Viscose Fabric

Apr 8, 2022

By Birds of Fabriclore

0 comments

Introduction to Viscose(Rayon) Fabric

Viscose fabric, also known as rayon fabric, is a semi-synthetic fabric generally used in textile and fashion industries.
Natural cellulose is used to make this fabric, which can be found in bamboo or wood pulp.
Cellulose goes through a chemical process to make this fiber.
These fibers are then woven into the cloth to produce viscose.
Viscose has a special combination of natural and synthetic properties.
Viscose is highly versatile and may be used in various design applications.
Currently, viscose fabric is well known for daily wear and high fashion.

History of Viscose Fabric

Viscose fabric, a type of rayon, was developed by Edward John Bevan and Charles Frederick Cross.
They invented the fabric in 1883 as a more affordable option than silk.
Due to its close resemblance to silk both in feel and look, viscose is popularly used in fashion and textiles.
Around the early 20th century, viscose gained a lot of traction.
By 1924, viscose was referred to as the ‘thick liquid used in making fabric’ while Rayon replaced it as the actual name of the fabric.
Viscose, a fabric made from cellulose, a chemical compound, has undergone a series of process evolutions.
In the 1970s, Lyocell was introduced, which was considered a sustainable fabric option at the time.
Tencel lifted the status of Lyocell to a type of viscose.
To this day, viscose is widely popular for its use in a variety of clothing and other products while remaining an expensive and soft fabric.

What is Viscose Fabric?

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp, commonly known as rayon when processed into cloth.
It is a silk substitute due to its smooth feel and similar drape.
"viscose" refers to the viscous liquid stage in its production process.
Although derived from an organic source, the extensive processing of wood pulp to create viscose blurs the line between natural and synthetic, resulting in a fabric combining both qualities.

Modern Innovations in Viscose Fabric

Modern viscose fabric has become more eco-friendly through innovations like the Lyocell process and recycled fibers.
Using low-impact solvents has been an added benefit of sustainability in viscose production.
Adopting water-free dyeing practices and efficiently using atmosphere resources have resulted in lower carbon footprint effects.
Viscose now has a soft feel and even greater durability and moisture transmission ability, raising the comfort to higher levels.
Designers are now skilled at integrating viscose with eco-friendly fabrics to produce more organic textiles.
The adoption of 3D weaving, digital print, and nanotechnology is aiding in improving viscose's outward and working characteristics.
Such progress has positioned viscose as a multifunctional and eco-friendly fabric.

What Makes Viscose Fabric Special?

Viscose material is comfortable to wear because it is soft, slightly silky in texture, and has the property of being breathable.
Vicoses sleek design gives it a comparable feel to silk, but it is significantly cheaper than it whilst providing elegance to the fabric.
Viscose is widely adaptable as it rolls off the body in graceful and flowing shapes, which complements most styles and textures.
Viscose proves to be more environmentally friendly than some synthetic alternatives because it is absorbent.
When viscose is combined with other fibers, it is claimed that the resulting fabric is more versatile.
As a result, this material can be found in everyday clothing and high-fashion garments.

How to Judge the Authenticity of Viscose Fabric?

Viscose catches fire easily just like cotton and releases flame immediately.
The burning smell of fabric is similar to the burning of leaves.
After burning the remains of the fabric feels like powder.

Types of Viscose Fabric:

Type of Viscose Fabric	Description	Uses
Plain Weave Viscose	Features a simple over-and-under pattern.	Ideal for everyday clothing, home textiles and accessories due to its sturdiness and versatility.
Twill Weave Viscose	Characterized by a diagonal rib pattern that enhances durability.	Commonly used for trousers, jackets and other durable textiles.
Satin Weave Viscose	Known for its glossy surface and smooth feel with a high thread count.	Perfect for evening wear, elegant dresses and lingerie due to its luxurious appeal.
Jacquard Weave Viscose	Features intricate patterns created through weaving.	Suitable for decorative fabrics and more complex designs in clothing.
Viscose Georgette	A lightweight fabric with a grainy feel, woven from highly twisted yarns.	Commonly used for scarves, shirts, dresses and upholstery projects due to its beautiful drape.
Viscose Lawn	Lightweight and sheer with a soft drape.	Ideal for blouses, dresses and skirts; it is semi-wrinkle resistant.
Viscose Poplin	Made from two yarns of different thicknesses in a tightly woven pattern.	A strong yet lightweight fabric suitable for shirts, everyday dresses and children's clothing.
Viscose Jersey	A stretchy fabric that drapes well and hugs the body.	Excellent for close-fitting garments like summer dresses and cozy winter tops due to its moisture-wicking properties.
Viscose Crepe	Has a slightly crinkled texture that adds depth.	Often used in structured garments like dresses and blouses.
Viscose Marocaine	Medium weight with a crepe-like feel.	Ideal for summer dresses, tops, and trousers due to its airy quality.

