Manufacturers create viscose, a cellulosic fabric, from wood pulp, ranking it as the third most used textile globally.
It serves as the perfect material for summer clothing due to its extreme airiness. This very light fabric doesn’t cling to the body, making it ideal for blouses and summer dresses. It feels soft and gentle on the skin while draping elegantly.
Various types of viscose fabric exist, with their characteristics differing based on the manufacturing process and the treatments applied to the fabric. Here are some of the variations of viscose fabric:
- Standard Viscose Rayon:
- This is the most common form of viscose, which is soft, absorbent, and known for its silk-like feel.
- Modal:
- Modal is a type of viscose that is made from beech trees. It’s known for being exceptionally soft, drapes well, and is more water-absorbent than cotton. It also tends to be more durable and less prone to shrinkage compared to standard viscose.
- Lyocell (often known by the brand name Tencel):
- Lyocell is another variant of viscose that is made using a closed-loop process, which is more environmentally friendly. It’s known for its smooth feel, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties.
- Bamboo Viscose (or Bamboo Rayon):
- This type of viscose is made from bamboo pulp. It’s soft, breathable, and has natural antibacterial properties. However, the process of converting bamboo to fabric can vary in its environmental impact.
- High Wet Modulus (HWM) Viscose:
- This is a type of viscose that has been modified to be stronger when wet, making it more durable and easier to care for.
- Polynosic Rayon:
- Polynosic rayon is similar to HWM viscose but has even higher durability and stability when wet.
Each of these types of viscose has its own set of characteristics that make it suitable for different applications and care requirements. When purchasing viscose garments or fabrics, it’s helpful to know the specific type of viscose and its care instructions to ensure it lasts longer and maintains its quality.
Washing viscose requires a gentle touch due to its delicate nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash viscose to ensure its longevity and maintain its beautiful drape:
1. Check the Care Label:
– Always start by checking the care label on your viscose garment. Some viscose items may be labelled as dry clean only.
2. Hand Washing:
– If hand washing is permitted, fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
– Submerge the garment and gently agitate it with your hands to clean.
– Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove all detergent.
3. Machine Washing:
– If machine washing is allowed, place the viscose garment in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
– Select a delicate or hand wash cycle on your washing machine, and ensure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low.
4. Drying:
– Avoid wringing out viscose garments as this can cause the fabric to stretch and lose its shape.
– Lay the garment flat on a drying rack or on a clean towel, away from direct sunlight or heat.
5. Ironing:
– If your viscose garment is wrinkled, use a cool iron (not hot) and iron on the reverse side to smooth out any wrinkles.
6. Avoiding Shrinkage:
– Viscose is prone to shrinkage when washed. To prevent this, it’s advisable to use cold water and avoid any high-heat settings during washing and drying.
7. Professional Cleaning:
– If in doubt, or if the care label recommends it, take your viscose garments to a professional dry cleaner.
By following these steps, you can keep your viscose garments looking fresh and extend their lifespan.Viscose shines as a prime pick for summer attire. Its special mix of breathability, lightness, and graceful drape designates it as a favourite for those hot days. It not only delivers comfort but its eco-friendliness and biodegradability also mark it as a mindful choice for the environment. The versatility of viscose finds its way into a range of garments like blouses, dresses, and skirts, cementing its place in summer fashion. So, when you’re on the hunt for the perfect summer ensemble next time, recall the advantages of viscose and how it can uplift your warm-weather wardrobe.
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