Viscose Fabric: The Secret Weapon for Comfort, Style & Affordability
Viscose fabric, also known as rayon, is a versatile and popular choice for raw materials in the fashion industry. Made from regenerated cellulose fibers derived from beech or spruce wood pulp, eucalyptus, bamboo, or cotton linter, Viscose is a beautiful blend of natural and synthetic fibers.
Even with a smooth texture and silk-like appearance, Viscose or artificial silk is much more budget-friendly and the manufacturing process is comparatively simpler.
Best for outdoor wear and athleisure as it is a climate-regulating fabric and is made without the use of petroleum, viscose is skin-friendly and a great choice for people with any skin allergies. The manufacturing process involves treating the cellulose with chemicals under high pressure to create a viscous solution, then extruded into fine fibers spun into yarn or woven into fabric.
Breathability and Comfort
Breathability is one of the reasons why Viscose is favoured for garments. Its porous nature allows air to circulate, keeping the wearer cool and preventing excessive sweating. So much that the fabric is chosen for summer dresses, shirts, and skirts.
The fabric drapes beautifully, has a natural feel to it and a flowing airy quality because it’s not 100% synthetic, so it can easily be substituted for natural silk or cotton. Its softness, comfortability and subtle sheen makes it so versatile that it finds multiple usages combined with cotton, wool, linen or lycra. Although it can shrink and is not stretchy, it’s easier to maintain than pure natural fibers with better strength and stability.
Softness and Drape
Viscose fabric is renowned for its softness and luxurious feel. The fibers have a smooth texture, similar to silk, which adds a touch of elegance to any garment. The softness of viscose fabric also contributes to its comfort. It feels gentle against the skin and does not cause irritation or friction. Whether used for clothing, home textiles, or accessories, viscose fabric offers a pleasant tactile experience.
Absorbency and Moisture-wicking
The viscose fibers have a high moisture absorption rate to the tune of 400 percent of its own weight, making it suitable for clothing that needs to absorb and release moisture quickly. Its cooling effect helps the wearer stay dry and comfortable even in heavy humidity.
Even if the fabric gets wet, it dries quickly so if you’re traveling and would prefer to keep an extra towel, viscose towels can come in handy, and so would sneakers made of viscose. This is why viscose is also an excellent choice for activewear and sports clothing.
Versatility in Fashion
With its blending qualities, Viscose allows for a wide range of fabric compositions. It can be used to create casual everyday wear, formal attire, dresses, blouses, skirts, and trousers, as well as accessories like scarves and shawls. Since it’s easy to dye and retains colour very well, the fabric comes in vibrant colours, hues, and intricate patterns, enabling a wide gamut of printed designs and statement pieces.
Although not fully sustainable, Viscose is biodegradable as it is made of renewable cellulose.
Caring for Viscose
When wet, viscose loses its strength, and absorbing sweat can affect its colour in the long run so it needs to be hand washed after every use. Iron viscose in a silk setting while adding a pressing cloth in between the iron and the fabric.
What more?
If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly and durable material where the vibrant colours last long, are easy to maintain, and come in varied shapes and patterns, look no further than the hybrid fabric Viscose!
