All about viscose

   Soft to the touch and pleasant to wear, viscose is a material that respects all skin types. Although it is called artificial, its exceptional softness has earned it the nickname "artificial silk". Widely used in the clothing industry, this fiber is appreciated for the quality of the clothes it allows to create.

Origins and development of viscose

   Viscose, also known as artificial silk, was invented in 1884 by the French Hilaire de Chardonnet and Auguste Delubac. Unlike natural silk produced by silkworms, viscose is made from cellulose and collodion. Initially, it was produced from wood pulp.

It was only in 1892 that the viscose manufacturing process was patented by Cross, Bevan & Beadle in the United Kingdom. This patent allowed viscose to spread on the world market. By the 1920s, its production had already begun in several countries, including the United States. Thanks to its resemblance to natural silk and its more affordable cost, viscose, also called "rayon" since 1924, has quickly become popular for the manufacture of clothing and linings. Stylists adopted it to create elegant lingerie as early as 1929, sometimes reinforcing it with acetate for better durability.

The process of making viscose

   The production of viscose is based on the extraction of cellulose from plants. This cellulose is then dissolved in a caustic soda solution, which makes it possible to swell the fibers and separate them. After this step, the cellulose is depolymerized and combined with carbon disulfide to form cellulose xanthate, a more soluble solution.

This solution is then filtered to remove impurities, producing a flexible, soft and clean material. To obtain viscose threads, the solution is finally placed in an acid bath.

Properties and benefits of viscose

   Viscose shares many properties with cotton: it does not felt, has a strong absorbent power, and does not fluff. Viscose yarns are used to make rayon and fibran, two types of artificial silk that can be spun into continuous fibers.

The many advantages of viscose

   Among the main qualities of viscose, its softness is particularly appreciated. It does not cause itching and is comfortable to wear. Lightweight and breathable, it is perfect for summer wear, offering optimal comfort even in hot weather. Viscose also highlights slender silhouettes thanks to its tight-fitting nature that follows the curves of the body.

In addition, viscose is a durable and resistant material. It does not deform and resists pest attacks, unlike other natural fibers such as cotton and wool. When produced from bamboo, viscose is also considered ecological, since the cultivation of bamboo does not require fertilizers or pesticides.

Easy to maintain, viscose is economical and remains trendy season after season. It has established itself as a must-have material in all wardrobes.

Ethnic viscose clothing

   Viscose is particularly popular for making ethnic clothes. Its softness and flexibility make it an ideal material for various styles, such as harem pants, baggy pants, and dresses and skirts. These clothes, often equipped with elasticated waists for optimal comfort, allow great freedom of movement.

Viscose prints

   Viscose fabrics are often adorned with various ethnic motifs, such as mandala prints, Aztec motifs, floral prints and cashmere motifs. These prints add a touch of exoticism and style to garments, scarves, blouses and dresses made of viscose.

Care and washing of viscose

   Viscose is an easy-to-maintain material. It can be washed by hand with gentle gestures or in the machine at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C. It is recommended to turn the clothes inside out before washing them and choose a delicate program. To preserve the quality of the fabric, avoid twisting the clothes during drying and prefer to dry them flat rather than on hangers.

Conclusion

   Viscose, or artificial silk, is a soft material ideal for making quality clothes. Easy to maintain, economical and trendy, it continues to seduce fashion enthusiasts since its creation in 1884. To discover our selection of viscose garments, do not hesitate to contact us.