Viscose fabric
Cellulose from wood pulp (eucalyptus, pine, bamboo). Cellulose is dissolved with chemicals, forced through tiny holes and set into filaments. It's neither natural nor synthetic but regenerated.
Also called: rayon
How it feels
Soft, slippery and fluid – silk-like.
Season: Summer and hot days – it keeps you cool.
What it's used for
Dresses, blouses, linings, summer clothes.
Made for flowing midi dresses, printed blouses and summer trousers – wherever drape matters.
Pros
- Looks like silk for less
- Breathable and cool
Cons
- Loses up to half its strength when wet
- Shrinks and creases
- Chemical-heavy production
Care: a typical label
Always follow your own garment's label – blends and finishes change the care.
How it's constructed
Plain weave. The simplest weave: each thread goes over one, under one. Strong, matte, the same on both sides, but creases more easily.
A little history
Viscose was patented in England in 1892 as 'artificial silk' – an affordable alternative to silk.
How to recognise it
Regenerated fibres are smooth, slightly lustrous, very drapey and cool to the touch. Noticeably weaker when wet. They burn smelling of paper, like cotton.
Sustainability
Renewable and biodegradable, but viscose production is chemical-heavy. Lyocell (Tencel) is made in a closed loop – the cleanest choice. Look for FSC or Lenzing EcoVero.
When buying
'Bamboo' on a label usually means viscose. Modal and lyocell shrink less than plain viscose – worth paying more for clothes you wash often.
Compare it
Frequently asked
01What is viscose?
Cellulose from wood pulp (eucalyptus, pine, bamboo). Cellulose is dissolved with chemicals, forced through tiny holes and set into filaments. It's neither natural nor synthetic but regenerated.
02Is viscose a natural fabric?
Partly: the raw material is natural (wood cellulose) but the fibre is made chemically – it's regenerated, neither natural nor synthetic.
03Does viscose shrink?
Yes – viscose shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat.
04Is viscose breathable?
Yes: viscose lets air through and absorbs moisture – cool in the heat.