When navigating the world of fashion or buying a new piece of clothing, there's a name we often encounter on the label: Viscose. It captures your heart with its soft, flowy, and cool touch that feels like silk when you hold it. So, what exactly is this enchanting fabric? Is it natural or synthetic? Why is it so beloved?
If you're also curious about the secrets of viscose fabric, you're in the right place! As MG Group Textile, in this article, we're shedding light on the mystery behind the silky touch and putting viscose under the microscope from A to Z.
What Exactly Is Viscose? Nature's Raw Material, Technology's Touch
Viscose is one of the most interesting fabrics. It's often described as "semi-synthetic" or a "regenerated cellulosic fiber." We know it sounds confusing, so let's simplify it:
The raw material for viscose is cellulose derived from the wood pulp of trees like beech, bamboo, or pine. In other words, its origin is entirely natural. However, this natural cellulose undergoes a series of chemical processes to be turned into a liquid and then solidified into fine fibers. It's because of this manufacturing process that it's also considered synthetic.
In short, viscose is a natural raw material transformed into a silky yarn through technology. That's why you'll often hear it called "artificial silk."
The Enchanting Properties of Viscose Fabric (Pros and Cons)
Like any fabric, viscose has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Let's examine these properties together.
Viscose Pros (+)
- Drapes Beautifully and Is Chic: Viscose drapes wonderfully on the body. This fluid nature gives dresses, skirts, and blouses an elegant movement and style.
- Breathable: Thanks to its cellulosic structure, it's a breathable fabric, much like cotton. It has high air permeability, which means it's friendly to your skin.
- High Moisture Absorbency: Its capacity to absorb moisture can be even higher than cotton's. This allows it to absorb sweat and provide a cool feeling in hot weather.
- Displays Colors Vibrantly: It holds dye very well. Therefore, viscose fabrics often have bright, vibrant, and rich colors.
- Soft and Smooth: Just like silk, it offers a smooth and soft touch against the skin. It's great for those who prioritize comfort.
Viscose Cons (-)
- Prone to Wrinkling: Like cotton, its natural structure makes it susceptible to wrinkles.
- Weakens When Wet: Viscose fibers lose some of their strength when wet. That's why it's important to wash it gently and not wring it out.
- Can Shrink: There's a risk of shrinkage, especially when washed at high temperatures. Following care instructions will extend the life of the fabric.
The Most Asked Questions: Does Viscose Make You Sweat? Does It Stretch?
These are the two most common questions we hear about viscose. Let's clarify the answers!
- Does Viscose Make You Sweat? No! On the contrary, viscose is in the category of non-sweat-inducing fabrics. Thanks to its high moisture-wicking capacity and breathable structure, it draws sweat away from the body and allows it to evaporate. This feature makes it an ideal choice, especially for spring and summer. Unlike synthetic fabrics like polyester, it doesn't leave a sticky feeling on your skin.
- Does Viscose Stretch? Pure 100% viscose fabric has very little elasticity. However, in modern fashion, to increase comfort, viscose is often blended with elastic fibers like elastane (Lycra). If you see a "Viscose-Elastane" blend on the label, you can understand that the fabric has both the draping quality of viscose and the comfortable stretch of elastane.
The Fabric That Touches Life: Uses of Viscose
Thanks to its elegant appearance and comfortable structure, we see viscose in many areas of our lives:
- Women's Wear: Flowy dresses, drapey blouses, chic shirts, summer trousers, skirts, and jumpsuits.
- Lining: That soft, smooth lining inside a jacket or skirt is often viscose.
- Home Textiles: Luxurious and soft duvet covers, decorative pillows, and light curtains.
- Lingerie and Pajamas: Due to its gentle touch on the skin, it's also preferred for comfortable lingerie products.
In Conclusion: The Affordable Luxury in Your Wardrobe
Viscose is a versatile fabric that combines the luxurious touch of silk, the comfort of cotton, and the color vibrancy of polyester. Friendly to your skin with its natural origin and adding elegance to your style with its flowy structure, viscose is a candidate to become an indispensable part of your wardrobe.
Don't forget to check out the rich viscose collection at MG Group Textile to bring to life that drapey dress you've been dreaming of or that chic blouse that will make a difference in your professional life.