What Is Viscose Fabric? Is It Better Than Cotton?

Viscose fabric is known for its lightness and breathability. It’s often a more sustainable fabric than many of the other offerings on the market today. However, many people aren’t sure how it stacks up compared to another common plant-based textile: cotton.

As far as sheet sets go, cotton is just about the gold standard. It’s soft and comfortable yet low-maintenance and cost-effective breathable fabric. This balance makes it most people’s go-to option when it comes to bed sheets.

However, the proliferation of viscose is changing all that. As the popularity of viscose fibers grows, it’s becoming one of cotton’s most formidable competitors. The difference between viscose and cotton is one is made of artificial materials and the other is a more natural fiber.

Comparison Between Bamboo Viscose, Cotton, Egyptian Cotton

Viscose Fabric

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from processed wood pulp. Unlike synthetic fibers such as petroleum-based spandex or polyester, viscose production starts out as a plant material. The viscose process starts with chemical additives are used to spin yarn from the cellulose of natural wood pulp. The regenerated cellulose fibers are then woven to create a fabric that’s also referred to as rayon fibers.

While viscose is only one type of rayon (you also have cuprammonium, modal, and lyocell/Tencel™), it’s one of the most common types because it’s breathable and lightweight like cotton but shiny and luxurious like silk. In fact, viscose is often used for natural materials as a plant-based artificial silk.

Key Attributes of Viscose Fabric

Like all textiles, viscose rayon comes with its unique characteristics. It’s a versatile material that suits formal, athletic, and casual attire. Initially referred to as artificial silk, viscose boasts several impressive qualities.

Positive Aspects

Soft Texture: Viscose fabric can be crafted to resemble natural silk, offering a softness akin to cotton.

Breathability: Unlike fully synthetic materials, viscose rayon is highly breathable, making it ideal for warm-weather apparel.

Lightweight: This fabric is lighter than cotton, contributing to its airy feel.

Absorbency: Viscose fabric efficiently absorbs moisture, sweat, and body oils, making it a top choice for activewear.

Moisture Management: Although it is the least moisture-wicking among semi-synthetic fabrics, viscose rayon remains a good option for hot, low-humidity conditions.

Color Durability: Viscose rayon retains dye exceptionally well, ensuring long-lasting color without fading.

Negative Aspects

Prone to Wrinkling: The fibers of viscose tend to wrinkle and crease easily. However, blending it with other fabrics can reduce this tendency.

Shrinkage Risk: Viscose rayon may shrink with each wash, depending on the washing method used.

Flammability: These semi-synthetic fibers are highly flammable and burn rapidly, similar to cotton.

Environmental Concerns: The wood fiber used in producing viscose rayon may not always be sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Special Care Needed: Viscose rayon fibers are delicate and may break apart if washed in a machine. It’s crucial to follow the care label instructions carefully.

Not all viscose rayon fabrics are created equally—physical properties and environmental impact can vary significantly based on the production process, supply chain sustainability, and the manufacturer’s ethical practices.

Varieties of Viscose Fabric:

1. Bamboo Viscose

The largest grass species in the world, bamboo is a wood-like substance that can be spun into viscose threads. Bamboo sheets are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. It also encourages evaporation, so you’ll wake up in the morning without being sweaty.

Bamboo is also highly sustainable. It’s a fast-growing grass that requires no fertilizer and can regenerate itself from its own roots. You don’t need to replant bamboo. It can just be cut down and allowed to regrow.

2. Eucalyptus Viscose

Eucalyptus is one of the most commonly used trees for viscose fabric. Like bamboo viscose, eucalyptus fabric is absorbent, sweat-wicking, and breathable. That means it makes for great sheets for hot sleepers.

Eucalyptus trees are also considered sustainable like bamboo is. This tree doesn’t require a lot of water, fertilizer, or pesticides, and it can also self-regenerate. That means there’s no need to replant after harvest.

One thing to keep in mind is that eucalyptus farming can sometimes degrade the environment. For example, in parts of Southern Europe, native forests have been felled to stand up massive eucalyptus plantations. These plantations have displaced native wildlife and facilitated the proliferation of the fast-growing eucalyptus as an invasive species. Thus, in comparison to bamboo, eucalyptus might not be as sustainable a source of cellulose.

