Viscose (also called rayon) is a regenerated cellulose fibre - plant material chemically processed into textile fibre. It's classified as semi-synthetic: natural origin, chemical processing.
How It's Made
- Plant material (wood pulp, bamboo) is dissolved using chemicals
- The viscous solution is extruded through spinnerets
- Fibres solidify in chemical bath
- Resulting fibres are spun into yarn
The name "viscose" comes from the viscous (thick, sticky) solution stage.
Properties
Advantages:
- Soft, smooth feel
- Good drape
- Breathable
- Takes dye well
- Plant-derived
Disadvantages:
- Less durable than cotton
- Weakens when wet
- Chemical processing concerns
- May shrink
- Wrinkles easily
In Towels
Viscose appears in towels as:
- Bamboo viscose: Most "bamboo towels"
- Modal: Higher-quality viscose variant
- Blends: Mixed with cotton for softness
Pure viscose towels are rare - the fibre is too weak when wet for heavy-duty use. Blends are more common.
Environmental Concerns
Traditional viscose processing uses harsh chemicals (sodium hydroxide, carbon disulfide) that can pollute. Closed-loop alternatives like lyocell address this.
Viscose vs Rayon
Same thing. "Viscose" is the common term in UK/Europe; "rayon" is more common in the US. Both describe the same fibre type.
Related Terms
- Bamboo viscose - Bamboo-sourced
- Modal - Premium viscose
- Lyocell - Eco-friendly alternative