Materials

For modern women’s apparel, softness is more than a comfort feature. It defines how garments feel, drape, and perform in everyday wear. From casual essentials to premium fashion collections, women consistently prioritize fabrics that are gentle on the skin, breathable, and refined in touch. Understanding what makes a fabric truly soft enables fashion brands to design better products and enhance customer satisfaction. 

This guide explores the softest cloth materials used in modern women’s apparel to support smarter fabric decisions.

Quick Comparing Fabric Qualities

Type of material	Softness	Breathability	Durability	Ideal use in ladies’ apparel
Silk	Very high	Moderate	Moderate	Luxury blouses, dresses, and lingerie
Modal	High	High	High	Tops, loungewear, underwear
Sateen	High	Moderate	Moderate	Dresses, skirts, sleepwear
Lyocell	High	Very high	High	Shirts, dresses, casual wear
Bamboo fabric	High	High	Moderate	Basics, sleepwear, activewear
Cotton	Medium to high	Very high	High	Everyday apparel, casualwear
Cashmere	Very high	Moderate	Moderate	Knitwear, premium layers
Viscose	High	High	Moderate	Dresses, blouses, skirts

This comparison highlights how different fabrics balance softness with breathability and durability in women’s apparel. While silk and cashmere deliver exceptional softness for premium collections, materials like modal, lyocell, and cotton provide versatile comfort suitable for everyday wear

The softest fabrics commonly used in ladies’ apparel 

1. Silk

• Origin: Silk is a natural protein fiber produced from silkworm cocoons, traditionally cultivated in Asia. It has been used in luxury textiles for centuries due to its refined texture and natural sheen.
• Why it’s soft: This fabric is soft because its fibers are extremely fine, continuous filaments with a naturally smooth surface. This structure minimizes friction against the skin while allowing the fabric to drape fluidly and feel cool, light, and gentle.
• Used for: Blouses, dresses, lingerie, and scarves. It is ideal for garments that require elegance and fluid drape.
• Best qualities: Silk offers a luxurious hand-feel and excellent temperature regulation. It enhances garment aesthetics while remaining gentle on the skin.

2. Modal

• Origin: Modal is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from sustainably sourced beechwood pulp. It is engineered to improve softness and durability compared to traditional viscose fibers.
• Why it’s soft: Modal’s softness comes from its refined cellulose fiber structure, which is smoother and more uniform than conventional viscose. The fibers bend easily, reduce surface roughness, and create a consistently soft, silk-like feel on contact.
• Used for: Tops, dresses, loungewear, and underwear. It performs well in everyday and close-to-skin apparel.
• Best qualities: Modal delivers a silky-soft touch with excellent breathability. It also retains color and shape after repeated washing.

3. Sateen

• Origin: Sateen refers to a weave structure rather than a fiber and is most often made from cotton or blended yarns. The weave emphasizes surface yarns to enhance smoothness.
• Why it’s soft: Sateen feels soft due to its satin-style weave, which places more yarns on the fabric surface. This construction reduces surface friction and creates a smooth, supple hand-feel while enhancing flexibility and drape.
• Used for: Dresses, skirts, sleepwear, and linings. It adds softness and visual refinement to garments.
• Best qualities: Sateen provides a smooth, soft surface with subtle sheen. It improves drape while maintaining fabric structure.

4. Lyocell

• Origin: Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber produced from wood pulp using a closed-loop manufacturing process. It is known for combining comfort with sustainability.
• Why it’s soft: Lyocell fibers have a uniform internal structure and a naturally smooth surface, allowing the fabric to bend easily and absorb moisture efficiently. This combination reduces stiffness and creates a soft, cool sensation against the skin.
• Used for: Shirts, dresses, trousers, and casual wear.
• Best qualities: Lyocell feels soft and cool against the skin. It offers breathability while supporting responsible material sourcing.

5. Bamboo Fabric

• Origin: Bamboo fabric is a regenerated cellulose textile made from bamboo pulp. It is processed to create smooth fibers suitable for soft apparel applications.
• Why it’s soft: Bamboo-based fibers are processed into smooth, rounded filaments with low surface friction. Their soft texture and natural flexibility allow the fabric to glide comfortably over the skin without causing irritation or roughness.
• Used for: Sleepwear and activewear. It performs well in warm and humid conditions.
• Best qualities: It delivers a soft hand-feel with strong moisture management. Bamboo-based fabrics are often associated with comfort-focused collections

6. Cotton

• Origin: Cotton is a natural plant fiber harvested from cotton bolls and widely cultivated worldwide. Fiber quality varies depending on staple length and processing methods.
• Why it’s soft: Cotton’s softness depends on fiber length and fineness. Long, fine cotton fibers create smoother yarns with fewer protruding ends, resulting in a softer surface that becomes even more comfortable after washing and wear.
• Used for: Cotton is used across almost all categories of women’s apparel. It is a foundation fabric for everyday and seasonal collections.
• Best qualities: Cotton offers breathable, skin-friendly comfort. It is versatile, durable, and easy to adapt to different garment types.

7. Cashmere

• Origin: Cashmere is a natural animal fiber sourced from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily from Mongolia and surrounding regions. It is harvested through careful combing.
• Why it’s soft:  Cashmere is exceptionally soft because its fibers are extremely fine and delicate, with a natural crimp that enhances flexibility. This structure allows the fabric to feel light, plush, and gentle without causing skin irritation.
• Used for: Sweaters, knit tops, and premium layering pieces. It is reserved for high-end apparel lines.
• Best qualities: Cashmere provides exceptional softness and warmth without weight. It elevates garments with a refined, luxurious feel.

8. Viscose fabric

• Origin: Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp through a controlled chemical process. It was developed as an accessible alternative to silk.
• Why it’s soft: Viscose fibers have a smooth surface and fluid internal structure that allows the fabric to move easily. This reduces stiffness and creates a soft, flowing hand-feel similar to silk, especially in lightweight garments.
• Used for: Dresses, blouses, and skirts. It supports flowing silhouettes and lightweight designs.
• Best qualities: Viscose offers a soft, silk-like feel at a competitive cost. It enhances drape and comfort in fashion apparel.

What determines fabric softness? 

Fabric softness is defined by how a material responds to touch, movement, and prolonged wear. For women’s apparel, softness affects comfort, drape, and overall garment quality. While softness can feel subjective, it is shaped by measurable fiber and fabric properties that influence how a textile bends, compresses, and interacts with the skin. Understanding these factors helps fashion brands select fabrics that meet customer comfort expectations while maintaining durability and performance.

Key factors that determine fabric softness include:

• Fiber fineness and diameter: Finer fibers create a smoother, softer handfeel against the skin.
• Bending and compression behavior: Fabrics that flex and compress easily feel more supple and comfortable.
• Surface friction and smoothness: Lower friction reduces irritation and enhances perceived softness.
• Fabric thickness, density, and specific volume: Balanced structure improves softness without compromising shape or wearability.

How to measure the softness of cloth material

Fabric softness can be evaluated through a combination of laboratory testing and expert assessment to ensure consistency and reliability. For women’s apparel brands, objective measurement helps translate subjective comfort into repeatable quality standards. These methods assess how a fabric reacts to tension, pressure, and movement, providing insight into its comfort performance during wear. When combined with professional hand-feel evaluation, they allow manufacturers to select and refine fabrics that meet premium softness expectations at scale.

• Tensile testing to evaluate flexibility and responsiveness
• Compression testing to measure fabric thickness reduction and yielding behavior
• Bending rigidity tests to assess stiffness and drape performance
• Expert hand-feel evaluation following standardized assessment guidelines

How manufacturers enhance fabric softness

Fabric softness is not only determined by fiber selection but also by the finishing techniques applied during manufacturing. Apparel producers use specialized processes to improve surface smoothness, flexibility, and overall hand-feel while preserving fabric performance. These methods allow women’s garments to feel softer, drape better, and meet comfort expectations across different wear occasions.

• Chemical softeners (such as silicone softeners) to reduce fiber-to-fiber friction
• Enzyme washing to gently remove rough surface fibers
• Sueding or brushing to create a velvety, plush hand feel
• Calendering to smooth and compress the fabric surface
• Quality testing and hand-feel evaluation to ensure consistent softness before production

Capital World Group supports global apparel brands seeking a trusted Vietnam garment manufacturer capable of delivering premium women’s wear with optimized cost, speed, and sustainability. Founded in 1967, this company operates 18 production lines with a skilled workforce of over 800 staff with strong social and environmental commitments backed by certifications including ISO 9001, Higg FEM, amfori BSCI, and SLCP, along with access to RCS, BCI, and FSC-ready fabrics.

A jumpsuit joins the top and bottom into one clean piece – a design that works just as well for office wear as it does for a relaxed evening out. The amount of fabric required depends on both size and cut, generally ranging from 2.7 to 3.6 meters. This explains why manufacturers and designers need to know the fabrics needed to make a jumpsuit so they can plan better yields and reduce waste in production.

Factors affecting fabric measurement

Fabric requirements for a jumpsuit change with key details such as print alignment and material type. Each decision in the garment manufacturing process affects yield and overall cost per piece.

Size & body measurement

Different body sizes affect the amount of fabric required for a jumpsuit. Women’s sizes vary widely, ranging from XS to XL and beyond, including plus sizes. Each needs its own adjustment to maintain the correct shape and drape.

Height matters too: petite, regular, and tall cuts all affect the amount of fabric used. Longer patterns naturally require more material to maintain balanced and comfortable proportions. Read this table for a more detailed information:

Size range	Approximate fabric required (meters)	Details
XS – S	2.7 – 3.0	Standard or sleeveless cuts
M – L	3.1 – 3.4	Includes long torso or wide-leg options.
XL – Plus	3.5 – 3.8	Extra width and length adjustments

Style & design features

Design greatly impacts the amount of fabric required for a jumpsuit. A romper or sleeveless style can be cut with less material, but tailored or wide-leg designs require extra material to maintain their shape and flow.

On the contrary, utility jumpsuits with pockets or belts add complexity and yardage, while decorative details such as ruffles, collars, or full linings further increase consumption.

These variations also influence MOQ (minimum order quantity), as intricate designs may slow production and demand higher per-unit fabric usage. Below is a table of the design types and their impacts on fabric amounts:

Design type	Design impact
Romper / Short Playsuit	Minimal yardage, compact fit.
Tailored / Formal Jumpsuit	Structured bodice, full-length legs
Wide-leg / Long-sleeve	More drape and sleeve allowance
Utility / Belted	Added features and pocket panels.

Pattern and type

Fabric type and pattern direction significantly influence consumption. Stretch fabrics offer better yield since they contour the body with less material, while woven fabrics need more to allow for seam comfort and shaping.

Other options, such as printed or directional fabrics ( e.g., stripes or florals), require precise alignment, which increases waste and total yardage. Sustainable sourcing teams often optimize fabric layouts to minimize offcuts and improve overall yield.

Learn more about Finishing details in women clothing to decide on the best seams for your jumpsuit order.

Estimate fabrics by width

Fabric width is one of the practical factors in fabric estimation. Most commercial textiles are available in widths of 110 cm (43 in) or 150 cm (60 in). A basic adult jumpsuit made from 150 cm-wide fabric typically requires 2.5 to 3 meters (8.2–9.8 feet) or 2.7 to 3.3 yards. When using 110 cm fabric, consumption can rise to 3 to 4 metres (3.3-4.4 yards), especially for wide-leg or long-sleeve designs.

Narrower widths create more seams and offcuts, which increases waste and production time. Selecting the right width early helps designers balance cost effectively. This cuts efficiency and sustainable fabric use across different size ranges and pattern layouts.

The importance of accurate fabric measurement

In garment manufacturing, knowing the fabrics needed to make a jumpsuit is the first step toward accurate measurement and efficient planning.

Proper estimation maintains predictable budgets and fosters long-term buyer confidence. It also helps factories reduce lead time by maintaining a smooth flow from sourcing to cutting.

Precise yardage records now support sustainability audits under ESG and EU textile regulations. These records show control over resources and ensure alignment with responsible production goals. Capital World Group – a professional women’s jumpsuit manufacturer in Vietnam, through its vertical management model and skilled planning team, offers precision in fabric allocation that reduces costs and enhances supply-chain flexibility.

What measurements matter for a jumpsuit?

Accurate body measurements guide efficient fabric production and reduce waste in women’s set manufacturing.

Each dimension affects both fit and fabric yield:

• Bust: This sets the foundation for how the jumpsuit fits through the upper body. When the bust is off, you’ll see issues across all sizes, with more fabric wasted and extra samples needed to correct it.
• Waist: A precise waist keeps tailored fits sharp and relaxed styles comfortable, without needing extra adjustments or elastic fixes.
• Hips: They control how the jumpsuit falls and moves. Too much allowance here means there is extra fabric, while too little means the movement is somewhat restricted.
• Inside leg: Consider this as the balance point between petite and tall sizing. A small error in inseam length can mean a full round of recuts or wasted fabric.
• Garment length: Confirming the right length early saves both material and time on the production floor.

Check this 20 fit-point checklist before bulk ordering to save time and resources for your jumpsuit production.

Getting the measurements right helps turn fabric planning into efficient production. When bust, waist, hip, and length details are accurate, fabric use stays consistent. This same precision guides Capital World Group across its women’s set manufacturing programs, helping protect cost and maintain quality for global apparel brands.

In the garment industry, certifications like BSCI, WRAP, and GOTS are crucial in shaping how factories operate and brands manage sourcing. Each standard addresses different aspects of responsible production, yet they all reinforce the same goal: safer workplaces, fair treatment, and lower environmental impact.

For companies under pressure to meet buyer expectations and regulatory demands, these global certificate programs offer a framework for accountability. The sections ahead unpack what each certification covers and why they matter for sustainable sourcing.

What is BSCI certification?

Amfori BSCI (formerly the Business Social Compliance Initiative BSCI) is an industry-driven auditing framework for improving factory working conditions and labor rights in global supply chains. Launched by the Foreign Trade Association in 2003, amfori BSCI provides companies with a systematic approach to monitor and enhance social performance among their suppliers. By participating in BSCI, companies commit to continuous social compliance improvements and cascading these standards throughout their supply chain.

Its Code of Conduct is based on international conventions (ILO, UN, OECD guidelines) and centers on 11 core principles that cover:

• Freedom of association and collective bargaining
• Fair remuneration
• No discrimination
• Decent working hours
• Occupational health & safety
• No child labor
• No precarious employment
• No bonded labor
• Special protection for young workers
• Protection of the environment
• Ethical business behavior.

Benefits of working in a BSCI-Compliant company

Sourcing from BSCI-compliant manufacturers offers clear benefits for brands and suppliers:

• Ethical business practices: BSCI requires fair wages, safe conditions, and no exploitation. This ensures suppliers follow humane and business practices that protect worker welfare.
• Reduced supply chain risks: BSCI compliance helps prevent labor disputes and disruptions, giving brands greater supply stability and fewer compliance crises.
• Meeting consumer expectations: Working with ethical factories lets brands demonstrate transparency and responsibility. This aligns with consumers’ growing demand for socially conscious sourcing.
• Sustainability goals: BSCI encourages environmental responsibility, pushing suppliers to minimize waste and impact.

The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct

The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct is grounded in six core values:

• Continuous Improvement
• Cooperation
• Empowerment
• Code Observance
• Protection of Vulnerable Persons
• Transparency

These values are implemented through 11 guiding principles that shape the expectations for responsible business behavior.

The amfori BSCI audit process

BSCI compliance is verified through a detailed audit process consisting of five main steps:

• Opening Meeting: The auditor meets factory management to explain the audit scope and BSCI requirements. They present the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct and relevant legal standards against which the facility will be assessed.
• Site Tour: The auditor tours the production site to observe physical conditions and workplace practices in real time. They check fire safety, machine guards, cleanliness, and worker interactions.
• Interviews: Next, the auditor conducts confidential interviews with managers and employees. Management interviews clarify the factory’s policies and procedures (e.g., HR, health and safety, quality control procedures implemented, etc.). In contrast, worker interviews (individual and group) provide insight into actual working conditions and grievances.
• Review of records: The auditor reviews documents and records to cross-check compliance. This includes payroll records, working hour logs, employment contracts, age verification records, permits, and existing social compliance certificates or past audit reports.
• Closing meeting: Finally, the auditor holds a meeting with management to discuss findings. Any non-compliances are presented along with their root causes. The auditor typically issues a Corrective Action Plan (CAP), which management must sign off on, agreeing to address issues within set timelines. This cooperative discussion ensures transparency and commitment to improvement.

After the audit, the factory and the BSCI members work together to remediate any issues found. The framework emphasizes continuous improvement. Suppliers are expected to address shortcomings and strengthen their systems over time.

What is WRAP certification?

WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) is the world’s largest independent certification program for apparel, footwear, and sewn products. A WRAP certificate verifies that a manufacturing facility operates under lawful, humane, and ethical conditions. The WRAP compliance program is built on 12 Principles that ensure compliance with labor laws, no forced or child labor, fair compensation, health and safety standards, and environmental practices.

Benefits of WRAP certification

Achieving WRAP certification leads to tangible improvements for factories and assurance for brands:

• For manufacturers, WRAP’s emphasis on worker well-being can boost productivity and product quality. Factories often see higher morale and lower staff turnover by fixing safety issues and treating employees with dignity.
• WRAP’s ethical requirements strengthen a supplier’s reputation and standing in the garment industry. This global certificate signals clients that the factory’s business practices meet internationally recognized benchmarks.
• For brands and retailers, sourcing from WRAP-certified facilities provides added confidence and legal protection. It reduces the risk of scandals, costly product recalls, or labor lawsuits by ensuring compliance with stringent 12-point standards.
• WRAP certification can improve supply chain reliability. Certified factories are regularly audited, encouraging consistent adherence to good practices and minimizing disruptions due to compliance issues.

Levels of WRAP certification

WRAP awards three levels of certification to factories, based on the degree of compliance with its 12 Principles:

• Silver: Valid for 6 months. Awarded to facilities that demonstrate substantial compliance with WRAP’s requirements and only minor non-compliances.
• Gold: A Gold certificate signifies that the factory meets the complete set of WRAP’s lawful, ethical, and safety criteria. It’s valid for one year.
• Platinum: This is the highest level, reserved for facilities that have achieved Gold certification for three consecutive audits. It is valid for 2 years.

What is GOTS certification?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world’s leading standard for processing textiles made with organic fibers. GOTS is a comprehensive certification covering the entire production process from field to finished product. It ensures that textiles are truly organic (meeting strict material thresholds) and are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

For consumers and brands, the GOTS logo assures that a textile product is sustainable and made under humane working conditions, not just at the farm, but through every step of production.

Criteria of GOTS certification

GOTS has rigorous criteria spanning the garment manufacturing process. This ensures sustainability and ethics at every stage. Key requirements include:

• Organic fiber content: Products must contain a high percentage of certified organic fibers – at least 70% to be labeled “made with organic”, or 95% or more to carry the label “organic”.
• Chemical restrictions: GOTS prohibits using toxic chemicals such as azo dyes, heavy metals, and formaldehyde in processing.
• Environmental management: Certified facilities must implement environmental policies and procedures. This includes proper waste management, recycling, and efficient water and energy use.
• Social and labor standards: GOTS incorporates essential social criteria besides environmental rules. Factories must comply with the International Labour Organization’s key conventions.
• Labelling and certification: Every stage of the supply chain, from fiber producers, spinning mills, dyeing units, to sewing factories and traders, must be certified by an approved independent body.

Benefits of GOTS certification

Adopting GOTS changes how companies manage risk, credibility, and market access. The advantages touch every part of the apparel business.

• Companies working under GOTS reduce their exposure to risk because the standard enforces strict social and environmental rules. Instead of reacting to problems, brands can prevent them.
• Independent third-party audits provide real credibility. Buyers and investors don’t have to rely on promises – they see verified proof that “organic” claims and fair labor practices hold up.
• Traceability improves as well. Every fiber is tracked from origin to finished garment, saving brands the cost and effort of piecing together records independently.
• Cleaner manufacturing processes often lead to efficiency gains. Better wastewater treatment and higher social compliance standards mean factories operate more smoothly, with fewer interruptions and healthier staff.
• Perhaps the clearest benefit is in market access. More retailers and procurement programs now require GOTS certification, so certified suppliers secure opportunities in the sustainable apparel market that uncertified ones may lose.

As global standards like BSCI, WRAP, and GOTS reshape expectations in the garment industry, factories are adapting to prove compliance, protect workers, and limit environmental impact. Kiara Garments from Capital World Group in Vietnam supports that shift through a vertically integrated model that covers design, sampling, scalable production, and certified fabrics.

Recognized as one of the trusted Vietnamese textile manufacturers, Capital World Group helps brands achieve faster timelines, cost efficiency, and verified ethical production backed by ISO 9001, Higg FEM, amfori BSCI, and SLCP. Contact us at Capital World Group today to explore our sustainable garment manufacturing in Vietnam.

Rayon fabric has been part of the textile industry for over a century and is appreciated for its smooth, silk-like texture. It is produced from plant-based cellulose, though the manufacturing process requires chemical treatment, placing it between natural and synthetic fabric types.

As fashion trends move toward eco-conscious choices, the role of rayon is being reconsidered. Its comfort and versatility are still valued, yet concerns about its chemical footprint mean brands now look more closely at how it is produced and sourced.

What is rayon fabric?

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from purified cellulose (typically wood or bamboo pulp). Often called “artificial silk,” it can mimic the look and feel of other fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk. The cellulose from trees or plants is dissolved and then reformed into fine threads.

Several fabric types, including viscose, modal, Lyocell, and bamboo-based rayon, fall under the rayon category. Viscose is the oldest and most common form of rayon, while modal (from beech wood) and Lyocell (from eucalyptus, e.g., Tencel) are modern variants with improved performance.

Rayon is used by dress manufacturers to make luxurious draped gowns or everyday bedsheets (often labeled as rayon textile in composition tags).

History of rayon fabric

The history of Rayon began in the late 19th century. French scientist Hilaire de Chardonnet invented the first artificial silk in 1885 by developing a cellulose-based fiber. This breakthrough offered a cheaper alternative to silk and heralded a new era for the textile world.

Decades later, commercial production ramped up in the early 1900s, and by 1911, the U.S. was manufacturing rayon (then called “artificial silk”). In 1925, the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission formally named it “rayon,” and distinguished two types of regenerated cellulose fibers: rayon and acetate. “Rayon” was defined as those made from pure cellulose, while “acetate” referred to cellulose that had been chemically modified (cellulose acetate).

How rayon fabric is made

The process of producing rayon fabric starts with wood pulp, often sourced from bamboo, eucalyptus, or pine. This pulp is treated with sodium hydroxide to create alkali cellulose, which prepares the raw material for conversion into fibers. Next, the alkali cellulose is treated with carbon disulfide to create cellulose xanthate. Dissolving this in more sodium hydroxide produces a thick, viscous solution, the basis of the viscose process.

The solution is then forced through spinneret nozzles into a sulfuric acid bath. This step regenerates the cellulose into continuous filaments that resemble silk fibers.After washing and stretching, the fibers are cured to set their strength. They can then be cut, spun, and woven into a rayon textile ready for the next steps in the garment manufacturing process.

What is viscose fabric?

Viscose is the most common type of rayon, often called “viscose rayon.” The name comes from the viscous cellulose solution used to create the fiber.

This soft, drapey, and highly absorbent fabric is one of the most popular breathable fabrics. Its smooth, silk-like texture and fluidity make it a cost-effective alternative to silk for dresses, linings and activewear. Made through a viscose process, it delivers comfort and elegance but requires gentle care.

Pros & cons of rayon and viscose fabric

Both rayon and viscose offer unique qualities that make them popular in fashion, but they also come with limitations worth noting.

Pros

• Soft and silky texture: Rayon has a lightweight, smooth feel that is gentle on skin.
• One of the most popular breathable fabrics: Its airy structure keeps wearers cool and comfortable.
• Beautiful drape: Viscose flows elegantly. It is perfect for free-flowing garment in the process of dresses and skirts manufacturing.
• Versatile imitation: It can mimic cotton, wool, or silk, fitting across many fabric types.
• Moisture-wicking: Absorbs sweat and keeps the body dry. This makes it worthwhile in warm-weather clothing.
• Affordable luxury: Delivers the sheen and softness of silk at a fraction of the cost.

Cons

• Wrinkling: Standard viscose creases easily and may require careful handling.
• Lower durability of rayon: Fibers weaken over time, especially when wet.
• Heat sensitivity: Excessive heat during washing or ironing can cause shrinkage or stiffness.
• Chemical reactivity: Exposure to bleach or sunlight can weaken fibers and fade colors.

What is the difference between rayon and viscose fabric?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinctions. Rayon fabric refers to a family of regenerated cellulose fibers, including modal and Lyocell, while viscose is the original form made with the viscose process. The table below highlights the main differences of these two fabrics:

Aspect	Rayon (Modal & Lyocell Variants)	Viscose (Standard Rayon)
Manufacturing process	Made from specific wood sources, such as beech (modal) or eucalyptus (lyocell). Often uses optimized or closed-loop systems with fewer emissions.	Derived from general wood pulp or cotton linters using the traditional viscose process. Relies on open-loop methods.
Chemicals used	Uses caustic soda, but newer methods recycle solvents. Lyocell avoids toxic carbon disulfide, making it safer for workers and the textile industry.	Requires caustic soda, carbon disulfide, and sulfuric acid. These chemicals create pollution if not managed carefully.
Performance	Can mimic cotton, silk, or wool. Stronger when wet, making it suitable for everyday garment use. Common in summer clothing and underwear.	Drapes like silk or cotton. Works best for free-flowing clothing and curtains but weakens when wet, needing delicate care.
Durability	Greater tensile strength. Modal resists stretching, and lyocell holds up well through washing. Longer-lasting with fewer wrinkles.	Lower tensile strength. Breaks down faster over time. Prone to shrinking and pilling without blends or gentle handling.
Texture & Feel	Very soft and breathable fabrics. Modal has a smooth touch, and lyocell feels silky yet cotton-like.	Ultra-smooth with a glossy sheen. Luxurious drape but wrinkles easily and can lose structure if damp.
Sustainability	Considered more eco-friendly. Lyocell, in particular, uses closed-loop processing and qualifies as part of sustainable fabrics sourcing.	Less sustainable. The viscose process often releases harmful byproducts unless mills adopt modern filtration.

Are rayon and viscose eco-friendly?

Rayon is made from plants, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s “green”. The traditional viscose rayon fabric production process uses numerous hazardous chemicals. For example, carbon disulfide, the solvent used to dissolve cellulose, is highly toxic. Factory workers exposed to carbon disulfide have suffered serious health effects, including nerve damage, elevated risk of heart disease and stroke. Sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid are also used in large quantities, raising concerns about worker safety and pollution.

The environmental impact of viscose production goes far beyond worker health. Wastewater and airborne pollutants are common byproducts of the process. Added to that is deforestation, where the demand for wood pulp removes natural habitats and increases carbon emissions. These issues cast doubt on the eco-profile of rayon fabric.

Switching to sustainable materials

For many in the textile industry, the shift to sustainable fabrics is no longer optional. Brands now weigh more than price and speed to align with consumer expectations around responsible sourcing.

Use eco-friendly fabrics

One response is to pick alternatives with proven lower impacts. Organic cotton, for instance, is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This reduces water pollution and energy consumption. It also provides a cleaner raw material while supporting more resilient supply chains.

Another option is wool, valued for being renewable, biodegradable, and long-lasting. It balances durability with environmental stewardship and animal welfare standards when sourced responsibly.

The most direct rayon replacement is Lyocell (often sold as Tencel). Made in a closed-loop process, it recycles 99% of water and solvents to create a strong, breathable fiber without toxic byproducts.

Finding a certified sustainable fabric manufacturer

Sourcing from certified suppliers ensures that fabrics truly meet global sustainability standards, for example:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Confirms high organic fiber content (up to 95%) and bans toxic bleaches, dyes, and finishes.
• Global Recycle Standard (GRS): Verifies recycled content (≥50%) and enforces strict environmental and social compliance.
• Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): Traces recycled input at any percentage, ensuring transparent handling across the supply chain.

With that in mind, garment factories are working to improve in order to meet these standards, protect the environment, and build clients’ trust. Kiara Garments factory from Capital World Group – a sustainable garment manufacturer in Vietnam, offers a vertically integrated path that covers everything from design input and rapid sampling to scalable production and global logistics, enabling brands to put those commitments into practice.

Our operations follow internationally recognized systems such as ISO 9001, Higg FEM, amfori BSCI, and SLCP, while also providing material choices like RCS, BCI, and FSC-ready fabrics. This approach gives brands faster timelines, predictable costs, and proven compliance with social and environmental expectations.