Viscose fabric
Viscose (also called rayon) is a semi-synthetic fibre made from wood pulp. It drapes like silk, breathes well, and biodegrades, but conventional production uses a worker-harming chemical and is linked to large-scale deforestation. The fibre is fine for skin; the issue is how it is made.
On your skin
Soft and breathable against the skin. The skin concern is low; the bigger issue is the manufacturing process.
Comfort and performance
Silk-like drape and breathability, and it takes colour vividly. It is weak when wet and can shrink.
Durability
The least durable cellulosic: it loses strength when wet, creases, and often needs gentle or hand washing.
Environmental impact
Conventional viscose uses carbon disulfide, a neurotoxin for factory workers, and is linked to roughly 120 million trees logged a year for fabric. Choose FSC-certified or branded versions such as ECOVERO or lyocell instead.
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Download for iPhoneViscose FAQ
Is viscose natural or synthetic?
Semi-synthetic. It starts as natural wood cellulose but is chemically dissolved and re-spun, so it sits between natural and synthetic.
Is viscose bad for the environment?
Conventional viscose can be, due to chemical use and deforestation. Certified or closed-loop versions like lyocell are far better.
Does viscose shrink?
It can. Viscose is weak when wet and prone to shrinkage, so wash it gently and reshape damp.
- Sources
- Canopy Planet, viscose and endangered forests.
- NIOSH on carbon disulfide; Textile Exchange.