Viscose Explained
In brief: Viscose, also called rayon, is a semi-synthetic regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp. Invented in 1894, it remains the most common rayon variant and accounts for around 6 percent of global fibre production. Viscose offers a silk-like lustre, excellent drape and high absorbency, with 11 to 14 percent moisture regain. Its weaknesses are low wet strength, losing 40 to 70 percent when wet, plus wrinkling and shrinking. Modal and lyocell are improved alternatives.
What is viscose?
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fibre, meaning it is made from a natural raw material, wood pulp, that has been chemically processed and regenerated into fibre. It is also widely known as rayon, and it was invented in 1894 as an affordable alternative to silk. Today viscose remains the most common variant of rayon and accounts for around 6 percent of global fibre production. Because it starts as cellulose from wood, it shares some of the comfort and absorbency of natural fibres, while the manufacturing process gives it the smooth, fluid character that made it a popular silk substitute.
How viscose feels and behaves
The appeal of viscose lies in its silk-like lustre and excellent drape, which let it flow and hang beautifully in dresses, blouses and lightweight clothing. It is also highly absorbent, with a moisture regain of 11 to 14 percent, so it feels cool and breathable against the skin in warm conditions. These qualities make viscose a favourite for summer womenswear, where softness, sheen and a fluid silhouette matter most. At an accessible price point, it delivers a luxurious look and feel that would otherwise require far more expensive silk.
The weaknesses and better alternatives
Viscose has real drawbacks that are worth knowing. Its biggest weakness is low wet strength: the fibre loses roughly 40 to 70 percent of its strength when wet, which makes it vulnerable during washing, and it is also prone to wrinkling and shrinking. These limitations spurred the development of improved regenerated cellulose fibres. Modal and lyocell, the latter sold as TENCEL, offer enhanced wet strength and a lower environmental impact. There is also LENZING ECOVERO, a sustainably-sourced viscose variant carrying EU Ecolabel certification, for buyers who want viscose with better environmental credentials.
Viscose at OD's Designer Clothing
At OD's Designer Clothing, viscose and other regenerated cellulose fabrics appear in summer dresses, blouses and lightweight clothing across our womenswear collections, delivering silk-like drape at accessible price points. Knowing how viscose behaves, especially that it needs gentle care when wet, helps you get the best from these pieces. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect, and our St Helens store is open to visitors across the North West.