As a side note, we mentioned Tencel™ earlier as another type of rayon fabric. Tencel™ sheets are typically made from eucalyptus fibers and offer cooling benefits. Like viscose, Tencel™ has been compared to cotton sheets. For our in-depth comparison of the two, read our guide Tencel vs. Cotton Sheets: What’s the Difference?

3. Viscose Rayon: This is a widely versatile and commonly used type of viscose textile, celebrated for its soft texture, excellent drape, and breathability. It is frequently used in the production of clothing, bedding, and textiles.

4. High Wet Modulus (HWM) Viscose: This variant of viscose rayon is engineered to have increased strength and durability, making it suitable for applications requiring enhanced moisture resistance, such as towels and upholstery.

5. Polynosic Viscose: Polynosic viscose is a fabric made by blending viscose with polyester fibers. It combines the softness and drape of viscose with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester, making it ideal for dress shirts, blouses, and suiting fabrics.

6. Modal: A type of viscose fabric made from beech tree pulp, Modal is known for its exceptional softness, moisture-wicking abilities, and resistance to shrinking and fading. It is commonly used in lingerie, activewear, and high-quality casual wear.

7. Lyocell: Lyocell is a cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, valued for its strength, versatility, and environmentally friendly production process. It is widely used in various sectors, including clothing, home textiles, and technical textiles.

8. Cupro: Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fiber derived from cotton linter. Known for its smooth texture, excellent draping qualities, and moisture absorption, it is ideal for creating dresses, blouses, and linings.

Applications of Viscose Fabric

The uses of viscose fabric are as follows:

Apparel: Viscose fabric is extensively used in the production of various garments such as dresses, blouses, shirts, skirts, pants, and suits, thanks to its softness, drapability, and breathability.

Home Furnishings: Viscose fabric is popular in the production of home textiles, including curtains, drapes, upholstery, bedding, and linens, offering a versatile and elegant option for interior decoration.

Fashion Accessories: Viscose fabric is used in making accessories such as scarves, ties, handkerchiefs, and hats, providing a lightweight and stylish option for complementing outfits.

Technical Textiles: Viscose fabric is employed in technical textiles for various applications, including medical textiles, personal hygiene products, and filtration materials, due to its excellent absorbency, softness, and biodegradability.

Garment Lining: Viscose fabric is often used as a lining material in garments such as jackets, coats, dresses, and suits, providing a smooth, breathable, and comfortable layer.

Formal Attire: Viscose fabric is a popular choice for formalwear, including evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and suits, because of its luxurious appearance, elegant drape, and ability to hold intricate designs.

Casual Clothing: Viscose fabric is widely used in casual clothing, such as T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and loungewear, offering a lightweight and comfortable option for everyday wear.

Athletic Wear: Viscose fabric is utilized in sportswear and activewear due to its moisture-wicking properties, softness, and breathability, making it ideal for exercise and outdoor activities.

The Viscose Fabric Production Process

Viscose, first produced in 1883, was developed as an affordable alternative to natural silk.

This adaptable fabric, often referred to as artificial silk, is widely used in jacket linings, t-shirts, activewear, fashionable dresses, and tunics. ‘Its popularity is due to its versatility, as it can be blended with other fabrics like cotton and polyester to enhance their qualities.

The journey from wood cellulose to viscose fabric involves several intricate steps. Below, we detail the 10-step process of viscose production:

1. Dissolving Wood Chips: The process begins with dissolving wood chips in chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, resulting in a brownish wood pulp.
2. Creating an Alkali Solution: The cellulose-rich wood pulp is then dissolved in caustic soda, transforming it into an alkali solution. This stage removes impurities, yielding a purified raw material for fabric production.
3. Pressing the Solution: The alkali solution is then pressed between rollers to remove excess liquid, forming pressed sheets.
4. Shredding into Crumbs: These pressed sheets are shredded into small pieces, known as crumbs.
5. Chemical Treatment: The crumbs undergo treatment with carbon disulfide.
6. Forming the Viscous Solution: The chemically treated crumbs are dissolved in additional chemicals, such as sulfuric acid, to create a thick, viscous solution. The term “viscose” for the fabric and the process comes from this viscous state of the solution.
7. Filtering the Solution: The viscous solution is filtered to eliminate any undissolved elements.
8. Degassing: The next step involves degassing, a crucial process to remove any air bubbles trapped in the solution, which could weaken the fibers.
9. Forming Filaments: The solution is then extruded through a spinneret, a machine that produces slender thread-like filaments of regenerated cellulose.
10. Spinning into Yarn: Finally, these regenerated cellulose fibers are spun into yarns, which are then woven or knitted into viscose fabric.

