Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre, usually made from wood pulp. The fibre can feel soft and supple, but how a garment ultimately drapes also depends on yarn, knit structure and the other fibres in the blend. That is why the label of the specific garment is what matters most for use and care.
Where does viscose come from?
In production, cellulose from wood pulp is chemically dissolved and formed into fibres again. That is why viscose is usually described as a regenerated cellulose fibre. The fibre itself does not yet say exactly how the fabric feels: a fine knit with viscose can wear very differently from a woven viscose blend.
Viscose is related to lyocell, which also comes from wood cellulose but is made in a different way. On our materials page you can read more about viscose at Issu & Lloyd.
How does viscose feel and drape?
- Soft hand feel: viscose is often used in fabrics and knits that feel supple and smooth.
- Supple drape: many viscose yarns give knitwear a soft, flowing movement.
- Moisture absorption: viscose can absorb moisture. How cool a garment feels also depends on thickness and construction.
- Stretch depends on construction: viscose itself is not elastane. Stretch comes, among other things, from knit structure or added elastic fibres.
- Care differs per blend: some viscose clothing is more sensitive when wet. So always follow the product label.
Viscose next to lyocell and cotton
If you are torn between materials, a comparison on the key points helps most. This table puts the three fibres side by side.
| Property | Viscose | Lyocell | Cotton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, smooth and silky | Soft, smooth and cool | Sturdy and natural |
| Raw material | Wood cellulose | Wood cellulose | Cotton plant |
| Moisture absorption | Good, wears cool | Good, wears cool | Good |
| Behaviour when wet | Depends on yarn and fabric; follow the label | Follow the care label | Strong, follow the care label |
| Washing | Follow the care label of the garment | Follow the care label | Follow the care label |
None of the three is better than the others. It depends on what you are looking for: the flowing drape of viscose, the smoothness of lyocell or the sturdiness of cotton.
Why do designers choose viscose?
Viscose is widely used because it can give a supple hand feel in different yarns and fabrics. In fine knitwear it is often combined with other fibres to adjust structure, stretch or shape retention. That is why you are better off looking at the full composition and construction than at the word viscose alone.
What does the label say?
Always look at the whole fibre blend. Polyamide, polyester or elastane can change the behaviour of a fabric, but how much difference they make also depends on yarn and knit structure. The percentages alone therefore do not tell the whole story.
Viscose in our collection
In the collection you see viscose mainly in fine-knit pieces, such as Eleanor, Josephine, Fiori, Lenora and the men's polo Alistair. Because compositions can differ per style and production run, always check the current product page for the exact fibre percentage.
Looking for more of this type? Then take a look at the knitwear for Women, the T-shirts for Women and the polos for Men.
Caring for viscose
Always start with the care label of the specific garment. The fine-knit viscose items in our current collection, for example, have a delicate wash advice up to a maximum of 30 °C and 400 rpm, are dried flat and ironed at a maximum of 110 °C. Turn them inside out when the product advice says so, do not wring them out and gently bring knitwear back into shape after washing. You will find our general explanation on the care instructions page.
How to choose viscose that stays beautiful for long
Do not judge quality only by the fibre composition. Also look at the knit structure, seams, ribbing and how the garment springs back after trying it on. Let knitwear air after wearing and follow the product advice for storage. Much fine knitwear keeps its shape better when stored folded.
Common mistakes with viscose
- Using a standard washing rule without reading the product label.
- Choosing a higher spin speed or higher temperature than allowed.
- Hanging up wet knitwear when drying flat is prescribed.
- Ironing above the temperature stated on the label.
Shop the look
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, cream
Lenora: fine-knit T-shirt with tweed look, burgundy
Fiori: fine-knit T-shirt with tweed look and buttons, burgundy striped
Alistair: knitted piqué polo with stripe detail, navy
Frequently asked questions
Is viscose a natural fibre?
Viscose has a plant-based raw material, namely wood cellulose, but the fibre is created in an industrial process. That is why it is often called semi-synthetic.
Does viscose crease quickly?
That differs per fabric construction and fibre blend. To remove creases, always follow the ironing or steaming advice on the label.
Can viscose go in the dryer?
Only when the care label allows tumble drying. The fine-knit viscose items in our current collection are dried flat.
What is the difference between viscose and lyocell?
Both are regenerated cellulose fibres, but the production process differs. How the final fabric feels also depends on yarn and construction.
What if a garment does not fit?
If something does not fit, see the current conditions on our returns page.
