About
Viscose is a man-made fiber. The raw material is derived from wood pulp and cotton linters, which goes through a chemical Viscose process and ends up as regenerated cellulose. After the special treatment is viscose comparable to cotton. Viscose is also known as rayon, which is the American term for viscose.
Characteristics
Viscose has many similarities with cotton - it feels fine and soft, is very comfortable to wear, and takes dye very easily which gives very bright colored garments. In comparison to cotton it is a weaker material; as any other cellulose material it has poor resilience, wrinkles easily, and is more moisture absorbent. The quality of a viscose yarn can be regulated in the manufacturing process - giving it a higher or lower quality.
Good to know
Many brands choose to use Viscose fiber, instead of cotton, in their collection to keep the costs down, both in production but also towards the end consumer. Cotton is a natural fiber that is affected by the natural environment and can therefore vary in price each year. In times when cotton is very expensive, clothing manufacturers sometimes choose viscose as a substitute.
Blends
Viscose is mostly used in blends with other fibers, such as cotton, wool and linen, where their uniformity, luster, and absorbency are useful.
Aftercare
Viscose garments are generally very easy to care for.Delicate wash on 40°, do not bleach, medium heat iron, can be dry cleaned, do not tumble dry. Do not bleach. Iron with medium heat on reverse. Can be dry cleaned. Do not tumble dry, nor dry in direct sunlight.
* Sources: “Clothing Technology 3rd Edition” by Eberle, Hermeling, Hornberger, Menzer and Ring