Viscose Fabric

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre, made by chemically processing wood pulp or bamboo into fibre. It was developed in the late 19th century as an alternative to silk. Viscose has a soft handle, good drape, breathability, and a slight natural sheen.

Viscose is sometimes called semi-synthetic or man-made cellulose. The raw fibre comes from a natural source, plant cellulose, but it’s chemically processed and regenerated into fibre. Strict definitions of “natural” exclude viscose because of the chemical processing.

Yes, viscose tends to shrink on washing, particularly the first wash. Shrinkage of 3 to 10 percent is common depending on weave and finishing. Pre-washing before cutting helps. Some viscose is treated to reduce shrinkage, but this varies by manufacturer.

Standard viscose has very little natural stretch. Viscose blended with elastane gains stretch from the elastane component. Some viscose knits and jerseys have mechanical stretch from the knit structure rather than the fibre. Check the fibre content if stretch matters.

Yes, viscose is breathable and absorbent, more so than most synthetic fibres. It feels cool against the skin and dries reasonably quickly, which is why it’s popular for summer garments and lining. Breathability is similar to cotton, though the drape is more fluid.

See our Viscose fabric product range