Everything About Viscose Fabric—What It is and How It's Made
Viscose fabric, which is a form of rayon, is a man-made textile that has become very popular over the last few years, particularly in the print-on-demand (POD) business. It provides a cheap and versatile option compared to other fabrics, which makes it highly suitable for producing bespoke clothing and home accessories.
Viscose is produced from wood pulp or other plant fibers through a process involving a sequence of chemical treatments. In this article, we will explore what viscose fabric is, how it is produced, why it is so well-liked in the POD business, and its advantages and disadvantages for print-on-demand products.
Why is Viscose Fabric So Popular in Print on Demand (POD)?
Viscose apparel has emerged as a preferred option for POD clothing due to some fundamental reasons. The fact that it prints well and is soft and breathable has made it a popular choice in custom apparel. Let us consider in detail why this fabric is the preferred choice in the POD industry.
The Versatility and Comfort of Viscose Fabric
Viscose is adored for its smooth feel and drape. Unlike some synthetics, it's really soft on your skin, making it as comfortable as cotton or silk. This is important for custom apparel because people typically want fabrics that not only look great but also feel amazing to wear all day.
Viscose is also incredibly versatile, so you can use it for all manner of print-on-demand items—from t-shirts to dresses and accessories. And the best part? It takes dyes really well, so it's ideal for POD businesses looking to produce rich, high-quality printed apparel.
Aesthetic Appeal for Custom Designs
Viscose has this super smooth and even texture, and that's what makes it such a fantastic choice for print designs. POD companies adore working with fabrics that allow them to achieve bright and crisp prints, and viscose absolutely delivers in that department.
It takes color exceptionally well, so the prints won't bleed or run easily. From custom logos to sweet graphic designs or full-color images, viscose makes the design look good. That's why it's such a favorite among POD sellers who specialize in trendy and customized fashion.
Low Production Costs for POD Products
For POD companies, material cost is a vital consideration when choosing fabrics. Viscose is affordable relative to more upscale alternatives such as silk or wool. This affordability is significant for POD sellers because it enables them to maintain low production costs while providing quality products at affordable rates.
Its low cost, combined with its high-quality finish, makes it an excellent option for companies looking to expand their businesses.
How is Viscose Fabric Produced for Print on Demand?
Viscose fabric is made through this multi-step process that takes natural cellulose, typically from wood or plant fibers, and converts it into a fabric that's excellent for all kinds of things, such as print-on-demand. If you understand how it's made, it sorta helps you grasp why viscose behaves the way it does in POD scenarios.
Chemical Processing of Cellulose
The process of viscose fabric starts with cellulose, which is obtained from wood pulp. The cellulose is treated with chemicals such as sodium hydroxide to dissolve it into a material known as sodium cellulose. The chemical reaction enables the material to be dissolved into a slurry, which is important for the next processes in the creation of the fabric.
Transformation into Fiber Form
After the cellulose has been processed and treated into the slurry, it is blended with carbon disulfide to produce a viscous solution. The solution is then squeezed through a fine mesh to produce fibers. The fibers are spun into threads, which are woven into fabric.
This process, which is referred to as wet spinning, aids in producing the smooth and soft texture of viscose, which makes it ideal for bespoke designs and comfortable clothing.
Weaving and Dyeing Viscose Fabric
Once the fibers are spun into threads, the fabric is woven into the required texture and pattern. Dyeing is the last process in the production of viscose fabric. Due to its absorbent quality, viscose dyes well, a feature that guarantees POD products have deep, rich colors.
Dyeing is a fundamental process within the production since it dictates the way the fabric will look once it has been printed. For POD companies, this is a vital phase because the fabric's color retention capability is directly related to the final product's quality.
What are the Benefits of Using Viscose in POD Products?
Viscose is extremely soft, has excellent color retention, and won't break the bank, making it ideal for POD companies. So, what are the key benefits of using viscose in print-on-demand apparel?
Softness and Breathability for Clothing
Viscose fabric is also very breathable, making it an excellent choice for apparel items such as t-shirts, blouses, and dresses. Unlike synthetic fiber fabrics that tend to hold heat and moisture, viscose works to regulate temperature and allows air to circulate through the fabric.
This breathability is particularly valuable for POD clothing, as customers usually look for comfort in addition to style. Its soft feel also adds to the comfort factor of the garment, making it ideal for all-day wear.
Durable Printing Surface for Your Personalized Designs
For POD companies, a long-lasting print on fabric is crucial. Viscose takes dye easily and maintains color over time, which makes it a great fabric for personalized designs.
The smooth nature of the fiber means that prints remain vivid and clear even after washing multiple times. This also makes viscose a good choice for retailers who want to provide high-quality, durable POD products.
