Typically, there are two categories that fabric falls into, natural fabrics, and synthetic fabrics, however, there are a few textiles that sit somewhere between these two categories. One of the most widely produced semi-synthetic fabrics that sits in this category, is Rayon. Rayon is a light, soft, breathable and highly absorbent fabric, used widely across clothing and bedsheet production. Due to its breathable and absorbent properties, it makes for a popular fabric choice in athleticwear and summer pieces.
Within this guide, we will explore what Rayon fabric is, what it’s made of, its characteristics, what it’s used for, and fabrics that are similar to it.What is Rayon Fabric Made of?
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre composed of regenerated cellulose, generally derived from wood pulp. Traditionally, Rayon is made using eucalyptus trees but can be produced using any plant (such as bamboo, cotton, or soy). Once this pulp is made, it goes through various steps of chemical treatments, before finally being spun into a fibre and woven into Rayon fabric.
What Are The Different Types of Rayon?
Rayon is just an umbrella term for fabrics derived from plant cellulose, and under this umbrella sits a few more widely known fabrics, such as Viscose, Modal, and Lyocell.
Viscose Rayon is derived from various types of wood pulp and is used as a silk substitute due to the similar drape and smooth feel. Similar to Viscose, Modal and Lyocell are both soft to the touch and have a luxurious feel, although they are only derived from beech tree pulp. The main difference between Modal and Lyocell is that Lyocell is produced using less harsh chemicals and is considered the more environmentally friendly option.4 Characteristics of Rayon
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Soft and comfortable. Rayon holds similar properties to cotton and linen, in that it’s very soft to the touch and feels comfortable against the skin.
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Light and drapey. As a fabric, Rayon has what is referred to as a “fluid drape,” this means that it hangs in a flowy, liquid way, making it an ideal choice for dresses, blouses and skirts.
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Moisture-absorbent. Rayon is excellent for absorbing moisture (even more so than cotton), which is why it is often used to make activewear and flowy summer garments. Being so moisture-absorbent means that it dyes well, resulting in rich and vibrant colours. It’s important to note that Rayon can shrink when wet, which means that it requires special dry cleaning or hand washing.
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Cool and breathable. Rayon fabric doesn’t retain heat, it’s cool and breathable and perfect for humid climates.
What Does Rayon Feel Like, and What Fabric is Similar To Rayon?
Rayon is smooth to the touch, sometimes even silky (it can be a great alternative to silk or satin), and its soft texture can be likened to cotton or linen. This fabric is fluid and flowy, making it easier to manipulate and drape against the contortions of the body, which is why it’s a great choice for making garments.
What Can Rayon Be Used For?
Rayon is used in a wide variety of clothing and household items, including:
- “Drapey” clothing. One of its key characteristics is the fluid drape, making it a great choice for flowy and breathable garments.
- Exercise attire. The moisture-absorbency and breathability that Rayon offers make it a perfect option for workout gear, keeping you nice and cool while exercising.
- Silky garments. Some variations of Rayon have a smoothness and shine similar to silk or satin, with a big price difference! It is sometimes called “artificial silk” or “art silk”, and often is used in blouses and lingerie.
- Bedding. Due to its breathability and cool-to-the-touch sensation, it’s the perfect option for bedding, and particularly with the silkier variations of Rayon, it looks incredibly luxurious without the shocking price tag.
Whether you're designing a flowy summer dress, or stitching breathable bed linens, Rayon is a versatile fabric that is not only affordable but also acts as a great alternative to cotton or silk. Now that you can confidently answer ‘What is rayon fabric’, will you be stocking your sewing box with this fantastic fabric?
Explore the wide range of vibrant Rayon fabrics that we stock at Pound a Metre, and bring your creative visions to life!
