Knowledge of different types of fabric helps in creating and choosing high-quality garments. Every fabric is unique due to its distinct characteristics, functionalities, and applications. Organic materials like cotton, wool, and silk coexist with synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, and Neoprene.
In addition, there are also semi-synthetic materials, both natural and synthetic. This blog is all about the importance of a very significant semi-synthetic material, which is rayon.
This particular fiber has its own unique properties along with some pros, cons, and applications in the textile industry. I have provided below the most significant knowledge regarding rayon in order for you to understand this fabric better.
What is Rayon Fabric? Brief Information
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric created using the natural elements like cotton, pulp, wood, or bamboo. But it becomes a manufactured fiber after its chemical treatment. This makes it an organic and synthetic fabric at the same time. Rayon material is also called cactus silk, sabra silk, and viscose fabric.
Rayon was first invented in 1846 by accident. Chemists created it to discover new ways to use explosives. In 1911, rayon was first introduced to the textile industry.
Its original name was artificial silk back then. Other than garments, it has other industrial uses too. For example, it is used in making bedsheets and tie cords.
Types of Rayon Fabric?
There are 3 types of rayon material. All the types have different properties and uses in the garment industry:
- Viscose rayon
- Modal rayon
- Lyocell rayon
Viscose Rayon
Viscose fabric is the most common type of rayon. It is derived from the wood pulp. It is commonly used as an alternative to silk because of its silk-like smooth feel and drape.
This material is popular because of its affordability and luxury feel since it is a cheaper version of silk. It is beneficial in terms of uses in clothing and cords. However, it has the disadvantage of shrinking frequently during the washing process and no shape retention.
Modal Rayon
Modal fabric is a widely used semi-synthetic material that is created from the pulp of beech trees. It is often blended with materials like spandex and cotton to enhance its durability.
It is mainly used to make pajamas, underwear, and household necessities like towels and bedsheets. Like its other variant, viscose, it is a luxurious fabric that features an amazing feel. However, it is more costly than viscose or cotton fabric.
Lyocell Rayon
Like modal, lyocell fabrics are also created with beech trees. However, the production process of lyocell is different, as it is more eco-friendly due to using fewer harsh chemicals.
Lyocell is usually blended with other materials like cotton and linen. It absorbs moisture, which is a promising trait to keep the skin cool and dry.
Rayon vs. Viscose
Rayon and viscose are the two terms that are used interchangeably. However, there are certain key differences suited for various applications.
- Viscose is derived from cotton linter or the wood pulp. On the other hand, the construction process of rayon involves its derivation from the beech wood pulp.
- Viscose production requires harsh chemicals. Rayon’s production process involves carbon disulfide and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), which are used to regenerate and dissolve cellulose from wood pulp.
- Rayon is better suited for lightweight garments due to its breathability and softness. Viscose is more appropriate for free-flowing clothes because of its silky feel. It drapes well.
- Rayon is more durable than viscose since caustic soda makes viscose vulnerable.
What Is Rayon Used For?
Rayon has 3 promising uses that are highly significant in terms of manufacturing clothing products.
1. Athletic Clothing
Rayon fabric features characteristics like breathability and moisture absorption, which makes it ideal for athletic clothes. The reason is that sports apparel requires instant moisture-wicking and ventilation that helps the athletes or fitness lovers style dry and cool.
2. Smoothness
Since rayon is silky and smooth like silk, it is commonly used for luxury clothing products like intimate apparel or lingerie.
3. Flowy and Drapey Apparel
Rayon features amazing drapey quality, making it ideal for flowy and breathable clothing products.
What Are the Characteristics of Rayon?
So far, we have established that rayon is a good-quality fabric that has multiple practical uses. The reason behind such practicalities is its various properties. Here are some significant characteristics of rayon material:
Good Texture
Rayon has a very comfortable texture with a smooth and soft feel.
Glossy Appearance
The silky look of rayon is very famous, as it makes a garment luxurious. It has a range of sheen from low to high.
Drapey
Rayon fabric is also known as a fluid drape because it flows like a liquid. It retains wrinkles and stays unrigid.
Moisture-Absorbency
Rayon has good moisture absorbency, more than cotton. However, it is not water-repellant. It shrinks when getting wet. So far, we have established that rayon is a good-quality fabric that has multiple practical uses.
Breathable
Rayon is very breathable, which is why it is suitable for fitness and sports garments. It doesn’t
retain heat and stays cool.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Rayon?
Rayon is known for its many pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of rayon fabric:
Pros
- It has a remarkable texture.
- It is comfortable and soft to wear.
- It is a luxurious material.
- It is an affordable fabric.
- It is classy and beautiful.
- It absorbs moisture and water.
- It is breathable and stays cool and ventilated in warm weather.
- It retains wrinkles.
- It retains its shape and color.
Cons
- It shrinks during the washing process (not suitable for machine washing).
- Its durability gets compromised after getting washed.
- Without blends, it has no stretchability.
- It is an unsustainable material.
What Are the Care Instructions for Rayon Fabric?
- Firstly, check the care labels on the garment before washing and drying.
- Use water at a maximum of 30 degrees. Avoid using too hot water.
- It is better to handwash rayon.
- You should tumble dry rayon but avoid hot environments. Or, you can iron dry rayon with a lower temperature.
FAQ’S
1. Is rayon fabric good for summer?
Yes, rayon is ideal for summer due to its breathability and good moisture-wicking. The fabric makes your garment suitable for warm weather.
2. Does rayon fabric shrink?
Yes, it does shrink when washed in hot water. It also shrinks when dried at a hot temperature.
3. Is rayon a natural or synthetic fiber?
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric. It is created from natural cellulose, as it is crafted from wood pulp but undergoes chemical processing, making it natural and synthetic.
4. Which is better, rayon or cotton?
The choice is based on your needs.
- If you want an affordable, silk-like texture, draping, and lightweight material, rayon is a better choice.
- If you prefer durability, more breathability, easy care, and no shrinking problem, then cotton is a better option.
- However, both are preferable for summer or warm weather.
5. Is Rayon breathable and durable?
Rayon is very breathable because of its lightweight but lacks durability due to its shrinking when washed.
