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