Is Viscose an Eco-Friendly Fabric?

The Council for Textile Recycling reports that the average person in the United States disposes of 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles each year. This textile waste contributes to nearly 5 percent of landfill content.

To combat this issue, choosing eco-friendly fabrics with a smaller carbon footprint is essential. While viscose is derived from a renewable resource and is biodegradable, its production process has some negative environmental consequences.

One major environmental concern is deforestation, as wood cellulose is obtained by cutting down trees. To address this issue, many leading fashion brands now collaborate with viscose manufacturers who source their wood cellulose from sustainably managed forests.

Sustainable forestry practices ensure the ongoing use of natural resources without causing depletion or environmental harm.

Additionally, harmful chemicals like hydrogen sulfide have been detected in air emissions near viscose production facilities.

To mitigate this issue, some manufacturers have adopted the lyocell process, which produces significantly fewer environmental pollutants. Viscose produced using this method is known as lyocell, a type of rayon commonly used in cooling bed sheets.

However, viscose production is water-intensive, which poses a challenge for conserving natural resources. In terms of eco-friendliness, viscose fabric is more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibers but does not measure up to completely natural fibers.

Cotton Fabric

Cotton is one of the oldest and most widely used natural fibers in the world. Part of cotton’s popularity is that it doesn’t need to undergo a lot of processing to be spun into a fabric. Cotton fibers are already long and stringy like thread, making it easy for ancient peoples to use the natural fabric for textiles.

Like viscose, cotton sheets are lightweight, breathable, and cool. Unlike viscose, cotton doesn’t require as many processing chemicals to make it suitable for a natural fabric. It basically just needs to be seeded, washed, and woven, and it’s good to go.

How Is Cotton Fabric Made?

The production of cotton fabric begins with the cultivation of cotton plants and concludes with the weaving or knitting of fibers to create various types of fabrics.

The process starts with the sowing of cotton seeds in fertile soil, where they undergo growth and development into mature cotton plants over several months. Once the cotton bolls reach maturity, they are harvested from the plants.

The next step is ginning, a process in which the seeds are removed from the fibers, leaving behind raw cotton material.

Following ginning, the cotton fibers undergo carding, a procedure that aligns and straightens them in preparation for spinning.

During the spinning process, the fibers are twisted to create yarns, which are then used in the production of garments through weaving or knitting. The resulting cotton fabric can exhibit diverse textures, weights, and finishes, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.

The creation of cotton fabric encompasses a combination of agricultural processes, mechanical processing, and textile manufacturing techniques, ultimately leading to a versatile and widely used textile material.

How Is Cotton Fabric Made?

The production of cotton fabric begins with the cultivation of cotton plants and concludes with the weaving or knitting of fibers to create various types of fabrics.

The process starts with the sowing of cotton seeds in fertile soil, where they undergo growth and development into mature cotton plants over several months. Once the cotton bolls reach maturity, they are harvested from the plants.

The next step is ginning, a process in which the seeds are removed from the fibers, leaving behind raw cotton material.

Following ginning, the cotton fibers undergo carding, a procedure that aligns and straightens them in preparation for spinning.

During the spinning process, the fibers are twisted to create yarns, which are then used in the production of garments through weaving or knitting. The resulting cotton fabric can exhibit diverse textures, weights, and finishes, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.

The creation of cotton fabric encompasses a combination of agricultural processes, mechanical processing, and textile manufacturing techniques, ultimately leading to a versatile and widely used textile material.

Different Types of Cotton Fabric

Here is a list of various types of cotton fabrics:

1. Egyptian Cotton

Despite what its name suggests, Egyptian cotton isn’t only grown in Egypt anymore. While it gets its name from having been originally cultivated along the Nile, Egyptian cotton is a variety that is now grown in several different nations. Only a small percentage of cotton labeled Egyptian cotton was actually grown in Egypt.

This cotton variety is one of the most luxurious bedding material in the world. Its extra-long fibers make it soft and durable, meaning not only will Egyptian cotton sheets have a better feel than shorter staple cotton fabrics, but it will also be lower maintenance and last longer.

2. Pima Cotton

Another long-staple cotton, Pima cotton, is also commonly used for higher-end sheets. Just like Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton is an extra-long staple (ESL) cotton that is both more luxurious in feel and more durable than shorter staple cotton or other fabrics.

