If you’ve been looking to make your closet more sustainable, you may have heard of viscose as an eco-friendly fabric option. However, it doesn’t really sound like any of the usual suspects when it comes to commonly known “green” fabrics such as cotton or linen. So what is viscose? Why is it sustainable? Why should you incorporate it into your wardrobe? Keep reading to learn about the benefits of viscose fabrics.
Viscose fabric is often said to look like silk and feel like cotton, making it the best of both worlds for lovers of both fabrics. It is one of those materials that gets better overtime. Instead of piling or shrinking after the first wash, viscose will become softer and look more effortlessly chic the more you wear it. Plus, viscose is also moisture-wicking and temperature regulating, making it a great choice for hot climates and active lifestyles. So whether you’re looking for a blouse that will carry you through hot summer months or a dress that will look chic for any occasion, viscose is your new best friend.
If you’re someone who shies away from garments that say “dry clean only,” viscose may be just what your closet needs. With a high-end look, and fool-proof care instructions, viscose is a favorite of folks who prefer to set it and forget it when it comes to their laundry routine. When caring for viscose, you can simply toss your garment in the washing machine with like colors. It's best to use cool water and a gentle detergent. With viscose, less is more so skip the bleach and the and to avoid using fabric softeners. Hang dry or tumble dry on a low heat to keep the fabric looking its best and feeling its softest.
The age-old question: Does viscose shrink? When it comes to clothing, we all want our pieces to maintain their shape and size, even after numerous washes. If you're a fan of viscose fabric, it's essential to know how to care for it to ensure its longevity. Viscose, a semi-synthetic fabric made from regenerated cellulose, is known for its silk-like aesthetic, breathability, and affordability. However, when it comes to shrinkage, viscose does have a tendency to shrink if not properly cared for.
Heat and agitation are the main culprits behind viscose shrinking. This means that washing your viscose items in hot water or tossing them into the dryer can lead to unwanted changes in size. So, how do you keep your favorite viscose pieces in tip-top shape? Always check the care label on your garment. Generally, it's best to hand wash viscose items in cool water and lay them flat to dry. If you must machine wash, use the delicate cycle with cold water and avoid the dryer altogether.
Viscose is often praised for its draping quality, mimicking the fluidity of silk. However, by its nature, viscose isn't really a stretchy fabric. Although it does have a slight give due to its loose weaving, it doesn't provide the same elasticity you'd find in materials like elastane or lycra. That being said, viscose can be blended with other materials to enhance its stretch.
Viscose's lack of natural stretch doesn't take away from its charm. Its ability to drape beautifully and move fluidly makes it a favorite in the fashion world, especially for flowing dresses, blouses, and wide-leg pants.
Understanding these aspects of viscose can help you make informed decisions about your wardrobe and take proper care of your viscose items, ensuring they stay looking their best for years to come. Remember, with a little care and knowledge, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of viscose without worrying about shrinkage or stretch.
Unlike many other sustainable options, viscose is relatively affordable. For example, If you’ve been searching for bedding recently, you’re probably aware of the hype for silk and linen duvets, sheets, and pillow cases, pajamas, nightgowns, and robes. While these textiles look chic, feel luxurious, and are a great sustainable option, they may not be within reach for all consumers. Viscose on the other hand is relatively simple to produce and is therefore more affordable.
Last, but certainly not least, viscose is a sustainable choice that you can feel good about making. This is because it is a natural fabric that is not derived from petroleum and is therefore biodegradable. In fact, viscose actually comes from wood pulp! It can be derived from a variety of trees and plants including pine, beech, spruce, eucalyptus, bamboo, soy, and sugarcane. Some of these varieties such as bamboo, eucalyptus, and sugarcane are highly renewable resources as these plants tend to grow rapidly and require less water than their thirstier counterparts. This means that to make your favorite new fabric, producers are using less water, more renewable plants, and fewer petroleum-based materials. Plus, Masai is a partner with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) so you can rest assured that your favorite Masai garments support only the most responsible and sustainable supply chains which do not contribute to deforestation or endangering native species.
After reading about viscose, do you think you will be adding it into your wardrobe? We want to know! Be sure to share your thoughts over on our social media and don’t forget to tag us! The most important thing to remember, however, when it comes to living more sustainably, is to not simply toss out what you currently use in an effort to purchase all new sustainable items. This in fact, is not actually sustainable and can sometimes do more damage than good.
If you have a favorite t-shirt that you purchased from a fast fashion retailer, and it still has life left in it, by all means, continue to wear it! Extend its life as long as possible and keep it out of the landfill as long as you can. Use what you have first, then when you’re ready to bring new pieces in, consider upgrading to sustainable materials like viscose. If you have any questions about sustainability, our supply chain, how to care for our products, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out! We are an open book and would love to hear from you.
