Viscose vs Silk

Viscose vs Silk



VISCOSE

Viscose is a man-made fiber that can be found in clothes, furniture and textiles. It's the silk-like material that everyone gravitates to at some point. But what is it? 

Viscose is a solution of cellulose xanthate made by treating a cellulose compound with sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. More plainly stated, it's made of wood pulp and treated with chemicals. You'll probably have it in your closet, but it's labeled as RAYON. It's has a soft, silk-like feel. It's ideal for textiles (clothing, fabric) because it has a soft feel, drapes well and is cheap. Most of the clothing at Old Navy is made of rayon because it drapes well but is inexpensive. Viscose can also be labeled artificial silk.

From JD Staron's Harcourt Collection. As you can see, the viscose has a shiny-look, very similar to silk. Viscose is an affordable fake-silk option. (Note: JD Staron has silk options as well.)

Viscose looks good and feels good. You'll recognize it in a showroom because it looks like silk. It's shiny and pretty. They only problem is that it doesn't wear well because it absorbs water too well. This means that if you purchase an area rug or carpet that has viscose in it - water will damage the material because it will absorbs the water and alters it's natural state.  Again - the fibers will be visibly altered. For some people - that's ok. A viscose rug is a temporary item. It is not a rug you will have forever. What's a forever rug? Silk.

SILK

Silk is a natural protein fiber, cultivated from the cocoon of mulberry silkworm larvae. There are many types of silk: raw, jacquard, chiffon, etc. Most of the silk supply comes from China followed by India. Silk had a soft, luxurious feeling. Because it is natural, it can withstand water (you can wash your silk scarf in the sink!) and will wear well over time. Oriental rugs made in the Middle East are made of silk because it's a durable material that will last. It's also much more expensive than viscose. 

emma gardner design's flow in wool and silk

Bottom line: silk and viscose are two very different materials. Buy silk if you want to invest in a product that will last. Buy viscose if you want to invest in a product that looks good and will last for a set amount of time.

What do you think about silk and viscose?