What is ramie fabric?
Ramie is a natural plant fiber taken from the stems of a nettle-family plant (Boehmeria nivea), grown mainly in parts of Asia. Like linen, it is a bast fiber, meaning it comes from the stem rather than from a seed pod as cotton does. Ramie has been used for textiles for a very long time, and it is typically spun into yarns that give a smooth, slightly lustrous cloth. It is often blended with cotton, linen, silk or synthetics.
Pros of ramie
- Strength: Ramie is generally described as a strong natural fiber.
- Breathability: The cloth is usually airy and absorbent, which suits warm weather.
- Appearance: It often has a smooth look with a subtle sheen, similar to linen.
- Resistance to mildew: It is commonly said to resist mold and mildew better than some other plant fibers.
- Holds shape: It tends to keep its form fairly well and may shrink less than some cottons (see does cotton shrink in the wash), though results vary with finishing.
Cons of ramie
- Stiffness: Ramie can feel crisp or harsh, especially in 100% ramie fabrics.
- Low stretch: It has little elasticity, so garments can feel restrictive and may crease or break at folds.
- Wrinkling: It can wrinkle, much like linen.
- Sheerness: Lightweight ramie can be see-through, so linings may be needed (compare other see-through cloths in sheer fabric types).
- Availability: It is less common in shops than cotton or linen, and quality varies.
Ramie versus linen and cotton
Ramie and linen look and feel similar, and both are breathable. Linen is generally softer after washing and more widely available. Ramie is often stiffer but can be stronger and a little smoother-looking. Cotton is softer and stretchier than either (see is cotton stretchable) and easier to find, but it can feel warmer in heavy weights.
Many manufacturers blend ramie with cotton or linen to soften the feel and reduce wrinkles. To learn more about the linen side of this comparison, see our guide to linen fabric for hot weather.
Is ramie good for summer?
Generally yes. Its breathability and light weights make it a reasonable option for summer shirts, tops, trousers and dresses, though stiffness may bother some wearers. For a wider comparison of warm-weather choices, see the best shirt fabric for summer.
Is ramie expensive?
Ramie is often priced somewhere similar to linen, and sometimes higher than cotton. Part of the reason is that extracting and processing the fiber from the stem is labor-intensive. Prices vary a lot by quality, blend content and brand, so compare labels rather than assuming. Blends are usually cheaper than pure ramie.
Is ramie bad for you? (the “unhealthiest fabric” question)
People sometimes ask which fabric is “unhealthiest” to wear. There is no simple ranking, and it is best not to make strong claims. In general, comfort and skin reactions depend on the individual, the fit, the dyes and finishes, and how the garment is washed. Some people with sensitive skin find stiff or rough fabrics irritating; if that is you, a ramie blend or a pre-washed piece may feel better. If you have a skin condition or concerns, check with a health professional. Washing new garments before wearing is a common precaution.
Caring for ramie
- Check the care label first, since blends and finishes differ.
- Wash gently in cool or lukewarm water; avoid harsh agitation, which can stress the fibers.
- Avoid wringing and sharp creasing in the same place.
- Air-dry, or use low heat, and iron while slightly damp if you prefer a smooth finish.
- Dry cleaning may be suggested for tailored pieces.
FAQ
What is ramie fabric?
A natural, linen-like fabric made from the stem fibers of the ramie plant.
Is ramie expensive?
It can cost more than cotton and is often similar to linen. Blends tend to cost less.
Are “Remi” and cotton or linen the same?
“Remi” is most likely a misspelling of ramie. Ramie is a separate fiber from both cotton and linen, although it is often blended with them and can resemble linen.