Soft and lightweight, viscose fabric has been used since the late 19th century. Although derived from trees, it is less eco-friendly than other rayon varieties like modal due to the intensive use of chemicals in its production. TLD Apparel shall discuss the definition of viscose fabric in this blog post.
What Is Viscose Fabric?
Viscose refers to the thick organic liquid that is processed into fibers for fabric production. It is derived from cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Through chemical treatment, cellulose is transformed into a fabric that resembles natural fibers like cotton and silk. Viscose fabric often has a silky look with a soft, cotton-like texture.
A Short History Of Viscose
Viscose was introduced in the late 19th century and has a fascinating history. French scientist and manufacturer Hilaire de Chardonnet (1839–1924) developed the first commercial viscose fiber as a more affordable alternative to silk.
However, the fabric was highly flammable and was quickly withdrawn from circulation until the German Bemberg Company developed a safer production method.
In 1892, British researchers Charles Frederick Cross, Edward John Bevan, and Clayton Beadle invented the viscose rayon production process. The first commercially available viscose rayon was introduced in 1905.
Characteristics of viscose fabric
Viscose fabric is incredibly soft and typically has the appearance of silk with the texture of cotton. While it is chemically similar to cotton, its properties can vary depending on the manufacturing process.
Viscose is a highly versatile fabric that works well on its own or blended with other materials. Its glossy finish gives it a luxurious appearance while remaining generally affordable. Additionally, viscose is hypoallergenic and highly breathable, keeping the wearer cool in warm weather while offering light insulation in colder conditions. It effectively wicks away moisture, making it a great choice for T-shirts and activewear.
Although not naturally stretchy, viscose can be combined with fabrics like spandex to enhance flexibility. It drapes beautifully, making it ideal for garments that require fluid movement.
It also dyes easily, and it can retain color without fading, even after prolonged wear and washing, so it definitely appeals to fashion designers and industry experts which is why you are likely to find viscose in the most fashionable colors and shades.
Is Viscose Sustainable?
While viscose offers many benefits, its manufacturing process can be environmentally damaging, particularly when produced on a large scale. Viscose is made from wood and natural fibers, which can contribute to deforestation. Additionally, its production involves the use of harmful chemicals, such as sulfur, nitrous oxides, and carbon, which pollute the air and water. The process also requires significant amounts of water, both for irrigating trees and for converting them into fabric.
Though viscose is biodegradable, its production still has a considerable environmental impact. To minimize this, it’s advisable to use existing viscose to reduce overproduction, pollution, and the waste of valuable resources.
Care For Viscose Fabric
When the fabric is wet, it loses a lot of its strength and structure. Because of this, cleaning it in the washer could completely ruin your clothing item. The majority of viscose-made clothing goods are marked “dry clean only.” It’s not recommended to twist or pull the fabric, so unless you know the correct way to wash it, opting for dry cleaning might be the better choice.
You can try hand washing it, as this method may clean the fabric sufficiently. Even without a washing machine, avoid twisting it too much. Use cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent since the fabric tends to shrink when washed. After washing, gently press the fabric to remove excess water instead of twisting it. If you must use a washing machine, select the gentle cycle. Let the viscose air dry naturally.
If your viscose fabric gets discolored, don’t scrub it aggressively. Dry stains are harder to remove since viscose absorbs colors easily. Try to tackle stains quickly, but be gentle to avoid tearing the fabric, which could weaken the fibers and damage your garment.
Conclusion
Viscose is a fabric known for its softness, smooth texture, and wide range of uses in fashion. Although it has some environmental impacts, sustainable viscose alternatives are becoming more common. As consumers grow more conscious of the fashion industry’s sustainability, there is an increasing focus on eco-friendly materials. The future of viscose looks bright, with more manufacturers embracing environmentally responsible practices to ensure this popular fabric remains a sustainable choice for the long term.
TLD Apparel – Your Ideal Partner
TLD Apparel is a leading company in the garment industry with over 15 years of experience, specializing in large-scale production and supported by an extensive network of partners. We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality products that meet the diverse needs of businesses around the world. We ensure efficiency and precision in every garment we produce.
If your business is looking for a reliable partner, TLD Apparel offers a comprehensive solution that includes sourcing and using fabrics tailored to your exact specifications. Our team works closely with your business to understand your brand’s needs, ensuring that the materials we use align with your vision and production requirements. Whether you’re producing fashion wear, activewear, or custom uniforms, we can provide the right fabrics and manufacturing processes to bring your products to life.
Our extensive experience in managing large-scale production ensures that we can handle both small and large orders with the same level of commitment to quality and timely delivery. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and working collaboratively with you to meet your specific business goals.
By partnering with TLD Apparel, you gain a trusted ally in the garment industry that is committed to delivering outstanding products and helping your brand succeed.