How does viscose wear

To sum up: if you want a weather-resistant bag or raincoat, make it out of polyester. By contrast, for comfort, make sure your underwear is made from viscose or cotton at a push. There is a reason why no-one wears polyester underpants! If you were to peer inside a single fibre of either viscose or polyester, right down to its atoms, you would see a long chain of a repeating molecule.

This process of joining long chains of the same molecule is called polymerisation, and it allows us to make materials with uniform and precise characteristics. That is why both polyester and viscose can be made as long, smooth, silk-like filaments.

However, even though polyester and viscose fibres might look outwardly similar, their characteristics affinity to water, strength, and so on is determined by their base material. Polyester is a long chain of repeating PET molecules, whereas viscose is a long chain of cellulose molecules. PET polyethylene terephthalate is made by combining terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol — both of which are products of the petrochemical industry. The cellulose used in viscose is typically extracted from trees, although bamboo is becoming an increasingly popular source because it is fast growing.

Both viscose and polyester start life as a fluid containing a form of the base molecule. This fluid is spun into long, smooth filaments — not unlike silk.

It is during the spinning process that the polymerisation chaining takes place: the filaments consist of endlessly repeating patterns of their base molecule. These filaments are then made into yarns that are later woven, or knitted, into fabrics.

Ever wondered why oil and water don't mix? The answer lies at the molecular level. Specifically, it depends on the distribution of the constituent atom's electrons and how freely they can move. Molecules which have more electrons at one end than the other are said to be electrically polarised. The end with more of the elections has a negative charge electrons are themselves negative ; the other end has a positive charge. Water is one such example of a polarised molecule.

Non-polar molecules do not have differently charged ends. Here the electrons are distributed evenly. They are also held firmly in place so they can't move around or gather in one place. The result is no charge at all. Oils and fats in general are non-polar. The old saying is true for charged particles.

Polarised molecules find each other attractive. The positively charged end of one molecule will attract the negatively charged end of another molecule. This draws the two molecules together and they 'hang out'.

Water is especially good at this - its molecules love to hang out together, forming what are known as week hydrogen bonds. It's this linking together of molecules that gives water some of its physical properties such as: forming large droplets, have a 'skin' on which insects can skate, and for its unusually high boiling point for its molecular weight.

In fact, water molecules need some encouragement to break apart and stop hanging out in big clumps water appears to be quite cliquey. One such way is to introduce another polarised molecule. Because it too has positive and negative ends this new molecule also attracts water molecules which bind around it. The new substance appears to disappear into the water - this is the mechanism of dissolving. Oil is non-polar; the elections are evenly distributed, so there is no positively or negatively charged end.

It is preferred because of its better impact on the environment than viscose. Cupro has a market share of less than one percent in the overall MMCF market. This fibre is dipped and dissolved in an ammoniacal solution of copper oxide called cuprammonium , from which it takes its name. Modal has around 2. Modal is extra strong when wet and does not easily change its shape. Because of its softness, it is often found in underwear and sleepwear.

The fabric follows the same production process as viscose but Modal is more environmentally friendly than viscose because lower concentrations of sodium hydroxide are used in its production. The main issues associated with the production of viscose are water waste, overuse of chemicals and destruction of local ecosystems. Deforestation is part of this and is the main issue regarding MMCFs because the wood provided as a source for the fabric often comes from large natural forests, instead of being sustainably harvested.

This causes a big negative impact on local ecosystems. Moreover, toxic chemicals used for its production pollutes air and water surrounding manufacturing sites and slowly spreads around the entire planet. Sulphur, nitrous oxides, carbon disulphide and hydrogen sulphide are found in air emissions around viscose manufacturing sites. The production for other types of Cellulose fibers, like modal, tencel, and lyocell are cleaner in this sense.

