What is a Viscose filament?

Jul 15, 2024

By Fabriclore

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Introduction to Viscose Filament Fabric

It is known for its silk-like shine, soft texture and smooth drape.
It gives the luxurious look and feel of silk but is more affordable.
Ideal for designers and manufacturers who want elegance at a lower cost.

Origin and History of Viscose Filament Fabric

Developed in the late 1800s as a cost-effective alternative to natural silk.
The viscose process was invented by British chemists Charles Cross and Edward Bevan in 1892.
The first commercial production of viscose rayon began around 1905.
Viscose Filament Yarn (VFY) came soon after, offering a smoother, glossier version of viscose.
Made using a wet spinning process, resulting in continuous, fine filaments.
Different from staple viscose, which resembles cotton fabric , filament viscose is known for its silk-like shine and strength.

What is Viscose Filament Fabric?

Viscose filament fabric is a semi-synthetic fabric made from natural cellulose, usually extracted from wood pulp.
The yarn is a long, continuous fiber derived from regenerated cellulose.
It combines the softness of natural fibers with the performance of synthetic materials.

Manufacturing Process of Viscose Filament Fabric:

Step	Description
Cellulose Extraction	Wood pulp, typically from beech, eucalyptus, or bamboo, is treated to isolate pure cellulose.
Alkali Treatment	The pulp is steeped in sodium hydroxide to form alkali cellulose.
Xanthation	Carbon disulfide is added to create a viscose solution.
Spinning	The solution is extruded through spinnerets into a sulfuric acid bath, forming filaments.
Drawing & Washing	Filaments are stretched, washed and dried to increase strength and luster.
Winding & Weaving	The continuous yarn is then woven into fabric.

Types of Viscose Filament Fabric:

Type	Description
Plain Viscose Filament	Smooth and shiny fabric, commonly used for linings, scarves and flowy dresses.
Crepe Viscose Filament	Has a slightly crinkled texture, perfect for blouses and sarees.
Jacquard Viscose Filament	Features woven patterns, sometimes with metallic threads, used in luxury clothing.
Blended Viscose Filament	Mixed with polyester, cotton, or spandex to add strength, breathability, or stretch.

Benefits of Viscose Filament Fabric

Budget-Friendly Alternative to Silk: Looks and feels like silk but costs much less.
Excellent Drape: Falls beautifully, making it perfect for sarees, kurtas, skirts and dresses.
Breathable and Gentle on Skin: Made from natural materials, it's more breathable than polyester and soft to wear.
Takes Color Well: Easily absorbs dyes for rich colors and bold prints.
Absorbs Moisture: Keeps you comfortable in hot and humid weather.

Drawbacks of Viscose Filament Fabric

Wrinkles Easily: It can crease quickly, just like other natural fiber fabrics.
Weaker When Wet: The fabric becomes weaker when wet, so it needs gentle washing.
Can shrink: If not washed or dried correctly, it may shrink.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Chemical waste: Harmful chemicals like sulfuric acid and carbon disulfide are used.
Water pollution: If waste is not treated correctly, it can pollute rivers and lakes.
Deforestation: Cutting down too many trees for wood pulp can damage forests.

Eco-Friendly Solutions:

Lenzing's EcoVero™ and Birla Cellulose's Green VFY offer sustainable viscose filament options.
Many brands are shifting toward closed-loop manufacturing to reuse water and chemicals.
FSC-certified and PEFC-certified pulp sources promote responsible forestry practices.

Applications of Viscose Filament Fabric:

Industry	Use Cases
Apparel	Sarees, blouses, scarves, evening gowns, linings and ethnic wear
Home Textiles	Curtains, upholstery, cushion covers, drapes
Textile Printing	Ideal for digital and block printing due to its high dye absorption
Industrial	Used in sewing threads, ribbons and specialty weaves

How Viscose Filament Fabric Compares with Others:

Aspect	Viscose Filament	Cotton	Polyester	Silk
Texture	Smooth, glossy	Soft, matte	Slightly rough, shiny	Ultra-smooth, natural shine
Breathability	High	High	Low	High
Drape	Excellent	Moderate	Moderate	Excellent
Cost	Moderate	Low to medium	Low	High
Eco-Friendly	Depends on the process	Natural	Not biodegradable	Natural, but ethical concerns

Care and Maintenance Tips

Washing: Hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent. Do not wring the fabric.
Drying: Lay flat to dry or hang in the shade to dry. Avoid using a tumble dryer.
Ironing: Use a low heat setting and place a cloth over the fabric while ironing.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and color fading.

Market Trends and Demand

The demand for viscose filament yarn is growing worldwide, especially in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where it's used in traditional and luxury clothing.
As consumers become more aware of sustainable fashion, brands are choosing eco-certified viscose.

Where to Buy Viscose Filament Fabric

Online Platforms:

Fabriclore: India's top wholesale supplier offering high-quality viscose filament fabric with custom prints and low MOQs.
Indiamart is a good platform for bulk buyers looking for Indian viscose filament yarn manufacturers, while Alibaba connects you with suppliers of viscose filament fabric from around the world.

Offline Sources:

Textile Markets in Surat, Mumbai and Delhi: Popular hubs in India for sourcing viscose filament fabric.
Local Wholesale Dealers: Ideal for designers and boutique owners who want to inspect fabric in person.

Conclusion

Viscose filament fabric blends natural fibers with synthetic technology, giving it a soft feel, excellent drape and flexibility. It's a favorite choice for designers and brands. While traditional viscose can harm the environment, new eco-friendly methods are making it better for the planet. Whether you're designing or buying fabric for production, viscose filament brings elegance, versatility and value.

FAQs

Q. Is viscose filament the same as rayon?

Yes, viscose filament is a type of rayon made from continuous filaments, resulting in a smoother finish.

Q. Is viscose filament good for summer?

It is breathable and moisture-absorbent, making it ideal for hot climates.

Q. Can I use viscose filament for formal wear?

Yes, its sheen and drape make it perfect for formal wear like sarees, gowns and elegant dresses.

Q. Is viscose filament eco-friendly?

Viscose filament can be eco-friendly when produced sustainably by brands like Lenzing and Birla Cellulose, using closed-loop processes.

Q. How can I identify viscose filament fabric?

Look for a glossy finish, smooth texture and excellent drape. It resembles silk but is slightly heavier.

Fabric Sourcing by Countries & Cities

Fabriclore is a leading B2B fabric sourcing platform dedicated to empowering fashion designers, apparel manufacturers, and clothing brands worldwide. Our extensive collection includes natural fibers like cotton fabric, linen fabric, and silk fabric; man-made fibers such as viscose and polyester; and sustainable options like LENZING™, LIVA™, BEMBERG™ Cupro, and organic cotton.

We offer a variety of services, including custom digital printing, screen printing, hand block printing, solid dyeing, and access to a vast Ready-for-Dyeing (RFD) fabric collection.

Committed to speed, quality and ease of buying, Fabriclore ships 100+ mill-dyed fabrics and customized digital printed fabric in just 15 days, backed by a 4-point inspection system and international test certifications.

We support fashion businesses with low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), custom print development, sampling assistance, and mockup visualization, all designed to simplify and enhance the fabric sourcing process.

Explore our diverse range of custom printed, ready mill-dyed, and yarn-dyed fabrics to find the perfect match for your next collection. For personalized assistance or inquiries, reach out to us at hello@fabriclore.com. Experience seamless, authentic, and affordable fabric sourcing with Fabriclore.