Advantages of Viscose Fabric

Viscose fabric offers affordable luxury, mimicking the look and feel of silk at a lower cost.
It is incredibly breathable, thus allowing you to stay cool during the summer and snug throughout the rest of the year.
Viscose is a great dyeing material, perfect for clothes that require bold and bright colors.
Due to its organic structure can be used as upholstery for home decor products or glam clothing.

Disadvantages of Viscose Fabric

It tends to wrinkle, and as a result, it may need to be pressed or steamed.
Although viscose is quite strong, it is weaker than cotton and linen, implying that its fabric may wear down quickly.
A viscose item must be carefully washed by hand or dry to keep the shape and feel.
The fabric is at risk of fading if it is exposed to strong sunlight for too long, so it needs to be careful while hand washing to not allow it to shrink further.
Therefore, viscose products require more care while cleaning them and generally using them.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Viscose Fabric

Viscose fabric has environmental and health concerns.
It contributes to ocean pollution and causes deforestation, although efforts are being made to improve sustainability.
The production of rayon involves the use of a harmful chemical called carbon disulfide, which can lead to serious health problems for workers, such as heart issues and eye damage.
While some factories have improved safety, many countries like China and India still have poor working conditions.
The increasing rayon production in these areas raises concerns about worker health and the environment.

How to Wash and Care for Viscose Fabric

How to Wash Viscose Fabric:

First, fill the sink or basin with cold water and add a softer detergent before washing the intricate viscose fabric.
Next, place the clothing into the water and move it around gently while allowing it to soak up for thirty minutes.
Put the garment in the water and gently move it around, letting it soak for up to 30 minutes.
Similarly, don’t twist or wring the viscose material, as that can damage the structure.
Gently press the fabric to eliminate any excess water and wrap it around a comfy, thick cotton towel so that it can absorb the leftover moisture instead.
Finally, either let it air dry or hang it on a padded hanger and while the fabric is drying, shape the clothing item so that no wrinkles can form.
For stains, use a diluted vinegar solution to get rid of the stains and avoid scrubbing the fabric.

How to Care Viscose Fabric:

Keep your viscose products in a cotton bag to reduce the risk of mildew, allowing them to breathe.
If you need to iron a garment, do so without exceeding medium heat. Steam can be particularly good for removing creases.
It’s best to check the care label of garments since some require dry cleaning.

The Role of Viscose Fabric in Fashion and Design

Viscose plays a significant role in modern fashion, being used in everything from high-end couture to everyday wear.
Its ability to mimic silk makes it ideal for creating garments that look expensive without the high price tag.
Designers are always finding new ways to experiment with the fabric for different styles and trends.

Common Applications and Uses of Viscose Fabric:

Category	Applications and Uses
Luxury Garments	Used in creating dresses, skirts, blouses and eveningwear due to its luxurious feel, soft texture and elegant drape.
Home Textiles	Ideal for upholstery, bed linens and curtains because of its smooth texture, breathability and beautiful drape.
Accessories	Viscose is used to make scarves, shawls and handbags, offering an elegant touch to outfits due to its soft, silky feel and versatility.

