Key Takeaways
Viscose and polyester are two synthetic materials commonly used in the textile industry. Although similar in appearance, they have notable differences in terms of comfort, durability, maintenance, elasticity and breathability .
- viscose offers a soft touch, good moisture absorption but requires delicate maintenance.
- polyester is durable, easy to maintain but less breathable.
The choice between these two materials depends on the desired use and personal preferences. Neither is perfect. To combine their advantages, you can opt for mixed fabrics viscose-polyester.
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Understanding the composition of viscose and polyester
The material of viscose: origin and characteristics
viscose is a artificial fiber cellulose. It is obtained by a chemical process from cellulose pulp wood or cotton.
This artificial silk has a shiny and silky appearance. Its texture is soft and smooth to the touch. Viscose has a good moisture absorption capacity. It is often compared to silk for its pleasant touch.
The characteristics of viscose make it an ideal material for clothing requiring an elegant and fluid appearance such as dresses, skirts, blouses.
The material of polyester: origin and properties
polyester is a synthetic fiber obtained by a chemical process of polymer synthesis from derivatives of petroleum or coal.
It is a material resistant to abrasion and frequent washing. Polyester has good elasticity and returns to its initial shape well. It dries quickly.
These properties make it an ideal material for sports or technical clothing requiring strength and stretch. It is also used as a lining.
Also read: Polyamide or Polyester: What is the Difference and How to Choose ?
Differences between viscose and polyester
Characteristics comparison: viscose vs polyester
Here is a comparison of the main characteristics of viscose and polyester:
- Touch: viscose is soft, polyester rougher
- Absorption: viscose absorbs moisture well, polyester very little
- Breathability: viscose is more breathable than polyester
- Maintenance: polyester can withstand frequent washing, viscose requires more precautions
- Resistance: polyester is a stronger and more durable material
- Price: viscose is generally less expensive than polyester
- Ecological impact: polyester production is very polluting
Also read: Polyester or cotton ?
How to choose between viscose and polyester ?
The choice between viscose or polyester depends on the desired use and individual preferences:
- For elegant and flowing clothes, choose viscose
- For technical and sports outfits, choose polyester
- For easy-care and durable fabrics, choose polyester
- For breathable and soft fabrics, choose viscose
- To combine comfort and easy maintenance, opt for blends viscose-polyester
Other factors are also taken into account such as clothing style, climate, physical activity or budget.
Also read: What is the best material for a sweater ?
Advantages and benefits of each material
Advantages of viscose
The main advantages of viscose are:
- Soft touch, silk feel
- Good absorption of humidity and perspiration
- Material breathable
- Comfort pleasant on the skin, without irritation
- Elegant and shiny appearance
- Affordable price
- Ecological material if produced responsibly
Advantages of polyester
The main advantages of polyester are:
- Great resistance to abrasion
- Maintenance easy, supports frequent washing
- Drying fast
- Does not crease, keeps its shape
- Does not shrink when washed
- Good elasticity and stretch
- Thermal insulation
- Lightness
- Does not deform with humidity
Also read: What pilling material ?
Disadvantages of each material
Disadvantages of viscose
The defects of viscose are:
- Fragility, tears easily
- Wrinkles quickly
- Delicate maintenance, fears frequent washing
- Loss of shine over time
- Production sometimes polluting if not ecological
Disadvantages of polyester
The disadvantages of polyester include:
- Rough feel, not very pleasant on the skin
- Non-breathable, retains perspiration
- Development of static electricity
- May cause skin irritation
- Very polluting production
- Accumulates body odor
- Complicated recycling
At The Oversized Hoodie, we attach primary importance to the environmental and health impact of our products. This is why we are committed to offering textile materials certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and manufactured in STeP-certified factories. Each certification and label is specified on each product page.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: How to know if you are allergic to polyester ?
Viscose and polyester against heat and perspiration
Viscose against heat and perspiration
viscose has the advantage of being a breathable material which absorbs perspiration well. Viscose clothing allows sweat to evaporate well.
It is therefore a material suitable for high heat because it maintains a feeling of freshness. Be careful, however, with fabrics that are too thin in viscose which can become transparent with perspiration.
Polyester against heat and perspiration
polyester tends to retain perspiration and body heat. This is why it can be uncomfortable in hot weather, especially for intense sporting activity.
However, technical fabrics in polyester with mesh or microfiber inserts allow for better breathability.For sports use in hot weather, favor these types of polyester.
Also read: How to limit perspiration with polyester ?
Viscose or polyester for your clothes ?
When to choose viscose clothing ?
viscose is recommended for:
- Elegant outfits: dresses, skirts, blouses, jumpsuits
- Summer clothes and hot climates
- Comfortable bathrobes, kimonos and loungewear
- Breathable underwear and sleepwear
- Baby clothes in contact with fragile skin
When to choose polyester clothing ?
polyester is recommended for:
- Sports outfits and intense physical activities
- Uniforms and technical clothing
- Waterproof rain and outdoor clothing
- Thermo-regulating underwear
- Robust, easy-care work clothing
- Shirts and blouses that maintain their shape
- Curtains and other durable furnishing textiles
Polyester is suitable for all situations requiring strength, quick drying and frequent easy maintenance. It is a safe bet for intensive use textiles.