3. Muslin: A lightweight, breathable cotton fabric used in making clothing, linings, and crafts.

4. Percale: A densely woven cotton fabric known for its sleek texture, durability, and firm feel, often used in bed linens and clothing.

5. Sateen: A cotton fabric with a smooth, shiny surface, created using a satin weave. It is commonly used for high-end bedding and drapery.

6. Corduroy: A durable cotton fabric featuring raised parallel ribs or “cords” created by additional filler yarns. It is widely used for making pants, jackets, and upholstery.

7. Fleece: A soft, warm cotton fabric known for its fuzzy texture and excellent insulation, frequently used in the production of jackets, hoods, and blankets.

8. Velvet: A rich, plush cotton fabric with a dense, silky texture, often used in evening wear, upholstery, and decorative applications.

9. Tulle: A lightweight, airy cotton fabric with an open mesh structure, commonly used for bridal veils, tutus, and decorative accents.

10. Taffeta: A smooth, crisp cotton fabric with a subtle sheen, known for its rustling sound when touched, used in formalwear, evening dresses, and linings.

11. Brocade: A cotton fabric adorned with intricate patterns or motifs woven into the material, often with metallic threads. It is used in upholstery, draperies, and formal clothing.

12. Chambray: A lightweight, breathable cotton fabric with a plain weave, similar to denim but with a lighter weight and softer texture, ideal for shirts, dresses, and casual wear.

Uses of Cotton Fabric

The various types of cotton fabrics have a wide range of uses, including:

Muslin: Utilized for making lightweight garments such as dresses, blouses, and infant apparel, as well as for artisanal endeavors like quilting, sewing, and doll making. It is also used in household items like curtains, drapes, and kitchen towels.

Percale: Employed in bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, as well as in clothing like shirts, blouses, and sundresses. It is also used in upholstery and home textiles like curtains and tablecloths.

Sateen: Used in the creation of luxurious bed linens, including sheets, pillows, and duvet covers, as well as formal attire such as evening gowns, skirts, and blouses. It is also utilized in curtains and home decor items to add a touch of refinement.

Corduroy: Commonly used in the making of clothing items like pants, jackets, and skirts, as well as in the upholstery of furniture such as sofas, armchairs, and cushions. It is also used in accessories like handbags, hats, and wallets.

Fleece: Utilized for outerwear garments like jackets, hoodies, and vests, as well as for blankets, throws, and bedding to provide warmth and comfort. It is also used in sportswear, particularly sweatshirts and activewear.

Velvet: Employed in the creation of formal attire like evening gowns, blazers, and coats, as well as in the upholstery of furniture items like chairs and ottomans. It is also used in decorative elements such as throw pillows, drapes, and table runners.

Tulle: Used in the creation of bridal garments, including veils, skirts, and accessories, as well as tutus for ballet costumes and dancewear. It is also utilized in decorative components like bows, ribbons, and event decorations.

Taffeta: Utilized for crafting elegant attire like evening gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and ball gowns, as well as in home decor items like curtains, drapes, and tablecloths. It is also used in decorative upholstery elements such as throw pillows and chair covers.

Brocade: Used in the creation of formal clothing items like jackets, vests, and skirts, as well as in the upholstery of furniture, including sofas and armchairs. It is also employed in decorative textiles like table runners, wall hangings, and tapestries.

Chambray: Utilized in the production of casual clothing items such as shirts, dresses, and skirts, as well as lightweight jackets and transitional season attire. It is also used in home textiles like curtains, towels, and placemats.

Viscose vs. Cotton—How Do They Stack Up?

Both these fabrics are pretty different when it comes to manufacturing and just about everything else. You’ll have to decide which of the following criteria you prioritize when it comes to choosing bedding.

                                                                  Feel

When it comes to feel, it’s hard to beat a high thread count Egyptian cotton sheet, but viscose puts up some fierce competition. Both fabrics are luxurious. While Egyptian cotton has a soft and supple feel, viscose fabric will feel smooth like silk. The two competitors are fairly equal in this category, so your personal preference will have to be the deciding factor.

As a reminder, while thread count can give you an idea of a sheet’s feel, it’s not the only factor to consider. See our guide What is the Highest Thread Count for Sheets? for more information.

