future with Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Hardage Barrett.Watch Now

Makeover Takeover DIY: Geometric Wall Features

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Lifestyle Blogger

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Highly Debatable: This or That Part 2

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Ellen Pompeo

Actress, Producer and Director

Emily Henderson

Professional Stylist, Designer, NYT Bestselling Author and Founder of Style by Emily Henderson

Tamron Hall

Host and Executive Producer, Tamron Hall

Joni Lay

Blogger, Lay Baby Lay

Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon

The Brownstone Boys

Tara L. Paige

Creator, Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living Spaces

Jean Brownhill

Founder and CEO, Sweeten

Our favorite celebrities, interior designers, home bloggers, paint specialists, stylists and more share their thoughts on controversial design questions.Watch Now

Real-Life Design Dilemmas with Shea McGee

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Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, McGee & Co. and Studio McGee

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The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Renovations

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Jane Francisco

Editorial Director, Hearst Lifestyle Group & Editor in Chief, Good Housekeeping

Planning a major revamp? Home design veterans Drew and Jonathan Scott, a.k.a. the Property Brothers, give cost-effective solutions and budget-friendly tips to help overcome some of those “bound to happen” hiccups throughout the process. Plus, get the scoop on the trends they think will stick or sink. Watch Now
Thank you to the sponsors of the Country Living x Good Housekeeping 2021 Makeover Takeover Home Renovation Summit: Pergo Extreme, Trex, and Dutch Boy Paint. Check out goodhousekeeping.com/events for more information on upcoming summits.

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