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Short answer
Viscose, also called rayon, is a fibre made from wood-pulp cellulose, so it sits between natural and synthetic fibres. It drapes softly, takes colour richly and gives velvets and chenilles a sheen, but it creases, can shrink and is much weaker when wet. In humid Malaysian homes it needs more care than polyester.
How is viscose made?
Cellulose from wood pulp is dissolved and then pushed through fine holes to form filaments, which are spun into yarn. The raw material is natural, but the fibre is made in a factory, so viscose is usually called a regenerated or semi-synthetic fibre. Modal and lyocell are related fibres made in a similar way.
On composition labels it appears as VI or CV. See Fabric Composition Labels Explained.
What are viscose's strengths and weaknesses?
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Soft, fluid drape | Creases easily |
| Rich, deep colours and a natural sheen | Much weaker when wet |
| Comfortable, breathable handle | Can shrink if washed warm |
| Gives velvet and chenille a lustrous pile | Water can leave marks, especially on viscose velvet |
How does viscose compare with polyester and cotton?
| Viscose | Polyester | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drape | Very soft | Good, varies with weave | Soft |
| Creasing | High | Low | High |
| Strength when wet | Low | High | Higher than dry |
| Shrinkage | Can shrink | Very little | Can shrink |
| Humidity and mould | Absorbs moisture | Absorbs little | Absorbs moisture |
| Care | Often dry clean | Usually easy | Wash gently |
Most JOTEX curtain and upholstery fabrics are polyester or polyester blends, which is why they cope well with sun and humidity. See Cotton vs Linen vs Polyester.
Where does viscose work in a Malaysian home?
- Good: air-conditioned living and dining rooms, cushions, lined curtains away from strong sun, occasional chairs.
- Think twice: sun-facing windows, kitchens and bathrooms, rooms without air-conditioning, outdoor seating.
- Family sofas: choose a hard-wearing polyester or a blend with a tested rub count instead. See Sofa Fabric Guide.
How do you care for viscose?
- Follow the care label; many viscose furnishing fabrics are dry clean only.
- Blot spills straight away with a dry cloth. Do not rub, and do not soak.
- Steam or iron on a low setting from the reverse side.
- Keep it out of strong direct sun and away from damp.
Frequently asked questions
Is viscose natural or synthetic?
Neither exactly: it is made from natural wood-pulp cellulose by a manufacturing process, so it is called regenerated or semi-synthetic.
Is rayon the same as viscose?
Yes. Viscose is the most common type of rayon, and the two names are often used for the same fabric.
Does viscose shrink?
It can, especially if washed warm or tumble dried. Follow the care label; many furnishing viscoses are dry clean only.
Is viscose good for sofas?
It feels luxurious but is weaker when wet and marks with water, so for busy family sofas a hard-wearing polyester is usually more practical.
Is viscose better than polyester?
It drapes and feels softer, but polyester creases, shrinks and fades less and is easier to clean, which suits most Malaysian homes better.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.