Everyone knows rayon fabric, which they use for different types of clothing. And it’s because rayon is very popular in the clothing industry. Like cotton, rayon is comfortable to wear in all seasons. Also, it’s affordable.

People have a misconception that rayon is one and there are no other categories. So, they buy the fabric without checking anything. But, the fact is rayon fabric is categorized into different types. And all the types are different from each other.

If you are planning to buy rayon fabric for clothing, you should understand its type first. Based on the features and characteristics, you should make the choice.

Viscose rayon

One of the popular rayon fabric types is viscose rayon. And it’s because viscose rayon fabric is for several other applications along with clothing.

Traditionally, viscose rayon was made from silk. But, today, it is manufactured using wood pulp. This substitution has made viscose rayon more sustainable.

When a viscose rayon is wet, it has the least amount of strength. This means that the fabric shrinks when it is washed and dried.

Modal rayon 

Unlike viscose rayon fabric, the modal rayon is made from a blend of natural materials, making it more sustainable. To manufacture, modal rayon, beech-tree pulp, and other fibers like cotton or spandex are used.

First, a semi-synthetic fiber is made using beech-tree pulp. The prepared fabric is blended with cotton or spandex fiber to create a very strong material. The only thing is that this rayon is considered a synthetic material.

As modal rayon is more durable than cotton fabric, the price is a bit higher. The quality pays for the price. It is used for making towels, underwear, and PJs.

Lyocell rayon 

The manufacturing process of the lyocell rayon is very similar to modal rayon fabric. The fabric made from beechwood pulp is blended with other fabrics like cotton or spandex. The only difference is that fewer hard chemicals are used in the processing of lyocell rayon, making it softer and smoother.

The lyocell rayon is environmentally-friendly because of the use of fewer hard chemicals.

Viscose rayon is popular but the characteristics of lyocell rayon are better if compared. The lyocell rayon is absorbent, making it an excellent option for clothing applications. Due to this property, moisture stays away from the body and keeps the people cool and dry.

These are the popular rayon fabric types that manufacturers and suppliers often refer to when asked. And all of them are perfect clothing applications. There are many others as well but they are not popular. Or, you can say people don’t prefer choosing them.

Now, you very well know the types of rayon fabric. The next thing to know is tips to identify the authenticity of the rayon fabric.

  • Take a burn test- When burned, rayon produces an odor just like rayon fabric. It continues burning even after the flame is removed, leaving slight ash.
  • Take a water test- When wet, the rayon fabric feels a little gummy because the fibers weaken down. It takes more time to dry compared to other fibers like cotton and silk.
  • Take a scratch test- When scratched using nails, the rayon threads easily get separated.

Choose the right rayon fabric type and check its authenticity before getting it stitched for your clothing.