Is Viscose a Breathable Fabric? Is It Good for Summer?

Here is the answer to the question of whether viscose is a breathable fabric; after reading this blog, you will know if viscose is suitable for summer.

Because it is inexpensive and versatile, viscose is a type of fabric that is frequently used in the textile industry. Viscose also referred to as rayon, is made from cellulose fibers that have undergone chemical treatment to produce a soft and silky material.

But is viscose a breathable fabric? Because it is made from a wood pulp solution that is knit or woven into a light fabric, viscose is a breathable material. Small openings in the fiber allow air and water to pass through while it absorbs moisture to help keep your skin cool.

This blog is going to tell you the truth about viscose breathability.

Is Viscose a Breathable Fabric?

Breathability refers to a fabric’s ability to allow air to pass through it, allowing moisture to escape and keeping the wearer cool and dry. In general, viscose is considered to be a breathable fabric due to its porous nature and ability to absorb moisture.

However, the breathability of viscose can vary depending on the specific type of viscose fabric and its construction. For example, a tightly woven or heavily processed viscose fabric may not be as breathable as a looser weave or a more natural form of viscose.

In addition, the breathability of viscose can also be affected by external factors such as humidity and temperature. In hot and humid climates, viscose may not feel as breathable as it does in cooler and drier environments.

It is also important to note that viscose is not as breathable as some natural fibers such as cotton or linen. While viscose can be a suitable option for lighter garments such as summer dresses or blouses, it may not be the best choice for activewear or other high-intensity activities where breathability is essential.

Are Viscose Blends Breathable?

The best qualities of various fibers can be combined in a single fabric by using viscose blends, which are useful for both breathability and combining the best qualities of multiple fibers. Four popular fabric combinations contain viscose.

The viscose contributes to maintaining the fabric’s breathability in blends with natural fibers. Conversely, viscose increases the breathability of blends with a high proportion of synthetic fibers.

The most popular viscose-natural fiber blends are viscose/cotton and viscose/linen. This fabric becomes more affordable and feels softer against your skin when viscose is added to the fibers. The most popular synthetic fiber blends are viscose/polyester and viscose/spandex.

These fabrics are more breathable thanks to the viscose, and the spandex and polyester help wick away moisture so that they feel dry.

It is important to know whether your fabric is breathable before you buy it. If it is not a breathable fabric, it may make you sweat and uncomfortable. Below, we reviewed the breathability of different types of fabrics:

Is Viscose Good for Summer?

Viscose tends to trap water even though it allows plenty of air to pass through it. Your skin will feel cooler as a result as your sweat absorbs into the material. This makes the fabric a desirable option for lighter clothing.

Because it is thin and cool against the skin, viscose is a good fabric for the summer. When wearing viscose, though, pay attention to the humidity. When a fabric is saturated with too much moisture, the pleasant coolness can become clingy and clammy.

Read More:

• Is Viscose Fabric Stretchy?
• Does Viscose Fabric Shrink?
• How to Wash Viscose Fabric Properly?

The majority of viscose-based clothing must be dry cleaned to keep them in good condition. A viscose summer wardrobe might not be ideal for you if you perspire a lot.

A viscose garment is more likely to stretch out the more you perspire while wearing it. Viscose can be a great summer fabric, though, if you don’t sweat a lot and live in a dry climate.

What Garments Does Viscose Work Well For?

Viscose has a great drape, much like the silk it was designed to imitate. This makes it ideal for flowing, light clothing. Viscose works really well for loose-fitting summer dresses and tops. For more streamlined garments like trousers, viscose by itself is not the best material to use. In a fabric blend, though, it can give these items a little extra stretch and air.

Another excellent garment for viscose is pajamas. Viscose provides these qualities, which are soft, cozy, and cool. Viscose is readily dyed and printed, so a wide range of patterns and colors are offered. Rich, deep colors and flirtatious patterns in vibrant colors are just a few of the options available in viscose.

Viscose is uncommon in cold-weather clothing because it doesn’t trap body heat or act as an effective insulator. In contrast, it works well as a lining for bulkier items like wool coats. It is softer than wool, so it can act as a barrier against the rougher, warmer fabric for clothing that will be worn next to the skin.

While a viscose summer dress might work well for date nights, that same dress might be a disaster at a picnic where you’re likely to get stains from the grass that won’t come out easily.

Advantages of Viscose Fabric

• Inexpensive
• Known for its silk-like feel
• Drapes beautifully
• Breathable, similar to cotton in this regard
• Ideal for those seeking a luxurious look and feel at a more economical price point
• Blends well with other fibers, particularly woven ones
• It Dyes easily and produces beautiful, vivid colors

Disadvantages of Viscose Fabric

• Almost always needs to be dry cleaned
• The manufacturing process is extremely polluting and harmful to the environment, classifying it as an unsustainable fabric despite being made of natural materials (wood)
• Prone to stretching and bagging and often doesn’t recover
• Fabric is weak, and even weaker when wet
• Not recommended for use in home furnishings
• Absorbs moisture, body oils, and water, which may result in spots
• Spot treating can lead to permanent marking

Conclusion: is Viscose a Breathable Fabric?

Viscose can be considered a breathable fabric, but its breathability may vary depending on factors such as fabric construction and external conditions. It gets high marks for combining the airflow of natural fibers with the affordability of synthetics to create an affordable silk substitute.

This versatile fabric is a fantastic addition to fabric blends that need more softness or breathability.

FAQs