Flowing like silk, absorbent like cotton – viscose fibers have several advantages and can be found in many items of clothing. But what is viscose anyway – is it a synthetic or natural fiber? And how do you care for them properly?
Viscose is not one of the classic natural fibers such as cotton, wool or silk. But it also differs from other synthetic materials such as polyester: its base material is of natural origin, as viscose is woven from liquid pulp. This so-called cellulose is obtained from various types of wood, for example spruce, beech or bamboo. The wet spinning process creates an extremely diverse and versatile material that can be easily dyed and processed. For example, viscose is often an ingredient in:
- Shirts
- T-shirts (often mixed with cotton)
- Blouses
- Scarves
- fine fabrics such as taffeta or velvet
Instead of classic viscose, many items of clothing are also made from similar materials that are also woven from cellulose. These include, for example, modal, cupro or lyocell.
In addition to textiles, many other products also contain viscose - for example:
- Decorative and upholstery fabric
- Bandage and compression materials
- cosmetic cleansing wipes
- Hygiene items such as tampons
- Tea bags
- Banknotes
Hopefully we have now been able to adequately answer the question “What is viscose?” But what can you do to ensure that your favorite viscose blouse stays beautiful for as long as possible? We have a few tips ready for you. The gentle cycle at a slightly lower spin speed is best suited for clothes made of viscose. Since viscose tends to shrink, you should wash viscose clothing at a maximum of 40 degrees. Gentle liquid detergents are suitable as detergents - ideally with additional color protection for colored clothes. Please always follow the instructions on the care label.
Tip: In another article we will tell you what you can do if your favorite viscose item has shrunk.
Powdered detergent leaves residue on the fibers and quickly dulls the colors. Viscose clothes are also not suitable for tumble drying due to their susceptibility to creasing. It's better to air dry them hanging on a hanger. If wrinkles still remain, iron the piece carefully - ideally when it is slightly damp and at low heat. If you follow these tips, you can keep your favorite viscose pieces looking flawless for years to come.