Viscose is a semi-synthetic type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp that is used as a substitute for silk, as it has a similar drape and smooth feel to the luxury material. The term “viscose” refers specifically to the solution of wood pulp converted into the fabric. The fabric was first produced in 1883.
The fabric feels nice and soft and has a luxurious feel. Viscose is a semi-natural fibre. To turn the small pieces of wood into fibre, chemicals are added.
This is how viscose is made
- The plant is shredded into wood pulp until a brown wood pulp solution is produced.
- This brown wood pulp is then washed, cleaned and bleached.
- To make the fibres, the pulp is treated with carbon disulphide and then dissolved in sodium hydroxide to create the solution.
- The viscose solution is pressed through a spinneret, a machine that makes thin threads (cellulose).
- This regenerated cellulose is spun into yarn, which can then be woven or knitted into rayon fabric.
What are the features?
Viscose is a great option if you are looking for a light and softly lustrous fabric with a beautiful drape. Thanks to its softness and slight sheen, the fabric has a luxurious feel. It blends well with other fibres and is ideal for hand-dyeing.
- Absorbent . The fabric does not retain heat but also absorbs water and sweat well, making it ideal for t-shirts and sportswear.
- Lightweight . The material is extremely airy, making it nice to wear.
- Breathable . It is a very lightweight fabric that does not stick to the body, so it is optimal for warm-weather clothing.
- Soft . While the material looks like silk, it feels like cotton.
- Retains shape . The fabric is not elastic.
- Fast dyeing . Viscose can hold dye without fading, even after prolonged use and washes.
Wash
Viscose clothing needs to be dry-cleaned and sometimes stain treatments can lead to permanent stains. It can stretch and becomes much weaker when wet.
If you choose to wash the fabric, always wash it by hand in cold water to avoid paint bleeding. Use a mild detergent and work it gently into the fabric. Do not wring or squeeze the item to avoid stretching it. Rinse and shake out the water and hang or lay flat to dry.
Is it a good fabric?
The fabric is definitely recommended to people looking for airy clothes. Viscose absorbs moisture well and stays breathable in warm weather The fabric breathes very well.
Is viscose synthetic or natural?
Viscose is made from natural wood fibres, such as cellulose in wood pulp, bamboo, or cotton. Processing into textile fibres is a chemical process. Therefore, viscose fibre for textiles is also called a semi-natural fibre.