Also read: 10 Foolproof Tips to Eliminate the Smell of Sweat on Your Clothes
Fabric blend: viscose and polyester combined
Combining viscose and polyester in a blended fabric allows you to benefit from the advantages of both materials. It is a good compromise combining pleasant touch, breathability and easy maintenance.
The proportions of viscose and polyester may vary depending on the desired effect. A dominance of viscose provides softness and fluidity. A dominance of polyester will increase resistance.
Also read: Does viscose cause pilling ?
Washing and maintenance of viscose or polyester fabrics
Tips for washing and maintaining your viscose clothing
viscose requires delicate maintenance:
- Hand wash or gentle machine cycle, 30°C maximum
- No bleach or fabric softener
- Dry flat, in the open air, in the shade
- Iron at low temperature with fabric
- Dry cleaning possible
Following these instructions carefully helps preserve the shine, color and shape of viscose clothing.
Tips for washing and maintaining your polyester clothes
Maintenance of polyester is easy:
- Machine washable, normal cycle 40°C
- Tumble drying allowed
- Ironing at medium temperature
- Supports dry cleaning
- No special precautions
Polyester keeps its shape and color well despite frequent washing. This saves time and maintenance effort.
Also read: How to wash polyester ?
Viscose or polyester for the lining of your clothes ?
When used as lining, polyester is generally preferred to viscose.Its smooth texture and lightness make it an ideal choice. It gives a clean drape to clothes without adding volume.
Viscose may be suitable for certain women's clothing requiring a fluid lining such as dresses. But its fragility makes it impractical. Polyester is more durable.
Also read: Is viscose warm in winter ?
Viscose, polyester and nylon: understanding the differences
nylon is also a synthetic fiber. Compared to polyester, it is even more resistant and elastic. But it is also less breathable.
Nylon is more suitable than polyester for very technical and stretchy pieces. For example tights, swimsuits, stretch sportswear.
Viscose is distinguished from the two by its pleasant touch, its fluidity and its breathability. These are three materials with complementary properties.
Our snuggle hoodies are produced exclusively with soft materials that are respectful of the skin and the environment. We ensure that each manufacturing step complies with Oeko-Tex requirements, a guarantee of eco-responsible products without risk to your health.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: How to Effectively Remove Stains from Polyester ?
Conclusion
viscose and polyester each have very distinct advantages and disadvantages. Their choice depends on usage, clothing style and individual preferences. Neither is a perfect material.
To benefit from the best of both, one solution is to opt for fabrics mixing viscose and polyester in varying proportions. It is a good compromise combining pleasant touch, breathability and easy maintenance.
| Characteristic | Viscose | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Touch | Soft | Rough |
| Absorption | Good | Weak |
| Breathability | High | Weak |
| Maintenance | Delicate | Easy |
| Resistance | Fragile | Strong and durable |
| Price | Generally cheaper | Variable |
| Ecological impact | Variable (depends on production) | Very polluting |
FAQ
Is viscose a good material ?
viscose is a quality material if it is produced in an eco-responsible way. Its pleasant feel and fluidity make it an excellent material for elegant women's clothing. It is a good alternative to silk or cotton. Be careful, however, with its delicate maintenance.
What is the difference between polyester and viscose ?
The main difference is that polyester is a synthetic fiber while viscose is an artificial fiber of natural origin. Polyester is more resistant and easy to maintain but less comfortable. Viscose is softer, breathable but fragile.
What are the disadvantages of polyester ?
The disadvantages of polyester are: rough texture, non-breathable, development of static electricity, can irritate the skin, retains perspiration odors, difficult recycling.
Viscose or cotton ?
viscose has the advantage of being more fluid, shiny and light than cotton. Cotton has better resistance and absorption. The choice depends on the style of clothing: viscose for fluid and elegant outfits, cotton for robust outfits.
Viscose or polyester: what to choose ?
It is recommended to opt for viscose for elegant clothing requiring fluidity, softness and comfort. polyester is more suitable for technical, sports or waterproof outfits requiring robustness and easy maintenance.
Is viscose an elastic material ?
No, viscose has little elasticity. It is suitable for flowing clothing but not for tight pieces requiring stretching. For this it is better to choose stretch materials such as polyester, lycra or elastane.
How is polyester produced ?
polyester is produced by a chemical reaction between acids and alcohols derived from crude oil derivatives. This synthesis generates a lot of toxic pollutants. Ecological production processes limiting environmental impact are in development.
Is polyester vegan ?
No, certain varieties of polyester are made from polymers of animal origin and are therefore not suitable for a vegan lifestyle. However, there are vegan polyesters produced only from petroleum or plants.
What are the different thicknesses of polyester ?
There is fine polyester used for lining to thick polyester for upholstery. For clothing, the main thicknesses are: voile, poplin, gabardine, twill, fleece. The choice depends on the desired textile effect.
