Viscose fabric is a type of material that has gained popularity due to its versatility, softness, and unique properties. Known for its silk-like feel, excellent drape, and breathable nature, viscose is widely used in various types of clothing and textiles. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about viscose fabric, including its composition, uses, care considerations, and more.
What Is Viscose Material?
Viscose, also called rayon, is a semi-synthetic fabric that has been around since the late 19th century. Originally created as a cheaper alternative to silk, viscose offers similar softness and fluidity, making it a favorite for designing garments with elegant flow and comfort.
One of the standout features of this fabric is its drape. It flows beautifully, creating a graceful silhouette, which makes it an ideal choice for garments like dresses, blouses, and skirts. Besides being stylish, viscose is breathable and highly absorbent, keeping the wearer comfortable in both warm and cool conditions. People with sensitive skin also favor viscose due to its gentle texture.
What Is Viscose Made From?
Viscose is derived from natural cellulose, the primary component of plant cell walls. Wood pulp from fast-growing trees such as beech, pine, or eucalyptus is the main source. Bamboo or cotton linters may also be used as alternative raw materials.
The manufacturing process, called the viscose process, involves several chemical steps to transform cellulose into viscose fibers. Here’s a simplified overview:
- Steeping - Cellulose (usually from wood pulp) is treated with sodium hydroxide to create alkali cellulose.
- Pressing and Shredding - Excess liquid is pressed out of the cellulose, and it is shredded into small pieces.
- Aging - The cellulose pieces are aged to make them suitable for further processing.
- Xanthation - The shredded cellulose is mixed with carbon disulfide, creating a soluble compound.
- Dissolving - The mixture is dissolved in sodium hydroxide, resulting in a viscous liquid referred to as viscose.
- Spinning - The viscose solution is pushed through a spinneret into an acid bath, forming fibers.
- Finishing - The fibers are washed, bleached, and dried before being spun into yarn or woven into fabric.
Although viscose is made from natural cellulose, the chemical processing gives it characteristics that combine the benefits of both natural and synthetic fabrics.
Uses of Viscose Fabric
Viscose is prized for its versatility, allowing it to be used in various types of fabrics and garments. It works well for:
- Clothing: Its smooth texture and elegant drape make it a top choice for dresses, tops, skirts, and casual wear. Its softness makes it popular for t-shirts, lingerie, and sleepwear.
- Home Textiles: Due to its absorbency, viscose is sometimes used for soft, breathable household items like towels, bedding, and curtains.
- Blends: Viscose is often combined with other fibers, enhancing the properties of blended fabrics.
Its comfort, breathability, and natural feel make viscose appealing for a wide audience, addressing needs in fashion and function alike.
Is Viscose Eco-Friendly?
The eco-friendliness of viscose fabric depends heavily on production methods. On one hand, viscose is made from renewable plant-based sources, such as wood pulp. This gives it an edge over petroleum-based synthetic fibers like polyester. However, the manufacturing process involves the use of harsh chemicals, like carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide, which need to be carefully managed to prevent pollution.
Efforts to make viscose production more sustainable include using closed-loop systems that recycle water and chemicals, as well as obtaining cellulose from responsibly managed forests. These advancements are promising steps toward minimizing the environmental impact of viscose.
Viscose vs. Other Fabrics
Viscose vs. Polyester
- Source: Viscose is semi-synthetic, derived from natural cellulose, while polyester is fully synthetic and petroleum-based.
- Moisture Handling: Polyester wicks moisture, making it ideal for activewear, while viscose absorbs moisture, providing better breathability for casual wear.
- Durability: Polyester is generally stronger and more wrinkle-resistant, whereas viscose requires more care to maintain its quality.
Viscose vs. Modal
Modal is a type of rayon that undergoes further processing than viscose, making it more durable and resistant to shrinkage. Modal is also softer and has better moisture-wicking properties, making it a preferred option for activewear or summer clothing.
Is Viscose Stretchy?
Viscose is not naturally stretchy, as it lacks elasticity. However, when blended with fabrics like spandex, it can achieve added flexibility. On its own, viscose drapes well without clinging to the body, allowing for a more relaxed fit.
Does Viscose Shrink?
Viscose is prone to shrinking, particularly if exposed to high heat during washing or drying. Washing it carefully with cold water and air-drying garments can help avoid damage or changes in size.
How To Care for Viscose Fabric
While delicate, viscose can last a long time if handled properly. Dry cleaning is ideal, but if you wash at home, use cold water and mild detergent. Air dry your clothes rather than putting them in the dryer, as high heat can shrink or distort the fabric. Educating customers about these care guidelines ensures their garments maintain quality over time.
Viscose Fabric Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Soft, silky texture
- Excellent drape and flow
- Breathable and absorbent
- Biodegradable and sourced from natural materials
- Comfortable and versatile
Cons:
- Prone to shrinking and wrinkling
- Requires careful care and washing
- Can be less durable than synthetic options
- Environmental concerns during production
Printing on Viscose
Printing on viscose requires special considerations due to its soft and absorbent nature. Direct-to-film (DTF) transfers are a reliable method for printing on viscose, as they work on all fabric types and maintain the fabric's integrity without adding unnecessary weight. Screen printing is possible with adjustments like using water-based inks and low heat settings. However, direct-to-garment (DTG) or sublimation methods are less effective for viscose.
Design Tip: To preserve the lightweight and breathable nature of viscose, choose smaller prints with plenty of negative space. Avoid heavy, dense designs that could weigh down the fabric or compromise its elegant drape.
Why Choose Viscose for Your Custom Apparel?
Viscose offers a delightful combination of comfort, style, and versatility. Its fluid drape and soft texture make it a fantastic fabric for creating high-quality custom apparel, while its eco-friendly potential speaks to the growing demand for sustainable materials. By understanding its properties and care requirements, you can make the most of viscose, whether for personal projects or business ventures.
