Rayon, often called “artificial silk,” is a semi-synthetic fabric that combines the best qualities of natural and man-made fibers. Its silky texture and excellent drape make it a popular choice for flowing summer garments.
In this rayon fabric guide we discuss what it is, why you’ll want to wear it, the downsides, and how modal compares to rayon.
Let’s dive in.
Like many of the other fabrics in this guide, rayon is a versatile fabric that shares many advantages that cotton has. It is often used as an affordable silk alternative because of its breathable and moisture-wicking capabilities as well as stretchiness and softness.
What is Rayon Fabric?
Rayon, also known as viscose is a semi-synthetic 100% cellulosic fiber that’s soft, comfortable, absorbent, and breathable, all the while taking dyes easily and coming from renewable raw materials. It’s a semi-synthetic fabric that’s the third most popular textile fiber in the world.
Why Wear Rayon?
Rayon is a breathable, moisture-absorbent fabric that’s a popular choice for athletic and casual wear. You’ll find it in shirts, trousers, dresses and outerwear.
1. Rayon is Versatile
Like many of the other fabrics on this list, rayon is as versatile as they come. It has a remarkable ability to resemble other fabrics because it takes on properties of cotton, wool, silk and other types of clothing.
2. Rayon is Soft, Smooth, Cool & Comfortable
The beauty of rayon is that it has a soft and smooth texture that feels comfortable against the skin. It has a similar comfort to natural fibers like cotton and linen.
3. Rayon is Breathable & Moisture Absorbent
Believe it or not, rayon is more absorbent than cotton and so this trait makes rayon an ideal fabric for activewear and hot, humid climates since it’ll absorb moisture away from the skin. Be cautious as the material can shrink when wet. All in all, rayon is a cool, breathable material that is great for athletic wear.
» Related: You might like this in-depth guide on Men’s Gym Essentials to Boost Your Workout & Look Good.
» Downsides of Wearing Rayon
Here are the few disadvantages to this versatile hot weather fabric
1. Washing Instructions can Be Difficult
Since rayon is often blended with other fabrics like cotton and polyester, laundering it takes extra consideration. Most experts recommend to hand-wash rayon which is always a safe choice, but also not the most convenient.
2. Rayon is Not a Durable Fabric
Your washing machine can cause rayon to shrink, stretch or bleed onto other articles of clothing. It’s exceptionally lightweight and has a flowy drape like silk, and so it’s best treated with caution.
Is Modal as Breathable as Rayon?
Modal is actually a common type of rayon that’s also a semi-synthetic fabric that’s made from beech tree pulp and is used mainly for clothing like pajamas, underwear and household items like towels and bed sheets. The other 2 types of rayon are viscose and lyocell.
Wrapping Up
While rayon requires some special care, its luxurious feel and breathability make it a worthwhile addition to your summer wardrobe. From casual to formal wear, rayon’s versatility and comfort ensure you’ll reach for it time and again during the warmer months.
