If you have ever received a “rayon” swatch that felt nothing like the rayon in your tech pack, you already know the problem: these fibre names are used loosely across the supply chain. Here is a practical way to keep them straight.
The short version
- Viscose — the generic regenerated cellulose fibre. Soft, fluid, absorbs moisture; wrinkles easily when wet.
- Rayon — in most export markets “rayon” is simply the American name for viscose. In Chinese mill language it often means a viscose-rich blend.
- Modal — a stronger, more stable viscose variant. Better for jersey that has to hold shape.
- Lyocell / Tencel™ — solvent-spun cellulose. Dry hand, high strength, excellent drape; Tencel™ is the branded Lenzing version.
What changes on the garment floor
Viscose and rayon knit shrink more and stretch more than cotton or polyester. If your pattern maker has not worked with them, allow for it: specify a relaxed-width test before bulk, and always confirm the fabric after a wash cycle that matches your care label.
Lyocell and modal are more dimensionally stable, which is why they are increasingly used in premium basics where a buyer wants the drape of viscose without the shrinkage risk.
How to specify it properly
- Write the composition with percentages, not just names: “50% rayon / 45% polyester / 5% spandex”.
- State the finish: plain, slub, crinkle, brushed.
- Give a GSM target and a tolerance (±5% is a common ask).
- Name the test standard you care about — shrinkage, pilling, colour fastness to washing.
Cost and availability
Viscose and rayon blends are the sweet spot for spring/summer ranges: they drape, they breathe, and they are affordable at volume. Lyocell costs more but sells into a premium price point — worth it when the fabric is the story of the garment.
Our own Rayon, Slub & Casual Fashion Knits collection covers eleven lightweight articles between 130 and 200 GSM, at our standard 165 cm width.
Need samples or pricing?
Tell us the article number, target weight and quantity you need. We reply within 12 hours (Mon–Sat) with pricing, stock availability and free A4 swatch cards or hangers (international freight collect).
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Fabrics mentioned in this article
- #2116 Tencel-Touch High-Drape Ponte di Roma Knit — 92% Rayon, 8% Spandex · 180 GSM · 165 cm
- #2503 Viscose Blend Smooth Drape Knit — 86% Polyester, 5% Spandex, 9% Viscose · 280 GSM · 165 cm
Need the full picture? See all 50 knit fabrics in our complete index, or request a quote — we reply within 12 hours (Mon–Sat). Free A4 swatch cards are available, international freight collect.