The watering of the trees and the process of turning those trees into fabric involve water waste issues. In the production processes reported by the Water Footprint Network , the water footprint of viscose staple fibre is estimated at approximately 3, cubic metres per tonne of yarn. About 6 million tonnes of viscose are produced each year only for the textile industry.

Many big steps have been taken by looking for better alternatives to the most polluting textiles. The innovation of textiles represents the way to create more sustainable processes to produce fabrics.

This includes creating materials that can be reused and be involved in a circular process or simply natural fabrics whose presence doesn't damage our planet. What they are trying to do is to share awareness about the issues of producing Viscose and incentivize the production of a more sustainable viscose. I was rather disappointed recently when I read a blogger, purporting to be an authority on fabrics, classified viscose as synthetic.

Because it derives from wood and sometimes cotton linters. Without boring you with all the scientific details, essentially viscose is any fibre that has been made from regenerated cellulose — which is either traditionally from wood and lignin, or just wood as is the case with newer methods.

This goes through several chemical processes until it becomes a viscous yellow solution. It is stronger than the traditional fabric and less prone to shrink. Shop Here So why does viscose have such a bad rep? Plus the care involved in viscose is usually less energy intensive than that required for natural fabrics.

Tags: Fabric Up-Close. Share Tweet Pin it. Previous Post. Next Post. Posted by Caro Hopkinson on July 9, Posted by Jacynth Bassett on July 9, Usually it changes shape and almost always shrinks. On top of that, if you are paying that little for something, please take into consideration how little the person making it is being paid! I need some non woven cloth and I wondered, is viscose a non woven cloth? Perhaps this is because the article is a couple of years old, but there are many examples of wood being sourced often even from ancient or endangered forests that negatively impact biodiversity significantly, not to mention chases local communities away from their habitat such as the Guarani people in Brazil.

I really enjoyed your article. For two reasons. I was doing research on linen blends and found that with rayon instead of cotton it makes for a more flowy garment. Thanks for the information. Good to know how viscose is produced and read the different opinions on its use. There is little mentioned about the care of say a viscose dress. I have read it does not wash well! Nice to hear your comments Gwendoline.

Hello, my partner is considering a lovely dress by Tom Ford I have not seen it! It is made of viscous and she is concerned about creasing etc. Thank you for any help you can give. Hi, I also cannot wear viscose comfortably. The other thing I hate is that it does not wear or wash well — it bobbles a lot and discolours slightly. If a cotton garment and a viscose garment are compared after they have been worn and washed the same number of times the cotton garment looks to be in much better condition.

Has anyone else found this to be the case? The label says Dry Clean. Would I be able to wash this garment as I always wash all my sweaters very carefully by hand and hate to have them dry cleaned or using a washing machine. Thank you in anticipation of your help. How does viscose handle when in a living situation where it will be walked on regularly?

Anyone have any idea? It says not to wash in water or when dry cleaned not to use water. Does this mean it will shrink or the color will run? I usually wash all my clothing myself with a hand-washed program I have on my washing machine, in cold water. Would you recommend the dry cleaning or should I tempt washing it in cool water? Thanks for your advice. Viscose used in rug manufacturing is a nightmare.

Does not clean well — not even with a dry powder clean — tips become discolored. Strongly advise against purchasing rugs made with viscose.

They are very expensive to buy and look nice when new. They let their shape, rarely need ironing and I don,t find them too hot. They keep their colour too. I am disabled and can no longer manage to iron. It seems that some viscose looks and feels very synthetic and clingy whereas other viscose looks like twill and a third type is soft and breathable but does crease quite badly.

I love the one that creases but hate the clingy one. Is there no way that the description of the fabruc could indicate the finish of the fabric? Why are some viscose fabrics so different from others, does it depend on the concentrations of the different chemicals?

