What is Viscose? 7 Facts You Ought to Know
We all know viscose fabric, or have been wearing it for many years now. It’s soft, durable, and one of the most popular textiles across the world. But how well do we actually know viscose? Here are seven facts that you ought to know now – from discovering just what is viscose fabric, to its history and how viscose is made. Let’s dive in….
1. Viscose is a type of Rayon
Rayon is an extremely versatile type of fabric, and mainly because of its incredible ability to mimic other fabrics. Its versatility has enabled it to take on similar properties to that of silk, cotton wool and many others. It can be used in almost any type of clothing that you can think of. Known as a regenerated, semisynthetic textile filament, it is made from cellulose, cotton linters or wood chips/pulp.
2. Viscose is neither natural or synthetic
As the main ‘ingredient’ of rayon is wood pulp, it could be argued that it is a natural fabric, but this super-natural ingredient endures a lengthy production process before it actually becomes a wearable fabric. Yes, it arrives from natural wood pulp, but once processed, becomes a thick, honey-like liquid that then settles into a solid form. Hence a ‘semisynthetic’ fabric.
3. Viscose has many different properties
This makes it a very popular fibre to work with. It is versatile in that it blends very well with other fibres. It is very breathable, does not trap body heat and is relatively light on the skin. It is also highly absorbent, strong and robust, while feeling very smooth and drapes very well. You can see why it is used widely for many different reasons!
4. Viscose is relatively easy to manufacture
Thanks to its many qualities and easy manufacturing, it is popular across all industries – and not just for creating clothing. Yes, it is a good substitute for cotton and can be used instead of some luxurious fabrics such as velvet and taffeta, but it can also be found in some feminine hygiene products and tyre cords!
5. The word ‘viscose’ comes from its manufacturing process
A type of Rayon, it was originally known as ‘artificial silk’ because of its smooth, shiny qualities. There are three types of rayon: modal, lyocell and viscose. During the process of rayon, at one point it is a ‘viscous’ (meaning gloopy, thick and sticky) type of liquid that, after it has settles into a solid form it can be used for a material or fabric. ‘Viscous’ then became ‘viscose’, the most popular of the three rayons.
6. It is relatively hassle-free
Yes – anything made with viscose doesn’t really need to be ironed! This is because of its breathable property (and manmade manufacturing). If you are not happy with the finished look of your viscose garment, you can actually iron it if you need to – as long as you use the low or medium setting in your iron.
Find out more about how to iron viscose...
7. It’s very comfortable
Viscous is the perfect choice if you’re looking to be comfortable. Clothes made from viscose are non-flammable, very soft and extremely lightweight. It’s not exactly the same as silk, but can feel as luxurious – with the same soft cosy feel. Viscose is the best choice for a fabric!