Viscose is a widely used material in the fashion and textile industry. Although often confused with synthetic fabrics such as polyester , it has a unique origin and properties that set it apart from other fabrics.
The raw material
In this blog we will delve deeper into what this product is exactly, how it is produced, what are the benefits, and how to best care for the material. What is viscose? Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber that is made from natural materials.
The raw material for viscose is usually wood pulp, often from trees such as pine, beech or eucalyptus. Through a chemical process, this wood pulp is converted into fibres that can be spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
How is viscose made?
The production of viscose begins with dissolving wood pulp in a chemical solution to form a thick liquid known as viscose. This liquid is then forced through a spinneret (a device with small holes) to form thin filaments, which are then hardened and converted into fibers. These fibers are washed, bleached, dried, and finally spun into yarn.
The benefits
1. Breathable and lightweight: Viscose has a soft and smooth texture similar to natural fibers such as cotton and silk. It is breathable and feels lightweight on the skin, making it comfortable to wear, especially in warm climates.
2. Moisture absorbent: Like cotton, this fabric absorbs moisture well, making it an excellent choice for clothing worn directly on the skin, such as underwear and sportswear.
3. Versatile in style: The material can be woven in a variety of textures and weights, from lightweight chiffon-like fabrics to heavier, more structured materials. This makes it suitable for a wide range of garments, from dresses and blouses to trousers and skirts.
4. Colourfast: Viscose has excellent colourfastness and can be easily dyed into rich, vibrant colours. This makes it a popular choice for fashion designers who want to experiment with bold prints and patterns.
Care tips
If you have viscose garments, there are a few simple tips to keep them in good condition:
• Wash by hand or on a delicate cycle:
To minimize wear and tear and loss of shape, it is best to wash viscose garments by hand or in a washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water.
• Use a mild detergent:
Choose a mild detergent specially designed for delicate fabrics to avoid damaging the fibers.
• Do not wring:
After washing, you should not wring viscose clothing. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water and lay the garment flat to dry.
• Iron at low temperature:
If you need to iron viscose clothing, use a low temperature and iron on the inside to avoid shiny spots.
Conclusion
Viscose is a versatile and comfortable fabric often used in the fashion industry for its softness, breathability and color fastness.
Check out our blouses made of viscose (like in this photo).
Viscose is a great choice for clothing that is both stylish and comfortable. By taking good care of your viscose garments, you can extend their lifespan and continue to enjoy their unique properties.