Selecting the appropriate fabric can have a significant impact on the appearance and feel of your clothing. Polyester and viscose are both widely used materials, but they have different advantages. Determining which fabric best suits your needs can be aided by knowing what makes each one distinct.
Polyester is renowned for its toughness and ease of maintenance, whereas viscose is frequently prized for its softness and organic feel. Although these two fabrics initially appear to be similar, they function differently in different scenarios. Finding out the benefits and drawbacks of each fabric will help you make the best decision, regardless of your preferences for comfort, durability, or ease of maintenance.
The main distinctions between polyester and viscose will be discussed in this article to assist you in choosing the better fabric for your outfit.
| Feature | Viscose | Polyester |
| Softness | Softer and more natural feel | Less soft, more synthetic feel |
| Breathability | Good breathability, feels cooler | Less breathable, can feel warm |
| Durability | Less durable, may wear out faster | More durable, lasts longer |
| Maintenance | Requires more care, can shrink | Easy to care for, resists shrinking |
| Eco-friendliness | Made from natural sources | Made from synthetic materials |
- Viscose
- How fabric is made
- Polyester
- How fabric is made
- Comparison of viscose and polyester
- Video on the topic
- What is Viscose? – will be told by Alina / LOSCUT fabric store chain in St. Petersburg
- review of polyester fabric PL 0042
- Review of polyester fabric. PL 0069
- Review of polyester fabric from the LOUIS VUITTON LV 366 brand
- Review of summer viscose fabrics: staple, twill, structured and dress viscose!
Viscose
Although viscose is regarded as an artificial fabric, its constituent parts are natural. The material is prized for its exceptional external qualities and longevity. The fabric has a distinctive sheen and is frequently dyed in vibrant hues.
The first people to produce viscose were the French. After that, production began all over the world. The fabric is still in use today in a number of industries, including apparel. Particularly frequently, the fabric is used to sew summer clothing. Viscose clothing, such as sundresses, skirts, and dresses, is lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect choice for hot weather.
Cellulose fibers serve as the material’s foundation. Different viscose types are produced by weaving factories, with variations in the number of cellulose fibers and thread thickness. These markers determine the fabric’s capacity to hold heat and maintain its shape.
The primary properties of viscose are:
| Natural or synthetic? | artificial, based on natural fibers |
| How it looks to the touch? | pleasant, soft, silky |
| Application | for sewing clothes and bed linen |
| Fabric structure | depends on the type |
| Stretches or not? | only viscose in the form of knitted fabric |
| Recommended washing temperature: | 30° C |
| Washing mode | delicate or hand wash |
| Spinning (possible or not) | no spinning |
| Types | staple, twill, crepe, jersey, modal, acetate, siblon |
Viscose drapes nicely and feels cool to the touch. The fabric absorbs moisture well and does not irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions when worn. Because the material is not very wear-resistant, it needs to be washed carefully.
How fabric is made
Although the basis of viscose is wood cellulose fiber, the material cannot be referred to be entirely natural because chemicals are employed during the production process. The cellulose is first broken up and cooked in an alkali. The raw material is then put through a pressing and bleaching process. Threads are formed at the end of the fiber processing process.
Spinnerets, which are unique metal caps with holes in them, are used to press cellulose. The process of creating viscose threads is getting better all the time and is getting greener. There are numerous ways to make viscose nowadays. Fibers with distinct properties are obtained in each instance. Cellulose is frequently added to natural fabrics to enhance their characteristics.
Polyester
Polyester is made entirely of artificial materials. The foundation of it is petroleum-based. This composition has given the material benefits that set it apart from other textiles. Polyester fabric is very strong; it hardly wrinkles and keeps its color for a very long period. This material holds its shape well and is long-lasting when used to make clothing.
A lot of polyester is used in the apparel business. The fabric is used to sew home goods, outerwear, and bed linens and underwear. Along with many other things, it’s also used to make trade and tourism tents. Polyester fiber is used to make polyester.
The material appears to be either cotton or wool. The material dries quickly after washing and doesn’t form pellets while being worn. Clothes made of polyester has the ability to repel dirt.
The primary attributes of polyester are:
| Natural or synthetic? | completely artificial |
| How it looks to the touch? | rigid |
| Application | for sewing clothes, bed linen, underwear and much more |
| Fabric structure | depends on the type |
| Stretches or not? | low elasticity |
| Recommended washing temperature: |
The fabric’s strength, resistance to fading, and resistance to wear are its advantages. Nevertheless, there are a number of drawbacks to the material as well. 100% polyester fabric is stiff and challenging to dye. The substance electrifies and is nearly airtight. Polyester fibers of poor quality can be harmful to your health.
How fabric is made
The first half of the 20th century saw the development and manufacture of polyester fibers. Initially, the cloth was exclusively utilized for technical objectives. With time, advancements in production technology led to an expansion in the fabric’s range of applications.
Polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene glycol, and terephthalic acid are the raw materials used to make polyester fibers. The process of production involves multiple phases. Petroleum-based products interact with alcohol, coal, water, and air through intricate chemical reactions.
The polyester that is produced is then compressed through tiny holes in a unique device. After being drawn and cooled, the resultant threads acquire the required strength and density. Cotton, polyamide, elastane, and viscose are examples of additives that are used to enhance a fabric’s properties.
Comparison of viscose and polyester
It is worthwhile to compare the primary attributes of polyester and viscose before making a decision. The cost of both materials is comparable. Both kinds of fabric are excellent for sewing clothes and very durable.
Between the two fabrics, there are still a great deal of differences:
| Viscose | Polyester |
| pleasant, smooth, soft | rigid, can rub the skin |
| permeates air well and absorbs moisture | does not “breathe” |
| requires delicate washing at a low temperature | can be washed in hot water and wrung out at low speeds |
| after washing, items shrink and then stretch during wear | clothes do not change size and shape after washing |
| does not wrinkle much | almost does not wrinkle |
| does not become electrified | accumulates static electricity |
| absorbs foreign odors | is resistant to odor absorption |
| is completely safe | not recommended for constant wear, safety has not been proven |
| is flammable | does not burn, but melts |
The benefits of viscose fabric are clear from the data in the table. It is important to keep in mind, though, that viscose requires more maintenance.
Your preference for viscose or polyester fabric will mostly depend on your needs. Because of its breathability and soft, natural feel, viscose is a comfortable fabric to wear, particularly in warmer climates.
Polyester, on the other hand, is notable for its low maintenance, resilience to wrinkles, and durability. It’s a sensible choice for clothing that must endure repeated washings and wear.
In the end, the better fabric is the one that meets your unique requirements and tastes, be it the practicality of polyester or the opulence of viscose.
In the end, the decision between viscose and polyester comes down to your needs. While polyester offers durability, wrinkle resistance, and ease of care, making it a better choice for everyday wear and active use, viscose offers a soft, breathable feel that is perfect for warm weather.