Also, is bamboo considered natural or synthetic when used for fabrics? Great article! A little late to the party but better late than never! It really does act a lot like silk. Thanks for the information! My biggest concern about viscose is: Is it safe or potentially harmful to your health as it is treated with so many harsh chemicals? I have read that it can cause headaches, nausea, muscle pain etc. What can you tell me about this? Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What is viscose and where did it come from? What is viscose? Cellulose fibre which is turned into viscose fabric. Viscose fabric, also known as Rayon. Claire Aug 9, Hi Catherine, thanks so much for your comment. Edith Brenner Mar 3, Claire, thank you for this article.

Manda laycock Sep 20, Clare thank you for this blog. Linda Dec 5, This blog was incredibly informative. Rob Applegate Dec 10, Do you know if viscose is biodegradable? Claire Dec 12, Hi Rob, thanks for your question. Janet Fletcher Jan 18, Funnily enough I have just written a short letter to White Stuff, clothing company who are appearing to make more use of viscose!

Claire Jan 23, Thanks so much for your comment and sharing your views on viscose Janet. CDG Jan 26, I completely agree, although not synthetic, the chemicals used to process this fabric are environmentally harmful! Amy Aug 30, I hate viscose too. Ann Rutherford Nov 7, Glad there is someone like me I can only wear cotton, silk and wool, all other fibres make me sweat and nothing keeps you as warm as wool. Gailyn Mar 27, When you buy a viscose item do you buy your size or smaller size.

Kathy Sep 9, Hi there! Maria Feb 8, Hi Kathy, I have the same condition. Glo Nov 14, So sorry to hear you have this condition. Angela Jan 30, I have returned to dressmaking as I have to wear natural fabrics. Vera Oct 18, I agree with you. Leigh Jul 24, I find the Viscose knits jersey, tee shirts etc are extremely hot but the woven Viscose fabrics are very breathable.

Dorothy Lee Aug 24, I am the same — since the change. Llewena Feb 10, I have just used Eucalyptus leaves to dye print on viscose shirt ,wonderful result. Claire Mar 8, What a fab idea! What is the best way to remove stains? Claire Mar 21, Hi Ann, Thanks for your comment. Kitty Cook Apr 2, I wanted to learn more about this fabric because I just wore a blouse made from this fabric. Claire Apr 18, Wow! Chris Jul 22, Where can you buy viscose tops.

Jan Juffermans May 7, Dear Claire, In our region South of the Netherlands we are looking for more sustainable cloth production here. Judith Sep 22, Hemp is a very good eco option, grows well without pesticides etc, strong etc, but apparently because it is the opium plant it has been restricted..

Dorothy Lee Aug 24, No they do not. Liz Mar 7, Anyone know if bamboo fabrics make you perspire? Zigma yarn Sep 4, Soak with cold water and baking soda this might help. Jennifer H. Landry Sep 13, Thank you for speaking up! Rodain Jun 4, Thank you for the informative information. Sue Pritchard Jun 4, I use viscose a lot as I am a WW11 civilian re-enactor and this was used extensively for civilian clothing then as it was cheap to produce.

Linda Mar 15, When my viscose garments accidentally land in the dyer most have shrunk and some shrink drastically. Ketorah Jun 24, Great article! Jannied Jul 5, I bought some viscose to make a blouse. Cindy Kroitar Jul 18, I bought a king size blanket made in Italy and its viscose.

Jill Jul 19, Thanks for the really informative post. Kuwali Aug 15, Its a great help to me. Best, Vera. Amy Aug 30, Thank you for the very informative post. Jess Donaldson Sep 5, Does anyone know the construction weave of viscose?

Sushil Kumar Sep 5, I like this fabric because its so soft and light weight from other fabric. Robert Pigney Nov 7, Hi. Mangil Keamyago Sep 6, Viscose is an impressive and charming material. Chris B Sep 9, Thanks so much for the excellent blog post. Melanie Turner Sep 13, I refuse to buy viscose rayon as it is toxic to humans and the environment. Kris H. Tomas Delaveau Sep 29, Very informative post. Cher Oct 14, All treated fabrics leach into the body.