Description

Rayon was the first manufactured semi-synthetic fiber. It blends well with other fibers to create fabrics that feel soft and silky. There are many varieties of rayon, each of which differs slightly in both the manufacturing process and properties of the finished product.

History

Invented in France during the 1890s, rayon was created to be an affordable imitation of silk, wool, cotton, and linen. It was originally called “viscose”, which is still used in Europe today. In 1924, the North American textile industry adopted the term “rayon viscose”. It is most often referred to as “rayon challis”, the challis referencing the soft characteristic of the material.

Sustainability

Much of the natural cellulose that eventually becomes rayon is sourced from already receding rainforests. The chemical process for creating rayon is so bad for the environment, with evidence of rayon production poisoning workers, local populations, and bodies of water.

Variations

Modal: A beechwood pulp fiber with a smoother surface and softer touch than rayon viscose. Durable, breathable, and shrink resistant, it is commonly used to produce lingerie and household products.

Lyocell: A bleached wood pulp fiber with high tensibility and the ability to absorb moisture. It is stronger and more breathable than rayon viscose and also the most environmentally-friendly option among all rayon variations. It is also an eco-silk alternative as it can be spun into long yarns that are silky and smooth. The fiber is often used for sportswear of lingerie.

Cupro: A cotton linter regenerated fiber with a silky, smooth texture and a shiny surface. The fiber is anti-static, stretchable, and can regulate body temperature, which is why it is widely used as interfacing.

Viscose: Also known as rayon viscose, is made from wood pulp or cotton linter and has a silky texture. This fiber can sometimes be less durable than other types of rayon.

Characteristics

• Smooth and soft
• Silky and lustrous
• Highly breakable, especially when wet
• Absorbs moisture quickly
• Highly flammable
• Takes dye well
• Tends to shrink
• Prone to wrinkle

Care Instructions

• Machine wash on gentle cycle
• Do not bleach
• Flat dry and iron to finish