The Feel of 100% Viscose
Viscose flows. It drapes with grace, feels cool to the touch, and moves like silk — but at a far more accessible price. Lightweight and breathable, it’s often used for garments designed to skim the body or create a fluid silhouette.
What Is Viscose?
Viscose (also known as rayon) is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp — often bamboo, beech, or pine — that’s processed into fiber through a chemical solution. While plant-derived, viscose is not considered fully natural due to its intensive processing, but it maintains a breathable, lightweight quality similar to cotton or silk.
Where You’ll Find Viscose: Garments + Labels
This fabric is widely used in:
- Flowy dresses
- Button-downs and blouses
- Lightweight trousers
Brands known for viscose garments:
- Sézane – soft, bohemian-inspired styles
- Reiss – refined workwear and eveningwear
- Club Monaco – sleek, drapey separates
Common Variants and Fabric Behavior
While this guide focuses on 100% viscose, many garments use blends like viscose-elastane or viscose-nylon to improve stretch or durability — each requiring slightly adjusted care. Pure viscose is delicate and prone to shrinking, warping, or wrinkling when wet.
How to Care for Viscose Between Washes
To maintain the drape and freshness:
- Hang immediately after wear to prevent wrinkles
- Use a fabric refresher spray to reduce odor
- Avoid steaming if the fabric is wet — viscose weakens when damp
If the garment feels limp or musty, personal dry cleaning systems are gentler than traditional washing and help preserve structure and color.
How to Clean 100% Viscose Properly
Viscose becomes fragile when wet, so care is key:
- Hand wash gently in cold water with mild detergent
- Do not twist or wring — press moisture out with a towel
- Lay flat or hang to dry away from heat or sun
- If labeled “dry clean only,” don’t ignore it — many viscose pieces truly require it
Never tumble dry. Avoid high heat completely.
Common Issues with Viscose
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shrinking | High heat and agitation during washing or drying | Hand wash in cold water only and always air dry flat |
| Wrinkling | Natural property of the fiber, especially when wet | Hang to dry, steam gently when fully dry, or iron on low |
| Fading or Dullness | Harsh detergents and hot water | Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent in cold water |
| Stiffness After Wash | Fibers constricting as they dry | A light steam or gentle ironing on low heat will restore its soft drape |
Viscose FAQs
Is viscose the same as rayon?
Yes — “viscose” is the term more often used in Europe, while “rayon” is common in the U.S.
Can I machine wash viscose?
Only if the label says so — and even then, use extreme caution. Hand washing is safer.
Is viscose breathable?
Yes, more so than synthetic fabrics like polyester.
How do I freshen viscose between washes?
Use personal dry cleaning kits or gentle clothing refresher sprays to revive drape and scent without stress.
