Do you know how viscose fabric can add value to your uniform program? We have created this guide to show you some viscose properties.
Viscose is a popular fabric for corporate clothing and fashion clothing derived from the “cellulose” or “wood pulp” from fast-growing regenerative trees such as eucalyptus, beech, pine, and plants such as bamboo, soy, and sugar cane. The cellulose material is then dissolved in a chemical solution to produce a pulpy, viscous substance spun into fibers to become threads.
In the late nineteenth century, viscose was called artificial silk. Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber that is strong, durable, and comfortable, making it a pivotal fiber to produce corporate wear, as clothes are worn regularly for up to 2 years. Viscose isn’t just in our clothes — it’s also in upholstery, bedding, carpets, cellophane, and even sausage casing!
Viscose fabric is abrasion resistant yet soft to handle and has good drape properties. It is breathable and absorbent, which adds to its comfort.
Viscose tends to be weak when wet and is prone to shrinking. Like polyester, viscose can pill and snag more quickly than other fibers and have a shiny appearance.
As it is 100% cellulose, viscose is biodegradable. It also has the potential for reuse and remanufacturing and should not be sent to landfill. However, because of the growing fast-fashion industry, some of the viscose on the market today is manufactured cheaply using energy, water, and chemically-intensive processes that impact workers, local communities, and the environment.
To get the best out of viscose, you must know when its strengths play to your end uses. Hopefully, this guide gives you that advantage the next time you determine your fiber needs.
Take a look at the video below for a brief run-through of the points above:
