Rayon
🧪 Semi-synthetic Also called Viscose, EcoVero.
Wood pulp dissolved in chemicals and spun into a soft, drapey fiber.
What it's made from
Cellulose from wood or bamboo pulp, dissolved and pushed through fine holes to form new fibers.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | High (4 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | Low (2 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | Very high (5 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | Low (2 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | Low (2 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | Low (2 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | No |
| Biodegradable | Yes, under the right conditions |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
Soft, cool and drapey, a bit like silk or fine cotton.
Good for
- Flowy dresses and blouses
- Summer tops
Watch for
- Weak when wet: it can shrink or stretch out in the wash.
- Made with harsh chemicals such as carbon disulfide.
- Often sold as "bamboo." EcoVero is a Lenzing brand of lower-impact viscose.
Care
Hand wash or gentle cycle, cold. Line dry. Some rayon is dry clean only.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Rayon + polyester · Rayon + spandex · Rayon + linen
Compare
Guides
More semi-synthetic fabrics
bamboo · modal · lyocell · cupro · acetate
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much rayon is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →