Everything You Need to Know About Viscose Rayon Fabric

fabric & fibers

Published on 14th Apr, 2025

Last Edited on 17th Apr, 2025

Reading Time: 2 Minute Read

Viscose Rayon has long held a coveted place in the textile world. Loved by designers for its silky drape, brilliant dyeability, and affordability, it bridges the gap between luxury and accessibility. But with growing demand for eco-conscious materials, viscose is also one of the most debated fabrics in fashion today.

In this blog, we dive deep into the origins, properties, pros, and controversies of viscose fabric — and how it fits into the evolving landscape of responsible textile sourcing.

What is Viscose Rayon Fabric?

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose, usually extracted from wood pulp (often eucalyptus, bamboo, pine, or beech trees).

Though it starts as a natural material, the transformation process involves chemical treatments that dissolve the pulp into a viscous solution — hence the name "viscose" — before spinning it into fibers.

It was originally developed in the late 19th century as an affordable alternative to silk, offering a similar sheen and drape at a fraction of the cost.

Fabric Origin & Composition

Raw Material: Natural cellulose (usually from trees)

Processing: Chemically intensive, including sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide

Output: Soft, breathable, and smooth fibers spun into fabric

Types: Standard viscose, modal (stronger), and lyocell (more sustainable)

Viscose material is often grouped with other "regenerated cellulose fibers" like Tencel and Modal, but standard viscose typically involves more environmental impact unless it is made using closed-loop production techniques.

Viscose Fabric's raw material: Natural cellulose

Benefits of Viscose Fabric

Soft & Silky Feel – Feels similar to silk or cotton; ideal for draped garments
Excellent Breathability – More breathable than polyester or nylon
Highly Absorbent – Ideal for summer wear, activewear, and inner layers
Dye-Friendly – Viscose holds color vibrantly and evenly
Affordable – Cost-effective substitute for natural luxury fibers

Special Features of Viscose Fabric

Fluid Drape – Flows effortlessly, making it perfect for dresses, blouses, and scarves

Print-Ready Surface – Takes on block prints, screen prints, and dyes beautifully

Versatile Application – Can mimic silk, cotton, wool, or linen depending on weave

Lightweight Yet Luxurious – Suitable for everything from fast fashion to conscious couture

Vibrant Color Retention: Viscose readily absorbs dyes, resulting in rich, deep, and long-lasting colors.

Versatility in Blends: Viscose blends seamlessly with other fibers like cotton, polyester, and spandex, allowing designers to tailor the fabric's properties – enhancing stretch, durability, or reducing cost.

Sustainability Debate: Is Viscose Eco-Friendly?

It depends on how it's made.

Traditional viscose production is:

Chemically intensive
Often linked to deforestation
Can lead to water pollution and chemical runoff

However, there is a shift towards greener viscose, such as:

Lyocell and Tencel, which use closed-loop systems (recycling 99% of chemicals)
FSC-certified sourcing of raw materials
OEKO-TEX or GOTS certification for safer processing

Care Guide: How to Maintain Viscose Rayon Fabric

While versatile, viscose requires mindful care to maintain its beauty and longevity:

Gentle Handling: Viscose, especially when wet, can be weaker. Gentle hand washing or a delicate machine cycle in cold water is often recommended.
Avoiding Harsh Treatments: Wringing or twisting should be avoided to prevent stretching and damage.
Proper Drying: Air drying or laying flat is preferable to machine drying, which can cause shrinkage.
Low-Heat Ironing: Ironing on a low heat setting, often while the fabric is still slightly damp and inside out, helps to restore its shape and smoothness.
Dry Cleaning: For more delicate viscose garments or those with intricate construction, professional dry cleaning is often the safest option.

Is Viscose Better for Spring-Summer or Autumn-Winter?

Viscose is ideally suited for Spring and Summer collections due to its lightweight, breathable, and moisture-absorbent nature.

Breathable & Cool: Allows air circulation, keeping the body cool in warmer weather.
Soft & Drapey: Perfect for flowy silhouettes like dresses, blouses, and resort wear.
Moisture-Wicking: Absorbs perspiration without feeling sticky — ideal for humid climates.

Can also be used for Autumn Winter-

Use in layering pieces: Viscose can work for linings, long-sleeved tops, and blended fabrics for fall.
In blends: Mixed with wool, silk, or cotton, viscose adds softness and sheen to heavier winter garments.

Why look for alternatives to traditional viscose?

Environmental Impact of Production: The conventional viscose process uses harsh chemicals like carbon disulfide, which can be harmful to workers and the environment if not managed properly. It's also water and energy-intensive.

Deforestation Concerns: The wood pulp used for viscose can sometimes come from unsustainable logging practices, contributing to deforestation and habitat loss.

Our Collection

Want to explore sustainable alternatives to viscose?

At Anuprerna, we specialize in natural, handspun fabrics that deliver the same softness, breathability, and drape — with far lower environmental impact. Our Collection serves as a complementary textile when responsibly sourced and blended with handwoven cotton, khadi, or silk.