What is viscose made from?

Most people assume any fabric with the "-ose" suffix is man-made. While viscose is sometimes described as a synthetic fabric, a more accurate description of it would be a "recovered" fabric because the cellulose fibers that make up viscose are found in trees and cotton. The cellulose is chemically dissolved and then reformed into long filaments. Once dissolved, the substance has the viscosity of honey or syrup, which give viscose its name. The filaments created can be stretched, twisted or spun into different sizes and shapes, making viscose a highly versatile textile.

Viscose is lighter and softer than cotton and more pliable than silk, making it a popular choice in the manufacturing of summer clothing and scarves. It has a soft and flattering draping ability and is ideal for absorbing moisture. It is used for summer skirts, sundresses and underwear, and is lauded for its moisture-wicking ability and lightness. New forms of viscose are created to be wrinkle and crease resistant.