When you need a fabric, there are plenty to choose from, so many, in fact, that the choice can be overwhelming at times! There’s the classic cotton, the high-end silk, the lightweight linen, the rough and ready muslin, and all manner of warm and cozy wools to choose from. There’s also polyester, chiffon, denim… the list goes on and on! That said, there is one fabric that has clear advantages over all the others, and that is viscose rayon.
Viscose rayon is a semi-synthetic material used to make clothes, upholstery, and other bedding materials. It is manufactured from natural materials: cellulose, which makes up plant cell walls, is treated with chemicals to make a fiber that mimics the qualities of silk and cotton.
Here are just a few of the reasons that viscose rayon is a fabric you need to know and love – and who knows, you probably already do without knowing it!
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It Is Affordable To Produce
Viscose was originally manufactured as an affordable alternative to natural silk. The first production of viscose rayon took place in 1883: it was especially versatile as it was able to blend with different fabrics – such as cotton – in order to boost their benefits.
This makes it useful for those who wish to produce comfortable, lightweight garments or other objects that are pleasant to the touch but inexpensive to make.
It Is Made From Liquid (And You Can Tell!)
Viscose rayon is produced in a way unlike any other natural fiber. In fact, viscose owes its name to this process. A viscous liquid derived from cellulose is used to make viscose rayon. This has the effect of making the fabric feel cool to the touch, which makes it an excellent material for making pillowcases or bed sheets, particularly in hot climates!
It Is Comfortable and Light
Viscose rayon is also incredibly comfortable because of its light texture and breathable nature. Unlike polyester or other cheap manufactured fabrics, viscose rayon drapes well, does not trap body heat, is soft to the touch, and does not build up static. It’s also remarkably strong! Unlike silk or other lightweight fabrics, rayon will not rip easily, making it a great easy-wear fabric for children or people who are seeking out adventure.
It Colors Brilliantly
Unlike other fabrics that lose their color over time, viscose rayon is remarkable for its ability to hold bold and bright colors over much time and many washes. Many brilliant-colored garments are made with rayon because of this exact trait!
It Is (More or Less) Eco-Friendly!
Because viscose rayon is synthetically produced, it does not deplete natural resources in the same way as cotton, silk, wool, etc. In fact, much viscose rayon is derived from the same substances that make up cellophane plastics (which produce a great deal of our packaging). This means that, in most cases, viscose rayon can be a by-product of producing and packaging other goods. This avoids the unnecessary use of energy or resources in its production, which is great news for the environment!