Eco-Friendliness Over Fully Synthetic Fabrics
Although viscose manufacturing does use chemicals, it is more eco-friendly than completely synthetic fibers like polyester. Unlike fabrics made from petroleum, viscose comes from renewable resources, e.g., wood pulp. Most POD companies are moving towards more sustainable fabrics, and viscose provides a compromise between product quality and environmental footprint.
How Does Viscose Clothing Fare in POD Apparel?
Viscose clothing has some advantages for POD apparel, but it's natural to want to know how it will hold up in the long run. As with any material, it has its own share of weaknesses and strengths when utilized in personalized clothing.
Moisture-Wicking and Comfort
As stated above, viscose is comfortable and breathable. It is also moisture-wicking, which means it is perfect for summer clothing. When it comes to POD clothing, this aspect is especially relevant to activewear or casual wear, where moisture control and comfort are paramount.
Maintaining Vibrant Colors in POD Prints
Viscose material retains its color extremely well, even after being washed numerous times. That's a big win for POD sellers who want to ensure their customers' custom prints remain just as vibrant after a few washes as they were when they initially purchased them. Its ability to retain colors makes it a top choice for companies that offer custom printed apparel.
Handling Wear and Tear in Bespoke Garments
Although viscose is quite durable, it's helpful to keep in mind that it may be prone to wear and tear with improper care. The material has the tendency to stretch out of shape or shrink, so correct care instructions are necessary to keep viscose apparel in good condition. For POD companies, it's essential to give customers good care instructions to make sure products will last.
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What are the Problems with Using Viscose in POD Material?
Viscose also has its negatives, particularly in regards to long-term wear and maintenance. Following are some issues companies should be aware of when utilizing viscose for their POD products.
Potential for Shrinkage in Wash
One of the worst issues with viscose clothing is that it shrinks. It tends to shrink either when it gets too hot or if you wash it incorrectly. Despite the fact that viscose apparel looks great right when you buy it, it may not remain the same size and shape if you don't properly care for it.
This can be a major concern for POD companies that need their customers to be satisfied with how long their items last.
Susceptibility to Wrinkling
A problem with viscose is that it wrinkles quite easily. This may be a problem for POD apparel, especially for garments that need to have a smooth or glossy look. Wrinkling can be avoided with careful treatment, but it's worth consideration when selecting viscose for custom clothing.
Taking Care of Your Viscose Clothes
Viscose clothing does need a little more attention than synthetic clothing. It's advised to hand or machine wash on a delicate setting so as not to damage the fabric. Buyers of viscose apparel from POD companies ought to be informed of these washing instructions so that their clothing will be long-lasting.
Conclusion for Viscose Fabric
Viscose fabric is a comfortable, affordable, and highly printable popular fabric for print-on-demand businesses. While it comes with challenges like potential shrinking and wrinkling, with good care, it is possible to make viscose clothing last.
Knowing what viscose fabric is made of and how it behaves in POD use makes it easier for businesses to make smart choices about their product lines. With viscose in their collections, POD companies can fulfill customers' desires for fashionable, cozy, and quality custom clothing.
FAQ About Viscose Fabric
Q1: Is viscose fabric suitable for print on demand apparel?
Indeed, viscose fabric is a top option for POD apparel because of its smooth surface, which allows for high-quality prints. The fabric's capacity to hold vibrant colors without fading makes it suitable for personalized designs, and its comfort and breathability make it wearable. Most POD companies use viscose for fashionable clothing that satisfies both functional and aesthetic requirements.
Q2: How long does viscose fabric last in POD products?
Viscose is a strong material, but it needs to be well cared for in order to last. Under the right care, viscose garments can last long. But it has a tendency to shrink or stretch if not washed and dried as instructed. POD companies can do their part by including customers and giving them proper care instructions to extend the life of their viscose products.
Q3: Can you print on viscose fabric?
Yes, viscose fabric is perfect for printing. It takes dye well, so prints turn out vivid and sharp. Regardless of whether you are using screen printing, sublimation, or direct-to-garment printing, viscose retains color and design integrity, making it an excellent option for POD businesses.
Q4: Does viscose shrink after washing?
Viscose fabric shrinks for sure, particularly if it's blasted with lots of heat in the washing machine or dryer. To prevent that, you have to follow the care instructions, which typically involve opting for cold water and air drying. Informing customers on how to care for it can go a long way in avoiding those shrinkage issues.
Q5: What are the environmental effects of viscose fabric in POD?
Viscose is produced from natural cellulose and is therefore a more sustainable choice than completely synthetic textiles. The production process is, however, chemical-based, and the environmental effect does differ between manufacturers. More sustainable methods are being implemented, so companies should look to source viscose from manufacturers with a focus on environmentally friendly production.
