Viscose or polyester, what to choose: photos, differences, reviews

It can be difficult to decide between polyester and viscose when each fabric has certain advantages of its own. Understanding the benefits of each fabric is crucial when choosing clothing for formal events or daily use.

Loved for its softness and breathability, viscose is a popular fabric for cozy apparel. Conversely, polyester is highly valued for its resilience to wrinkling and strength, and is frequently chosen for its usefulness.

We’ll examine these two fabrics side by side in this post, emphasizing their variations, practical uses, and consumer feedback. You’ll know more about which fabric best meets your needs by the end.

Description, appearance and features

Viscose is a chemically processed fiber that is extracted from wood. It is basically recycled cellulose. An artificial raw material used in the creation of textile materials is viscose.

The hygienic indicators of fabrics made of this composition are similar to those of natural cotton. Textured, soft to the touch, flowing, draped, and slightly sliding. The canvas has a matte, regal sheen and a smooth surface.

Fabrics made of viscose exhibit excellent dyeability. As long as care instructions are followed, textiles never truly lose their original color. But cotton and synthetic fabrics are stronger than viscose fabric. Wet fabrics are more susceptible to mechanical impacts.

Oil and gas are the synthetic materials used to make polyester. Several kinds of fabrics are produced using PE yarn. They all exhibit good dyeability, strength, and abrasion resistance. Fabrics made of synthetic materials are virtually deformed-free, easy to maintain, and do not wrinkle.

Various types of woven fabrics combine the following benefits:

  • durability;
  • strength;
  • resistance to mechanical impacts;
  • ability to repel dirt;
  • no pilling (formation of pellets) and shrinkage.

The unnatural nature of the material and its potential to accumulate static electricity are the drawbacks.

Synthetic materials possess a pleasant and velvety texture. The type of weave determines whether the surface structure is finely grained or smooth.

It’s important to consider how viscose and polyester feel, look, and work differently before making a clothing choice. Similar to natural fibers, viscose has a soft, breathable texture that makes it comfortable but more prone to damage and wrinkles. Contrarily, polyester can feel less breathable and have a synthetic sheen, but it is stronger, less likely to wrinkle, and easier to maintain. Whether you value durability and low maintenance over comfort and natural attributes is what will ultimately determine your decision.

Blended options

Viscose fibers, either synthetic or natural, are added to the material for strength. Samples of blended textiles maintain a high level of hygiene. Polyviscose fabric, with a mass fraction of PE ranging from 5 to 45%, is a traditional combination option. Typical forms of blended polyester and viscose textiles are as follows:

  • polyviscose (sometimes with the addition of stretch fibers);
  • French and viscose knitwear;
  • plaid;
  • kulirnaya smoothness .

In polyviscon, the traditional proportion of viscose to PE fibers is 30/70. Such fabrics should have at least 23% artificial yarn.

A blended textile material composed of viscose and polyester fibers is called polyviscose. It is a 30/70 ratio in the classic version. Artificial raw material content must be at least 23%.

Material name Composition, % Purpose
Viscose Polyester
Polyviscose 70 30 Suit and dress fabrics

Comparative analysis

Let’s compare polyester and viscose to see which is better. This can be aided by examining the key benefits and drawbacks of the two kinds of yarn.

Viscose exhibits hygienic qualities because it is an artificial fabric made from natural cellulose as its raw material. The material actively takes in moisture, "breathes," and expels it. It feels silky, smooth, and pleasant to the touch. It is flexible. However, it lacks the strength of materials with different compositions.

Polyester yarn is used to create synthetic fabrics that are strong, colorfast, and resistant to wear. The materials are not arbitrary when it comes to cutting, sewing, or handling. Fabrics don’t need to be ironed, dry quickly, and are simple to wash.

Contrary to viscose, PE is a chemically derived fabric, which compromises its hygienic properties. Synthetics are not as good at eliminating vapors and have low air exchange rates, but they are far stronger than artificial fiber. It can be used for a lot of things. PE is electrified; viscose does not accumulate "electricity."

We can determine from a comparative analysis that blended materials made of these fibers are thought to be the best choice. Pure PE is used in the sewing of sportswear and other items where wear resistance is crucial.

The durability of clothing made of synthetic fabric is inferior. It is more easily damaged. However, it never triggers an allergic reaction, unlike polyester. For sewing blouses, dresses, and undergarments, viscose is the ideal material. For outerwear and sportswear, PE is the ideal choice. The use of artificial raw materials is expanded when both components are combined to create fabrics.

The variations also hold true for the ways of care. PE is less arbitrary and doesn’t need to be manipulated. Viscose shrinks when it gets wet, needs to be handled carefully, and does not tolerate wringing.

Synthetics are less expensive in this price range. These textiles are also more comfortable to cut and sew. Its cuts hardly ever crumble, and the fabric resists slipping and wrinkling.

The consumer decides what is better to choose. One more situation to take into account is this: viscose or mixed materials are preferable for children’s second-layer clothing. Please feel free to select PE for overalls, jackets, and raincoats.

Criteria Viscose Polyester
Material Source Plant-based, made from wood pulp Synthetic, derived from petroleum
Texture Soft, smooth, and breathable Smooth but less breathable
Moisture Absorption Highly absorbent, feels cool Low absorption, tends to trap moisture
Durability Prone to wrinkling and shrinking Strong, wrinkle-resistant, long-lasting
Environmental Impact More eco-friendly, biodegradable Less eco-friendly, non-biodegradable
Care Requires delicate washing, can be damaged by heat Easy to care for, resists most stains
Best For Comfortable, lightweight clothing Outdoor wear, durable fabrics
Overall Choice Great for natural feel and comfort Better for durability and easy care

The key to selecting between polyester and viscose is knowing what matters to you. For people who value a pleasant feel against their skin, viscose is the perfect material because it has a natural feel, is breathable, and is soft enough to be comfortable. However, polyester stands out for being resilient to wrinkles, long-lasting, and low-maintenance, making it the ideal material for people who demand practicality and long-lasting wear.

In the end, each fabric has advantages, so your choice ultimately comes down to your personal priorities. Viscose may be a better option if you’re looking for something more natural and breathable. However, polyester is a good choice if resilience and ease of maintenance are your top concerns.

When making your final selection, take into account your lifestyle and the purpose of the clothing. You can also see how each fabric will behave and appear in real life by reading reviews and looking at pictures.

Video on the topic

Review of polyester fabric LP 385

Review of polyester fabric PL 0243

Review of polyester / viscose fabric PL 0300

Review of viscose / polyester fabric from the brand Jil Sander JSD 110

Review of polyester fabric J 0156

What fabric do you most often choose for home textiles?
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Dmitry Kornev

Interior designer and passionate fan of textiles. For me, fabric is not just a material, but a tool with which you can create coziness and style in any room. On this site I share my ideas and tips on how to use textiles in interior design to emphasize your individuality.

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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