If you work with blended textiles, you have seen viscose — also called rayon — on countless composition labels. It is the "R" in T/R fabric, one half of the polyester-viscose blend that dominates suiting and workwear. This article explains what viscose really is, what it does well, and how to care for it.
What is viscose fabric?
Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre made from natural raw materials — typically wood pulp or cotton linters — that are dissolved and re-extruded into fibre. Because it is plant-based, it is classified as a semi-synthetic fibre: man-made in form, natural in origin.
"Rayon" is the general term used in North America; "viscose" is the common term in Europe and Asia. They refer to the same family of fibres.
How is viscose made?
- Wood pulp is treated with chemicals to form a viscous solution
- The solution is extruded through spinnerets into fine filaments
- Filaments are regenerated into fibre, washed and cut
- Staple fibre is then spun into yarn — alone or blended with polyester, cotton or other fibres
Key properties of viscose
| Property | Viscose | Effect in fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | High | Smooth, comfortable hand feel |
| Drape | Excellent | Fluid movement in dresses and suiting |
| Moisture absorption | High | Comfortable in warm weather |
| Dye uptake | Excellent | Vivid, rich colours |
| Wet strength | Low to moderate | Careful washing required |
| Shrinkage | Higher untreated | Needs proper finishing |
Common uses of viscose fabric
- Shirts and blouses — smooth drape and breathable comfort
- Dresses and skirts — fluid movement and rich colour
- Linings — smooth, comfortable next to the body
- Suiting and workwear — as the "R" in T/R blends, adding softness and drape
- Home textiles — curtains and soft furnishings
Viscose vs polyester: the core contrast
| Feature | Viscose | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural (wood pulp) | Synthetic (petroleum) |
| Hand feel | Soft, silk-like | Smoother, sometimes plastic-like |
| Breathability | High | Low to moderate |
| Strength | Moderate | High |
| Wrinkle resistance | Poor alone | Excellent |
| Cost | Moderate | Lower |
This is exactly why the two are blended: polyester supplies strength and easy care, viscose supplies softness and drape. The blend outperforms either fibre alone for suiting-grade fabric.
How to care for viscose fabric
- Wash at 30-40°C on a gentle cycle, or dry-clean for delicate items
- Use mild detergent; avoid bleach and harsh chemicals
- Do not wring — lay flat or hang to dry
- Iron at low temperature while slightly damp, or use a pressing cloth
- Properly finished viscose blends are preshrunk; follow the care label
Frequently asked questions
Is viscose a natural or synthetic fibre?
Neither strictly — it is a regenerated cellulose fibre: plant-based in origin, chemically processed into fibre. The industry calls it semi-synthetic.
Is viscose fabric good quality?
Quality depends on construction and finishing. Well-made viscose and viscose blends are soft, breathable and colour-rich — a staple of mid-to-premium apparel.
Does viscose shrink?
Untreated viscose can shrink. Properly finished and preshrunk viscose blends are dimensionally stable.
Where does viscose fit in T/R fabric?
It is the "R" component. In a T/R 65/35 blend, 35% viscose provides the softness and drape that makes the fabric feel premium.
Can viscose be recycled?
Viscose itself is a renewable, plant-based fibre, and recycling technologies for cellulose fibres are developing. In our range, recycled T/R yarn uses rPET for the polyester component.
Need T/R yarn or polyester viscose fabric? Send your specification — blend, count, weight and quantity — and get a quotation within one working day. Request a Quote