What Is Viscose Fabric? Feel, Care, and Shrinkage Data (2024)

Viscose fabric, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic material made from wood pulp, chosen for its soft, smooth feel and flowy drape. Viscose blends the comfort of natural fibers with a silk-like look — but it can shrink and requires gentle care.

Below you’ll find what viscose is made of, how it feels to wear, detailed shrinkage and care data from real lab tests, plus its pros and cons for clothing buyers.

Key takeaways

• Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp using a chemical process.
• It’s known for its silky softness, breathability, and elegant drape.
• Our production tests show viscose shrinks significantly after the first wash: median 8% in length, 2% in width (350 lots).
• Viscose resists pilling and color rub-off, but can lose strength when wet.
• Line drying and gentle washing help prevent high shrinkage and shape changes.

What is viscose fabric?

Viscose fabric is a regenerated cellulose fiber: it starts as wood pulp, usually from fast-growing trees like beech or eucalyptus, which is dissolved and spun into threads using a wet chemical process. Viscose is the generic name; “rayon” is the US equivalent, and some older labels use “artificial silk.” Viscose is neither fully natural like cotton nor fully synthetic like polyester—it is “semi-synthetic,” keeping plant origins but shaped by an industrial process.

What is viscose fabric made of?

Viscose is made from cellulose, the main part of plant cell walls. The process starts with wood or bamboo pulp, which is treated with chemicals (caustic soda and carbon disulfide) to dissolve the cellulose. A viscous liquid is created, which is forced through fine spinnerets into an acid bath, forming new fibers. These are spun into yarns and then woven or knitted. While chemical residues are largely removed, the starting material remains plant-based pulp.

As a result, viscose keeps a cool, natural feel but can be made in a wide range of weaves, thicknesses, and styles by adjusting the spinning process. Some viscose is blended with other fibers for extra properties—see our modal guide for a direct comparison.

How viscose is made

Problem

How wood becomes viscose fabric

Why it happens

• Wood pulp is dissolved in chemicals
• Cellulose is re-spun into new fibers
• Fibers are spun into yarn, then fabric

What fixes it

• Most chemicals are removed and recycled
• Resulting fabric keeps a natural feel
• Allows precise control of fabric look and drape

How does viscose fabric feel to wear?

Soft, smooth, drapey—these are the words most often used for viscose. The fiber is round and fine, and the fabric surface feels smooth, not fuzzy like brushed cotton. Viscose is cool to touch and breathable; it absorbs moisture well, similar to cotton and better than polyester. Knit viscose is notably flowy, great for loose blouses, tees, and dresses with elegant drape. Heavier viscose mimics the weight and luster of silk at a lower cost.

Light viscose garments feel cool and airy in summer. Because viscose isn’t stiff, clothing often hangs and moves gracefully, but collars or cuffs can lose structure if the fabric is very lightweight. Some people find viscose clings in humid weather, but it rarely feels rough or scratchy.

Fabric weight (GSM)

Typical viscose jersey, 190 GSM

100200300450 GSM

Under 150Light tees, summer tops, linings

150–200Everyday T-shirts, polos

200–280Heavyweight tees, light sweats

280+Sweatshirts, hoodies, fleece

How much does viscose shrink? Real production data

Viscose is highly prone to shrinkage—much more than cotton in our tests. Within 350 production lots of viscose/rayon (all types), the typical shrinkage after one wash and tumble dry was −8% in length (median), and −2% in width. The top 10% most shrink-prone lots lost 14% or more in length. Among all lots, 70% shrank by at least 6% in length after the first wash.

Viscose: how much it shrinks after washing

Measured result

Test

Dimensional change after washing and tumble drying

Method

Finished-fabric quality check

Sample

350 viscose/rayon production lots

Conditions

One wash, tumble dry

Result

Median length −8%, width −2%

Viscose shrinks more than cotton: high shrink risk in first wash.

Viscose single jersey after one wash and tumble dry

Length

−9%

Width

−3%

Fabric area

−11.7%

Typical shrinkage by knit type in lab tests:

• Single jersey: Median shrinkage −9% length, −3% width (181 lots); 78% shrank ≥6% length.
• Rib: Median −7% length, −2% width (109 lots).
• Interlock: Median −7% length, −2% width (48 lots).

For comparison, 100% cotton single jersey T-shirt fabric shrank −5% in length, −2% in width (6,215 lots). Viscose is 60–80% more shrink-prone in length, similar to modal or lyocell family fibers (median −10% in length, −2% in width, 51 lots).

If you plan to alter or hem viscose clothing, it’s best to wash it before making adjustments, as even gentle wash and line drying usually cause noticeable shortening.

Fiber group	Median length shrinkage	Median width shrinkage	Sample size (lots)
100% viscose/rayon (all knits)	−8%	−2%	350
100% cotton, single jersey	−5%	−2%	6,215
Viscose/modal/lyocell + elastane	−8%	−2%	380
100% polyester	−3%	−2%	105
Cotton-polyester (CVC/PC)	−4%	−2%	2,947

How strong is viscose? Does it pill or fade?

In lab testing of 30 viscose/rayon fabrics:

• Pilling resistance was excellent—25 of 26 grades were top grade 4–5 (on a 1–5 scale).
• Color rub-off (crocking) was dry: 4–5; wet: 3–4. No failures in 15 lab tests. Viscose dye can stain other fabrics in the wash, especially cotton, so keep bright colors separate at first.
• Color change after washing (fading) was stable, grade 4 (out of 5).
• Bursting strength measured 133 kPa (median, 13 failed out of 26 tested). Viscose is weaker than cotton when wet, so it distorts easily if roughly handled while washing.
• Spirality (side seam twisting) is low: median 2–3%.

