The popularity of the viscose fabric among private label clothing companies is well-founded. Designers who are looking for versatility and low production costs will find it appealing because of its soft texture, beautiful drape and affordability. You probably have some questions if you are launching your own private label, or considering adding viscose fabric to your collection. How does it compare? What should you look for before buying viscose fabric by the yard or metre? Where do you place reliable suppliers in your sourcing strategy? This guide will answer all your questions in a straightforward manner and provide you with actionable tips.
Why Viscose Fabric is Increasingly Popular
The semi-synthetic fabric known as artificial silk is made of wood pulp. The fabric has been around for decades but is now a rising star in the world of private labels. This shift has a number of clear reasons. The consumer wants eco-friendly options, and is willing to swap pure synthetic blends with something more breathable and softer. Fashion brands are also under pressure to maintain production costs.
Viscose offers a solution to both problems by providing:
- Comfortable wear, even in humidity
- Both buyers and sellers can agree on a price that is affordable
- Sustainability in sourcing can help your brand’s image
Viscose is easy to dye and print, giving designers endless options for creating custom collections. Private labels love the variety of weights and finishes this fabric offers, from lightweight blouses to structured pants.
Viscose fabric is a great choice for clothing.
The fabric you choose will affect how your piece looks, feels, and sells. Viscose fabric is a great choice for clothing brands.
Silky Texture for a Soft Touch
Customers love how viscose feels on their skin. For base layers, dresses and everyday wear, softness is a must. Viscose mimics the silky feel, which makes it an ideal choice for everyday clothing.
Breathability that Works All Seasons
Nobody likes a fabric which clings to heat or is stuffy. Viscose has a natural breathable quality, which allows for good airflow and moisture wicking. This is important for brands that sell to customers around the world or in climates where temperatures fluctuate.
The Perfect Drape to Fit Your Shape
Viscose isn’t just a fabric that hangs straight. It glides, hugged, and falls to create movement in clothing. This fabric is great for skirts, dresses, and blouses.
Easy to dye and print
Viscose is a beautiful fabric for taking color. Viscose is a great fabric for those who want to achieve consistent color results, whether they are looking for rich prints or bold colors, or simply want to create designs that look beautiful.
Source at a competitive price
The price of a yard of viscose fabric is usually lower than that for other natural fibers. This allows you to maintain healthy margins and offer competitive pricing.
What to consider before buying Viscose Fabric By the Yard
By purchasing viscose fabric by the yard, you can create custom designs, do small runs and sample projects. Not all viscose fabric is the same. Check these things before placing a large order.
1. The Composition and Quality of Fiber
Check the fiber content. For added strength and stretch, some viscose fabrics are blended with spandex or cotton. Blends and pure viscose give the best sheen and drape, while pure viscose can be durable. Request a sample to try out.
2. Weight and Structure
Viscose fabrics come in a variety of weights – from the lightweight voile fabric to the heavier twill. The weight you choose depends on the intended use. The lightest viscose is best for dresses and blouses that are flowy, while the medium- or heavyweight option suits pants and structured tops.
3. Finishing and Feel
How has the fabric been finished? Some viscose is pre-washed while others have been chemically treated to make it extra soft or wrinkle resistant. If possible, always feel the fabric to determine if it suits your product plan.
4. Shrinkage and Stability
If it is not preshrunk, or washed in the wrong way, viscose will shrink. You can plan your size by asking your supplier for shrinkage rates.
5. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
Small runs are important for private labels to test new products. When you need flexibility, buying viscose fabric by the yard is a good idea. Many wholesalers and suppliers online offer lower minimum order quantities.
6. Standards and Certifications
Check for eco-friendly certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), or OEKOTEX if your brand is environmentally conscious. These certifications assure the buyer that the fabric has been made according to safety and sustainability standards.
Understanding Viscose Fabric Types
Viscose fabrics are not all the same. Understanding your options can help you choose the right match for your brand.