Manufacturing Process of Viscose Fabric:

Step	Description
1. Steeping	The first step in the manufacturing of viscose rayon involves treating the pulp for mercerization in the presence of NaOH. The pulp sheets are immersed in 18% NaOH, resulting in the creation of alkali cellulose.
2. Shredding	The alkali cellulose sheets are shredded into a light, fluffy mass using a machine with high-speed revolving blades.
3. Ageing	The shredded alkali cellulose crumbs are stored in a steel container under specific temperature conditions for 3 to 72 hours. This aging process reduces the chain length of the cellulose, which is necessary for the desired viscosity.
4. Xanthation	The aged alkali cellulose reacts with carbon disulfide in vats at controlled temperatures (20-30°C), forming cellulose xanthate.
5. Ripening	The viscose solution ripens for a certain period, during which the xanthate groups are redistributed and eventually lost. The viscosity of the solution fluctuates, eventually returning to its original value.
6. Preparation of Spinning Solution	The spinning solution has: 69% water, 1% zinc sulfate, 18% sodium sulfate, 2% glucose, and 10% sulfuric acid. The solution dissolves the sodium cellulose xanthate and converts it back into cellulose. It also makes the filaments soft, strong, and pliable.
7. Filtration	Someone filters the viscose solution. This removes undissolved materials that could disrupt the spinning process or defect the rayon filaments.
8. Wet Spinning	In the wet spinning process, a manufacturer pumps a ripened viscose solution through a spinneret with fine holes (0.05-0.1 mm in diameter). The filaments emerge and immerse themselves in a spinning bath. Then, workers pass them through rollers and wind them onto a spindle. This creates the final viscose rayon fibers.

Viscose vs Rayon: Understanding the Difference:

Category	Viscose	Rayon
Definition	Manufacturers make a specific type of rayon using the viscose process. In it, a chemical solution dissolves cellulose and spins it into fibers.	A general term for any fabric made from regenerated cellulose derived from plant-based materials like wood pulp, cotton linters or bamboo.
Production Method	Produced using the viscose process, which is the most common and traditional method for making rayon.	Includes various methods such as the viscose process, cuprammonium process and lyocell process.
Examples	Viscose fabric is made using the viscose process.	Rayon fabric can be made from various processes like viscose, cuprammonium and lyocell.
Eco-Friendliness	Viscose is the traditional and widely used method but it may involve harmful chemicals in the process.	Lyocell, an eco-friendly alternative, uses a closed-loop process that minimizes harmful chemicals.
Summary	Viscose is a type of rayon made using the viscose method.	Rayon is a broad category, which includes viscose, cuprammonium and lyocell fibers.

Bamboo Viscose: The Eco-Friendly Alternative

Bamboo viscose is a sustainable fabric made from bamboo pulp.
It’s eco-friendly because bamboo grows quickly and requires little water or pesticides.
The fabric is soft, breathable and absorbent, making it ideal for activewear and loungewear.
Bamboo viscose has natural antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties.
Although its production involves some chemicals, newer methods are reducing its environmental impact.
Bamboo viscose is becoming increasingly popular in eco-friendly fashion and home textiles.

Is Viscose a Good Material?

Viscose is a reasonable fabric that feels soft and silky.
It is suitable for summer clothing such as dresses and all kinds of loungewear.
The fabric allows ventilation and is not heavy, making it comfortable to wear in hot weather.
Viscose holds color very well thereby making it ideal for making extravagant colorful clothes.
It creases easily and therefore may need ironing or steaming very often.
Viscose is not as thick or tough as cotton fabric therefore it does tend to wear out quicker.
If handled properly, viscose is still a fashionable and appropriate fabric to wear.

Does Viscose Fabric Shrink?

Viscose can shrink if washed in hot water or dried with high heat.
To prevent shrinkage, wash viscose in cold or lukewarm water.
Use a gentle cycle when washing viscose garments.
Air dry viscose to maintain its shape and size.
Always test a small area first before washing the entire garment.
With proper care, you can avoid shrinkage and keep your viscose clothes in good shape.

Is Viscose Fabric Stretchy?

Viscose doesn’t stretch naturally on its own.
When blended with stretchy materials like elastane or spandex, viscose can have some give.
If you need stretch in your fabric, check for blends with elastic fibers.
Blended fabrics provide the flexibility that pure viscose lacks.

Is Viscose Expensive?

