Viscose Fabric | How It’s Produced, Properties and Applications

Rayon, which is also called viscose, is a fiber that is semi-synthetic and derived from cellulose. The fashion sector often prefers to use these materials due to their similarity to silk and numerous other advantages that the fabric offers. 

Let’s explore the properties and uses of viscose fabric, how to care for it, how it’s produced and the environmental impacts of it, within this blog. 

What is Viscose? | Brief History of Invention

In the mid 19th century, natural silk was limited -so it was expensive. Scientists feel the need to produce a cheaper version of the shiny look and soft feel of the silk fabric. 

Hilaire de Chardonnet, a French engineer, was first to patent artificial silk. In late 1870’s, an epidemic was destroying the French silkworms. Chardonnet and Louis Pastor were working together to find a cure for silkworms. During these trials, Chardonnet discovered nitrocellulose, which has a potential for replacing the real silk. He understood the importance of this discovery, and kept working on it. 

In the 1889 Paris Exhibition, he displayed his new invention as ‘’Chardonnet silk’’ (soie de Chardonnet) However, the materials he used were highly flammable. Eventually, his material was replaced with more stable ones. 

A more secure and useful method was uncovered by British scientists Charles Frederick Cross, Edward John Bevan, and Clayton Beadle in the 1880s. They created a process to transform wood pulp into a heavy liquid, giving it the name "viscose" because of its sticky consistency. In May 1892, they took out the patent. 

The UK enterprise Courtaulds Fibres, created the initial commercial viscose rayon in November 1905. The process swiftly made its way to Europe and the U.S. leading to viscose becoming the very first artificial fiber produced in large volumes. 

What is rayon made of though? Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric made of regenerated cellulose. Which actually is made from wood pulp. Before it becomes a fabric, it needs to go through some chemical procedures.

What is Viscose Fabric? | The Production Process 

The natural substance cellulose, which is vital for fiber formation, is present in wood pulps. These pulps originate from various trees like pine, beech, eucalyptus, or even bamboo.

Then wood pulp is mixed with sodium hydroxide -also known as caustic soda. This process turns wood pulp into a brown, soft, spongy material -which is called alkali cellulose. After washing and cleaning the material, it is left to rest.

For fiber production, the pulp is first processed with carbon disulfide and subsequently dissolved in sodium hydroxide, resulting in the solution called "viscose’’

A spinneret, which is a machine that spins out filaments, has the viscose solution forced through it, creating what's known as regenerated cellulose.

The viscose fibers undergo washing to eliminate any residual chemicals. Finally, fibers woven or knitted into fabric. 

How is this rayon fabric being used though? Let’s dive into the properties of the fabric and answer the questions like is viscose stretchy or is viscose breathable. 

Viscose Fabric Properties and Applications

You can't go wrong with viscose if you're hoping for a fabric that's light, has a good flow, a glossy look, and a smooth touch. The fabric is quite affordable and manages to give off a luxurious vibe for a considerably lower amount. That’s why 100% viscose material has wide ranges of applications. 

• Viscose is a really lightweight material, and doesn't hug your skin. It has a breezy flow, keeping it breathable. That makes it definitely a go-to item when thinking about summer outfits like dresses and blouses. 

  
  

• While viscose rayon won't keep heat in, it's super absorbent when it comes to water and sweat. That’s why it is a great choice for athletic wear and t-shirts.

  
  

• Viscose clothing has a silk texture. While it has a luxurious drape, it has a very soft texture and is gentle on the skin. 

  
  

• It mixes nicely with different fabrics such as cotton, polyester or lycra. This enhances durability and minimizes wrinkles. 

  
  

• Rayon materials can be dyed wonderfully, resulting in vivid, vibrant and rich colours. 

  
  

• Producing viscose for fabrics is a significantly less expensive option than working with actual silk.

Because of all its characteristics, viscose fabric ends up being used in tons of ways. When it comes to summer wear, viscose fabrics are a great fit for items such as skirts, blouses, dresses,linings, and trousers in the fashion world. Thanks to its high absorbency, it is also perfectly suited for sportswear.

You'll often find viscose in home textiles such as curtains, upholstery, pillowcases, and bed linens thanks to its lovely soft feel and beautiful glimmer. 

Care Tips for Viscose Fabric

To make your viscose garments enjoyable for an extended period, here are some care tips:

• It's best to wash clothes turned inside out and always use a laundry bag for delicate fabrics. 

• Keep the wash temperature at 30 degrees or less, select a delicate wash program and put the spin on its lowest setting. 

• Viscose might get 3-5% smaller when you wash it, but you can iron it back to its original shape. 

• For coloured items, coloured laundry detergent is a should. Because white detergent can contain some kind of bleach which should only be used for white items. 

• Also, coloured items may give off its colour during the first wash. So you may want to wash it with similar colours. 

• You should dry your garment on a clothes rack, not in direct sunshine. Direct sunlight can cause colour fading. Using a tumble dryer consumes a ton of power, could shrink your outfits, and make them wear out sooner. Plus, opting for a drying rack is a way more sustainable choice. 

• Iron your viscose garments inside out while they're still a little wet, using a cool setting. For tough wrinkles, a portable steamer might do the trick.

• To clean viscose stains, dab some liquid detergent straight onto the spot. Since it's only half as strong when damp, avoid scrubbing or brushing. Give it a hand rinse, then follow the washing instructions.

  
  

Environmental Concerns 

Acquiring cellulose involves complex chemical conversion steps. Whether as liquids or  toxic gaseous emissions these substances significantly contaminate the environment in manufacturing areas.

Beyond presenting ecological challenges, these outcomes are also a threat to the health of people working or living close to those factories.

Nowadays, fashion labels and textile manufacturers are choosing environmentally friendly viscose fibers such as LENZING™ ECOVERO™, Birla EcoSoft, and TENCEL™ Lyocell. Their inventive methods involve sustainable wood and systems that recycle resources, significantly reducing harm to the environment.

As Nil Textile we believe that an alliance between fashion and sustainability is possible when fabrics combine a premium feel, strong performance, and respect for the environment.

Sources

MasterClass, Jan29 2022, Fabric Guide: What Is Viscose? Understanding Viscose Fabric and How Viscose Is Made, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fabric-guide-what-is-viscose-understanding-viscose-fabric-and-how-viscose-is-made

K. Tiringer, 07.01.2025, 7 Things You Need to Know About Viscose, https://www.ispo.com/en/trends/7-things-you-need-know-about-viscose

Wikipedia contributors. (2025, October 4). Rayon. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:52, October 7, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rayon&oldid=1315004156