Rayon Viscose
The standard viscose rayon fabric is versatile, soft and affordable. It also has a good drape. Most commonly used for linings, dresses, and shirts.
Modal
Modal is viscose that has extra softness, but also a higher level of durability. It’s used for activewear, underwear and luxury basics.
Lyocell (Tencel)
Lyocell, although it is processed differently, is considered to be a close relative of viscose. It is highly breathable and even softer than viscose.
Blended Viscose Fabrics
Blended fabrics of viscose (with spandex or cotton, polyester or linen) can enhance properties such as elasticity, wrinkle-resistance, or moisture control.
Embossed Types and Printed Types
Viscose can be embossed with texture or printed with intricate designs. These are great options to create signature pieces that will stand out in your collection.
How to Select the Right Viscose for Your Project
There are so many different types of viscose fabrics available by the yard that it takes some planning to make the right decision.
Define the Purpose of Your Garment
Do you want to make a summer dress that is lightweight or a top with structure for winter? List the qualities that each product must have, such as softness, elasticity, and transparency.
Choose the Ideal Weight
Choose the right fabric weight for your pattern. Choose feather-light viscose for sheer overlays and linings. Choose heavier fabrics for tailored jackets or wide-leg pants.
Test for colorfastness and shrinkage
Test fabric samples to see if they shrink and retain color after washing. You can avoid expensive surprises by testing fabric samples before sourcing.
Choose Eco-Friendly or Certified Options
If you want to be sustainable, choose viscose that has environmental certifications, or Lyocell. It is one of the most environmentally friendly materials.
Buy a small batch first
Order viscose fabric in small quantities before scaling up. Sew a small sample, wash it and evaluate everything from the color intensity to the stitch stability.
Where can I buy Viscose Fabric by the Yard?
Your brand’s success depends on sourcing reliable viscose fabrics by the yard. Here are some places to start:
Specialized Fabric Stores
Many local fabric shops, as well as online specialty retailers, sell viscose fabric by the yard. They provide swatches and details on weight and composition.
Textile wholesalers
Textile distributors are the best for large orders and wholesale prices. These suppliers are able to meet higher MOQs and often offer customization services for private labels.
Online marketplaces
Platforms such as Fabriclore, Etsy, Fabric.com and Alibaba provide a variety of viscose fabric by the yard. Before choosing a supplier, read reviews and ask for swatches.
Mills and Direct-from-Manufacturer
Relationships with mills and direct manufacturers are key to gaining the best control over your quality. Many mills have private label or custom run programs, which are great for brands that are growing.
Trade Shows and Sourcing Expos
A fabric sourcing exhibition allows you to see and touch the choices. You can compare prices and negotiate minimum order quantities with suppliers.
Viscose fabric: How to Care for it
Care for viscose fabric to keep your products looking great longer. This will reduce returns and boost customer reviews.
- Use a gentle washing cycle on a mesh bag or hand wash in cool water using mild detergent.
- Avoid wringing out or twisting the fabric, as this can alter its natural drape.
- To remove wrinkles, iron on low while the fabric is slightly damp.
- Be on the lookout for shrinkage, To stabilize your final garment, pre-wash the fabric before cutting.
- Use care labels and guides after purchase to educate your customers on how to get the most out of each piece.
Why Viscose Fabric is a Smart Choice for Private Labels
With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to choose fabric. The versatility and simplicity of the fabric is what makes it stand out. It is comfortable, affordable, and easy-to-care for. Designers have access to a wide range of colors and weights. Private labels allow inventories to be flexible, allowing for small or large purchases when needed.
If your brand values products that feel good, look professional, and appeal to environmentally-aware shoppers, viscose is worth a close look. Understanding key properties, testing prior to committing and choosing the best suppliers will help you create stylish collections for your private label and attract repeat customers.
Elevate your next collection with Fabriclore’s diverse range of custom printed, ready mill-dyed, and yarn-dyed fabrics. We offer a seamless, authentic, and affordable sourcing experience. Have questions or need personalized assistance? Simply email us at hello@fabriclore.com.