Temperature

Both cotton and viscose fabrics are absorbent and good at moving body heat away from you. Viscose is breathable and lightweight, so if you sleep hot and want cooling sheets, you might be better off with this moisture-wicking fabric.

Cotton’s coolness depends on the weave. If it’s woven into a lightweight fabric, such as percale sheets, then cotton will be just as cooling and breathable as viscose—maybe even cooler. Heavier weaves like flannel will not keep you cool, as they’re made to be cozy and warming.

Cost

On average, viscose is a bit more budget-friendly than cotton. The production of viscose is cheaper than that of cotton. Viscose manufacturing sites usually pass those savings on to the customer.

If you get an ESL cotton or an organic cotton sheet set, the price difference is even starker. That means viscose is the clear winner in this category.

You can save on both types of sheets by browsing the accompanying bedding deals that take place during the year’s big mattress sales:

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 Sustainability

When it comes to crop sustainability, the viscose production process is the clear winner again. Cotton requires a lot of water, fertilizer, direct sunlight and pesticides to grow properly. Cotton also ruins the soil in which it’s grown, meaning it requires lots of land because fields may need to be rotated with things like sugar cane.

Aside from the dangers of eucalyptus as an invasive species, both bamboo and eucalyptus are more eco-friendly. They don’t need much pest management, they don’t require a lot of water, and they can regenerate themselves after harvest without much fuss. Viscose is made of sustainable fiber, cotton is not.

Maintenance

Due to the structure of their threads, viscose fabrics aren’t always easy to maintain. Viscose can become weak when wet, meaning tossing it in the washer and dryer can cause it to shrink, lose its softness, or even tear. You’ll need to hand wash and line dry most viscose sheets. Some may even need dry cleaning.

Cotton, meanwhile, is strong and durable, especially if it’s organic. You can toss the best organic cotton sheets in the washer with cold water and a mild detergent, then dry them on low, and you normally won’t have to worry about much more than a little shrinkage. This makes cotton superior to viscose when it comes to maintenance.

As a side note, we recommend changing and washing your sheets at least once a week to prevent allergens and other irritants from settling in your bed.

Toxicity

Cotton takes the prize here because cotton is just, well, cotton. Organic cotton certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) will have few to no processing chemicals and be about as pure as you can get. Even non-organic cotton fabrics still don’t need a ton of chemicals during their manufacture.

Meanwhile, the viscose manufacturing process is full of solvents, caustic soda, and just about all the other toxic chemicals you can think of. Chemicals used to manufacture viscose can include carbon disulfide, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

You don’t have to worry too much about exposure as a consumer (the fibers and fabric go through an extensive cleaning process). However, workers at factories and the surrounding environment may be in significant danger from these toxins. This partly negates the greenness of bamboo and eucalyptus growth and makes cotton the winner in this category.

Fascinating Facts About Cotton

Ancient Origins: Cotton is an ancient plant, with seeds discovered that date back as far as 450 BC.

Natural Color: Contrary to popular belief, natural cotton isn’t white. Instead, it has a tan hue due to the natural oils that Mother Nature provides as protection.

Growth Cycle: Cotton plants typically require around 200 days to fully grow and mature.

Varieties and Species: There are four main types of cotton—Pima, Egyptian, upland, and organic cotton—and a total of 43 different species. Each type is distinguished by the geography of where it is cultivated and its specific fiber count.

Significant Contribution to Apparel: Cotton is a primary material in the textile industry, making up approximately 40% of all clothing produced.

Absorbent and Durable: Cotton is capable of absorbing up to 27 times its own weight in water. Interestingly, unlike many other materials, it becomes stronger when wet.

Currency Composition: American banknotes are composed of three parts cotton and one part linen, showcasing the material’s importance beyond textiles.

Economic Impact: The cotton industry is a substantial economic force, generating over 15 billion dollars annually.

Fascinating Facts About Bamboo & Bamboo Viscose

Naturally Organic: Bamboo is inherently organic, as it requires no pesticides or fertilizers to thrive.

Environmental Benefits: Bamboo excels at absorbing greenhouse gases and can produce 35% more oxygen compared to other hardwood trees, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Ancient Material, Modern Fabric: While bamboo has been utilized as a material for over five thousand years, bamboo fabric has only gained significant popularity in the past two decades.

Stronger Than Steel: The bamboo plant is renowned for its strength, often considered stronger than steel, which is why it is a favored material in construction and building.

