Ramie

Natural

Plant fibre (bast)

A bast fibre from the ramie plant, similar to linen but with a silkier lustre. One of the strongest natural fibres — naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew, and insects.

Origin & Production

Extracted from the bark of the ramie plant (Boehmeria nivea), grown mainly in China and Southeast Asia. The fibre is decorticated, degummed, and spun into yarn.

Key Properties

Very strong (stronger than cotton, linen, or wool)
Natural silky lustre
Resistant to bacteria & mildew
Low elasticity
Stiff until broken in

Common Uses

Blended with cotton or linenSuiting & shirtingTable linensIndustrial textiles

Sustainability

Grows quickly with minimal pesticides. Fully biodegradable. Degumming process can be chemical-intensive, though enzymatic alternatives are emerging.

Care Instructions

Washing

Machine wash at 30-40 °C on gentle cycle. Ramie handles water well.

Drying

Line dry or tumble dry low. Dries quickly.

Ironing

High heat (200 °C) while damp, similar to linen.

Tips

Avoid repeated creasing in the same spot — low elasticity means fibres can break
Softens with wear but retains its shape
One of the most durable natural fibres when cared for properly

See how brands use Ramie

Inside the dashboard, track ramie adoption across brands, view season-over-season trends, and benchmark against competitors.

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Quick facts

Classification: Natural
Sub-type: Plant fibre (bast)
Key property: Very strong (stronger than cotton, linen, or wool)
Primary use: Blended with cotton or linen