Viscose fabric grades in our lab (30 reports)

Median grade, 1–5, higher is better

• Pilling resistance4.5/5
• Color rub-off dry4.5/5
• Color rub-off wet3.5/5
• Color change after washing4/5
• Bursting strength2.5/5
• Spirality4/5

Unlike many synthetic blends, viscose rarely pills in normal use thanks to its smoother fibers and lower surface fuzz. Its colors are generally stable, but surface dyes, especially deep reds and blues, may transfer if washed with lighter cottons the first few times.

On the downside, viscose fiber weakens by about 30–50% when wet, which is why gentle handling is critical—aggressive twisting, wringing, or hot tumble drying can lead to distortion or seam stretching, especially in lightweight garments.

Pros and cons of viscose fabric

Pros of viscose

• Soft touch: Smooth, gentle next to skin.
• Lustrous and drapey: Elegant appearance, hangs well, good for loose, flowy styles.
• Breathable: Good for warm weather, allows airflow and moisture absorption.
• Resists pilling and most color loss.
• Plant-based origin: Made from wood pulp, not petroleum.

Cons of viscose

• Shrinks noticeably—especially in length, more than cotton or synthetics.
• Weaker when wet: Easily distorted if rough-washed or twisted.
• Needs gentle care, especially first wash and dry.
• Wrinkles and creases easily; not the best for sharp structure.
• Some dye colors may bleed or transfer, so separate especially for new garments.

How to wash and care for viscose clothes

Gentle care is vital to prevent excessive shrinkage, distortion, and loss of drape. Viscose can last and look great for years if handled right. Always read your garment’s care label, but most viscose clothing benefits from the following approach:

Washing viscose clothes, step by step

1. Turn the garment inside out.
2. Wash at 30 °C (86 °F) on a gentle cycle, or cold if possible.
3. Use a mild detergent (no bleach).
4. Line dry and reshape while damp—avoid tumble drying if you want to reduce shrinkage.
5. Iron on medium (two-dot) setting if needed.

Best care settings for most viscose clothes

Machine wash at 30 °C (86 °F) or belowCool water keeps the dye and fiber stable. Hotter water can shrink the fabric, loosen dye or weaken elastane.

Non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach onlyChlorine bleach would strip the dye or yellow the fiber; oxygen bleach is gentler.

Line dryHang to dry; it keeps size and saves the fiber from dryer heat.

Iron on medium, max 150 °C (300 °F)Medium heat suits polyester, wool, silk, viscose and modal. Use a pressing cloth on dark colors to avoid shine.

Why line drying? Lab records show that tumble-dried viscose shrinks more and fails quality checks more often than line-dried. Line drying in shape avoids the high shrinkage and shape distortion typical in tumbling, especially in home laundry machines. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest setting and remove items while slightly damp to finish air drying flat or on a hanger.

For deep-set wrinkles, use a steam iron on medium heat while the fabric is still lightly damp. High heat can scorch or weaken the fiber, so stick to two-dot settings or the “viscose/rayon” mark on your iron. Garments may stretch slightly from ironing, so always iron along the length and in the direction you want the garment to stay.

Why viscose shrinks after washing

Problem

Clothing shrinks or shortens

Why it happens

• Chemical processing causes tension in fibers
• Water causes fibers to relax and swell
• Heat and mechanical action remove that tension

What fixes it

• Wash gently at low temperature
• Line dry and reshape while damp
• Expect up to 8% shrinkage in length after first wash

Who should (and shouldn’t) buy viscose?

Viscose is ideal for:

• Anyone who wants softness, drape, and breathability for blouses, tees, and dresses.
• People seeking an affordable, plant-based alternative to silk.
• Warm weather wear or layering—lightweight viscose stays cool.
• Those willing to launder gently and avoid hot tumble drying for best results.

It’s less ideal for basics that see heavy duty, frequent hot wash and dry, or need to keep sharp creases (uniforms, fitted pants, towels, or most children’s clothes). For those shopping for extremely low-maintenance or wrinkle-free wear, consider polyester, cotton-poly blends, or modal.

For those curious about alternatives, see our modal fabric guide for a fabric with similar feel but improved strength and shrink control, or browse our fabric guides for broader options.

Viscose vs modal, cotton, polyester—comparison at a glance

Viscose vs other popular fibers

Lab and production experience, 1–5 scale

ViscoseCotton

Shrink resistance

23

Softness

43

Color fastness

44

Pilling resistance

54

Wrinkle resistance

23

Property	Viscose	Modal	Cotton	Polyester
Base material	Wood pulp (chemical process)	Wood pulp (upgraded process)	Plant (natural fiber)	Petrochemical (plastic)
Shrinkage (typical)	High (−8% length)	Moderate (−6%)	Moderate (−5%)	Low (−3%)
Pilling resistance	High	Very high	Moderate-high	Very high
Wrinkle resistance	Low	Moderate	Low-moderate	High
Care needed	Gentle wash, line dry	Gentle wash, flexible	Normal wash	Easy care

For a wider look at fiber types and care, see the full Fabric Guide index.

Viscose fabric: FAQ

Viscose fabric: quick answers

How this guide was researched

This guide uses shrinkage, pilling, color fastness, and bursting strength data from 350 viscose and rayon production lots (Jan–Sep 2026) plus 30 detailed viscose lab reports. Comparative data for cotton, modal, polyester and blends comes from over 6,000 fabric lots and 510+ lab reports compiled in the same period. For a full explanation of our testing and methods, see how we test.