Viscose is more affordable compared to luxury fabrics like silk.
It offers a similar look and feel to silk but at a lower price.
Eco-friendly versions, such as bamboo or lyocell viscose, may cost more.
High-end brands may price viscose items higher despite its general affordability.
Overall, viscose is a cost-effective and versatile fabric option.

Viscose Fabric vs Other Fabrics:

Aspect	Viscose	Cotton	Linen
Texture and Feel	Soft, silky and smooth	Soft, breathable but less silky	Crisp, natural texture, breathable
Durability	Less durable than cotton and linen	Durable but prone to wrinkles	Strong and durable, especially in hot climates
Cost	More affordable than silk, but mid-range	Affordable	Mid-range pricing, more premium
Comfort	Excellent breathability and drape	Excellent breathability	Great for hot climates, natural feel
Care and Maintenance	Needs careful washing and care	Easy to maintain but wrinkles	Needs care to avoid wrinkles, good longevity
Market Position and Value	Affordable luxury	Everyday fabric	Luxury natural fabric

Where You Can Buy Viscose Fabric

Online Stores:

Fabriclore is known for offering high quality viscose fabrics, Fabriclore provides a wide range of options for various applications, including customization and wholesale orders.
Mood Fabrics is a popular destination for fabric enthusiasts, Mood Fabrics offers an extensive selection of viscose materials suitable for fashion and design projects.
Amazon or Etsy online marketplaces feature individual sellers offering unique or handmade viscose fabrics, allowing for a diverse range of choices for different needs.

Local Boutiques and Stores:

Many upscale boutiques and fabric shops carry viscose fabric, catering to designers and customers looking for quality options for fashion and home decor.
Specialty fabric stores, particularly in major cities, often stock a variety of viscose fabrics, offering a wide range of colors, patterns and weights for various design needs.

Conclusion

Viscose fabric is known for its smooth feel, flexibility and low cost, making it a popular choice for clothing and home decor. It looks luxurious and feels comfortable which makes it a favorite among designers and fashion lovers, offering a fancy look without the high price. While there are concerns about how it's made, newer eco-friendly options like lyocell and bamboo viscose are becoming more available, giving hope for a greener future. As technology in fabric production improves, viscose continues to be an important fabric, offering a mix of style, comfort and sustainability.

FAQs about Viscose Fabric

Is viscose better than cotton?

Viscose and cotton both have their advantages. Viscose is softer and shinier than cotton. It has a smooth texture, often resembling silk. But cotton is more breathable, absorbent and generally more durable. It depends on personal preferences and the fabric's use.

Is viscose fabric for summer or winter?

Viscose is versatile. It works in both summer and winter. However, it is more commonly associated with conditions that occur during warmer weather. It is lightweight, breathable and moisture-absorbing, making it ideal for summer clothing. In winter, use viscose in layered clothing. It helps with insulation but you may need to blend it with warmer fibers for comfort.

Is viscose eco-friendly?

Manufacturers make viscose from wood pulp, which comes from trees. It is renewable in technical terms. But the production process uses toxic chemicals, like carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide. If not managed, they can harm the environment.

Lyocell and other eco-friendly alternatives enhance sustainability. Lyocell is made in a closed-loop process. It recycles water and solvents, reducing pollution and waste. This makes lyocell a more environmentally friendly option than traditional viscose.

Can viscose be used for everyday clothing?

Yes, you can use viscose for everyday clothing. It is comfortable, breathable, and has a stylish appearance. Many people wear viscose in the form of blouses, dresses, skirts and shirts. But it needs careful care to keep its look. Wash it with care and avoid excessive heat.

Is viscose fabric good?

People know viscose fabric for its softness, luxurious feel and versatility. It has extensive applications in fashion and design, including garments, upholstery and bedding. It may not be as durable as some natural fibers. But its feel and look are very desirable.

What is the most expensive viscose fabric?

Luxury brands use the finest viscose and luxurious fibers like silk, cashmere and wool. These blends can enhance the fabric's look and feel, making it more expensive. Upscale fashion items often use high-quality viscose blends. This raises their price.

Fabric Sourcing by Countries & Cities