Viscose / Rayon Fabric

What is viscose fabric?

Viscose, otherwise known as Rayon in the USA, is a type of artificial silk that dates back to the late 19th century.

The name Viscose was born from the “viscous” organic liquid used to make the material. Viscose is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fibre, which means it’s not 100% natural (like wook or real silk) or completely synthetic (like polyester). It sits somewhere in the middle!

The advantages of rayon fabric

This inexpensive yet luxurious material has a great deal of benefits, including: it’s soft silk-like feel, it’s ability to drape extremely well, it dyes easily resulting in beautiful colouring and it blends fantastically with other types of fibres.

All of these fantastic advantages make viscose / rayon fabric an extremely popular option for dressmaking and home furnishings!

What is rayon fabric mainly used for?

Viscose is a versatile fabric, often known as artificial silk. It can mainly be found in jacket linings, activewear, t-shirts, dresses and tunics. You can find viscose / rayon in more items than you’d imagine, because it is often blended with other fibers such as cotton and polyester to boost softness and durability.

Blended Alternatives

- While viscose is celebrated for its silk-like drape and softness, fabric blends like poly cotton (a mix of polyester and cotton) offer a balance of comfort, durability, and easy care. Poly cotton is lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant, making it a practical alternative for everyday wear and home textiles. 

- Satin fabric is renowned for its smooth, glossy surface and luxurious feel, akin to the soft drape of viscose. It's a popular choice for elegant garments and upscale home décor. 

- Crepe offers a distinctive crinkled texture and graceful drape, making it suitable for flowing dresses and blouses, much like viscose.

- Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric with a soft drape, ideal for layering in fashion pieces. Its delicate nature complements the fluidity of viscose.