In summer, when hot days take their toll, airy, cool-touch materials are a godsend. One such material is viscose, also known (especially in the US) as rayon.
Viscose what is it?
Classified by origin, it is classified as a synthetic material because it is made from cellulose derived from trees. It belongs to the family of cellulose fiber materials, which also includes lyocell/Tencel, cupro, and modal.
Viscose fabrics and knitwear - the process of creation
Cellulose for viscose production is most often obtained from birch, spruce, or pine. The next step is to treat the cellulose with concentrated caustic soda (a highly corrosive aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide) and then with carbon disulfide, which creates a compound that, when dissolved, produces a viscous spinning fluid also known as viscose. The viscose, forced through the spinneret holes into an acid bath, creates viscose fibers, which are then knitted or woven.
Viscose fabric - properties
Due to its natural origin, viscose is a breathable material. It has a smooth, pleasant texture and a cool hand (a feeling of coolness when touched), and it doesn't pick up static electricity. Viscose's properties are similar to silk, which is why it's used as a raw material for the production of synthetic versions of this material. Viscose is also used to produce satin, but in this case, it's worth checking the label, as this fabric is also made from polyester. It absorbs moisture well, so it's also used in the production of hygiene products. Viscose is most often used for flowing dresses, skirts, beach kimonos, jacket linings, and shirts.
The disadvantage of viscose is its high creasing tendency and tendency to shrink when washed in inappropriate parameters.
However, thanks to its comfort-promoting properties, viscose is a great material to wear not only in summer but year-round—day and night. It's no coincidence that Ansin pajamas are made from viscose. So you can feel cozy even at night.
How to wash viscose clothes?
Viscose, as mentioned earlier, can shrink if washed incorrectly. This can lead to confusion about how to wash viscose to maintain its original shape. Choosing the right temperature and spin speed is crucial.
Viscose should be washed at 30℃, preferably on a delicates program. Spin should also be set to the lowest possible setting. It's recommended to use non-aggressive detergents when washing viscose. Some viscose fabrics or knits may have slightly different properties (e.g., they may be more delicate), so it's always worth checking the care symbols on the care label before washing. You can read more about the meaning of clothing care symbols in this article .
How to dry viscose clothes?
Viscose is a delicate material, so it should not be dried in tumble dryers ; instead, it is recommended to hang it upright.
Viscose material - how to iron?
Due to its high wrinkle-prone nature, viscose requires frequent ironing. Viscose is a very delicate material and therefore cannot be ironed at high temperatures, as hot ironing shortens and distorts the fibers. It's safest to iron viscose garments inside out to prevent shiny surfaces. The best ironing temperature for viscose is between 90 and 120°C.
When assembling your summer wardrobe, don't forget about viscose, as its natural properties will keep you comfortable on hot days. Be sure to let us know in the comments which fabrics work best for you in summer! Is viscose among them? :)
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