Elasticity of Bamboo Viscose: Bamboo viscose is noted for its remarkable elasticity, offering about 20% more stretch than other materials, making it an excellent choice for those seeking extra comfort and flexibility.

UV Protection: Bamboo fabric is highly effective at blocking harmful UV rays, preventing over 99% of them from reaching your skin, thus keeping you cool and protected in the sun.

Diverse and Fast-Growing: With over a thousand types of bamboo, some species can grow an astounding 3 feet per day. The tallest bamboo plant, known as the Giant Bamboo, holds the world record for reaching an impressive height of 164 feet.

FAQs

Is viscose better than silk?

That depends on what you seek. Viscose is a cheaper alternative to silk, and it’s also more durable, so it will resist damage and last longer. On the flip side, if you’re looking for the smoothest, most luxurious feel, nothing beats silk. While viscose might be shiny like silk, it feels more like cotton and does not have that silky smooth feel that the real deal boasts.

What do they make out of viscose besides sheets?

Viscose is a common fabric used in garments and even upholstery. Blouses, slacks, and activewear are all often made of viscose rayon. Viscose fabric also makes for a great comforter or duvet. It’s breathable and absorbent, which will allow you to enjoy your warm and cozy comforter without breaking a sweat.

How should I wash my viscose sheets?

The label of the sheets will tell you exactly how to wash and dry them. As a general rule, you should not toss your viscose sheets into the washing machine as you would cotton.

Viscose gets weaker when it gets wet, and the agitation from the washer can damage the threads or cause shrinkage. It’s better to soak your sheets in the bathtub and line dry them. Dry cleaning may also be required, depending on the care instructions.

Is Viscose Material Good or Bad?

While viscose offers several appealing qualities, potential buyers often voice concerns about its limitations and environmental impact.

One of the notable drawbacks is its tendency to absorb water and body oils easily, which can lead to discoloration and the appearance of stains.

However, despite these issues, viscose generally retains both its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity over time.

Another consideration is the care required for viscose fabrics. Viscose typically necessitates dry cleaning, which means that items like bedding, such as sheets and mattresses made from this material, may require more careful handling and potentially costly dry cleaning services.

This could be a challenge for those looking for low-maintenance outdoor gear or bedding solutions, where cotton or other materials might be a more practical alternative.

Therefore, while viscose offers a luxurious feel at a budget-friendly price, consumers should be aware of these potential downsides to make an informed decision.

Does Viscose Shrink?

The difference in wet strength between cotton and viscose often raises questions among consumers. While cotton is known for its durability, even when wet, viscose does not share the same resilience.

The fibers of viscose are more susceptible to damage from moisture, which can compromise their ability to endure regular washing cycles.

As a result, products made from viscose are often recommended for dry cleaning only.

This inherent fragility underscores the importance of carefully reading care labels when purchasing items like bedding, especially for those planning outdoor activities or adventures that may involve exposure to wet conditions.

Understanding the limitations of each material is crucial for selecting the right fabric that meets your specific needs and expectations.

Does viscose fabric have a thread count?

Some fabrics are measured in thread count, while others are measured in weight, more specifically GSM or grams per square meter. You might run across viscose fabric measured in either GSM or thread count.

A good thread count for a set of viscose sheets is 200 to 500. Since the fibers are longer than cotton fibers, the thread count for viscose sheets doesn’t need to be as high. GSM is a little different. The lower the GSM, the lighter the fabric, so if you want a cooling, lightweight viscose sheet, it might be best to stick with 90 to 120 GSM.

Which is more hypoallergenic, viscose or cotton fabric?

If you have allergies, cotton may be the way to go. Viscose can resist bacteria, fungi, and other common allergens. Cotton can as well, and it has the added benefit of having fewer processing chemicals. If you have sensitivities to synthetic chemicals, you’re better off with cotton sheets.

What is high wet modulus rayon?

High wet modulus rayon is a kind of versatile fabric viscose that becomes stronger when wet. It, like cotton, may be mercerized. HWM rayons are often referred to as “polynosic.” Polynosic fibers are dimensionally stable and do not shrink or stretch when wet, as many rayons do.

Bottom Line

Though they’re very different fabrics, both cotton and viscose have their advantages and drawbacks. If you’re looking for a silky sheen or a budget-friendly sheet, go with viscose. If it’s low maintenance and durability you’re after, cotton is your friend. Of course, there are other types of bed sheets you can consider if neither of these sounds right for you.