Viscose Vs Cupro: What You Need to Know?

In the world of sustainable and eco-friendly textiles, viscose and cupro stand out as versatile and environmentally conscious choices. Derived from plant-based cellulosic fibers, these fabrics offer a blend of comfort, drapability, and luxurious texture.

While viscose is known for its softness and breathability, cupro excels with its strength and color retention. Both fabrics share biodegradability, making them environmentally responsible options.

In this comparison, we delve into the key differences between viscose and cupro, exploring their unique properties and uses. Understanding these distinctions empowers consumers to make informed decisions that align with their fashion preferences and sustainable values.

Key Differences Between Viscose and Cupro

Source

• Viscose: Viscose, also known as rayon, is derived from wood pulp obtained from regenerative trees such as bamboo, beeches, and eucalyptus. The wood pulp is chemically processed to create a soluble compound, which is then extruded into fibers. This makes viscose a semi-synthetic fiber.
• Cupro: In contrast, cupro is produced from cotton linter, a cotton plant waste product. The linter is regenerated through a similar chemical process as viscose, resulting in the creation of cupro fibers. As a result, cupro is considered more sustainable as it repurposes a byproduct of the cotton industry.

Durability

• Viscose: Viscose fibers are relatively weaker compared to cupro. While they are still moderately durable, they may be more prone to stretching and losing strength over time, especially when exposed to moisture.
• Cupro: Cupro, on the other hand, is known for its strength and durability. The fibers are more robust and have a longer lifespan, making cupro garments and textiles better suited for prolonged wear and use.

Texture and Drape

• Viscose: Viscose has a soft and flowing texture, making it ideal for creating lightweight and comfortable garments. It drapes beautifully and has a smooth feel against the skin, adding to its popularity for dresses and tops.
• Cupro: Cupro offers a luxurious texture with a silky and smooth surface. Its drape is exceptional, lending an elegant and sophisticated touch to clothing items. The subtle sheen of cupro further enhances its appeal for creating stylish and refined outfits.

Sheen

• Viscose: Viscose fabrics generally have a more subtle sheen compared to cupro. This makes them suitable for both casual and semi-formal attire, providing a gentle luster without being overly shiny.
• Cupro: Cupro, with its inherent slight sheen, adds a touch of sophistication to garments. This makes it a preferred choice for creating chic and polished ensembles that can transition seamlessly from day to evening wear.

Moisture Absorption

• Viscose: Viscose exhibits good moisture absorption capabilities, allowing it to wick away perspiration and keep the wearer cool and comfortable in warm weather. However, excessive moisture exposure can impact its strength.
• Cupro: Cupro excels in moisture absorption, even surpassing viscose. It efficiently pulls moisture away from the body, offering enhanced breathability and comfort, making it an excellent option for humid climates and active wear.

Breathability

• Viscose: Viscose is known for its breathability, allowing air to circulate freely through the fabric. This property makes it suitable for warm weather and helps in keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. The natural cellulose fibers in viscose create tiny pores within the fabric, facilitating air exchange.
• Cupro: Similarly, cupro also possesses excellent breathability, making it well-suited for hot and humid conditions. The inherent moisture-wicking ability of cupro, along with its breathable nature, ensures that it efficiently absorbs and releases moisture, promoting comfort throughout wear.

Environmental Impact

• Viscose: While viscose is derived from renewable plant sources, the production process involves chemical treatments, raising environmental concerns. The use of chemicals in the production of viscose can lead to water pollution and emissions. However, eco-friendly production methods, such as closed-loop systems, are increasingly adopted to mitigate the environmental impact.
• Cupro: Cupro is considered more environmentally friendly compared to viscose. Its production relies on recycling cotton linter, a byproduct of the cotton industry, reducing waste and the need for additional raw materials. Additionally, some cupro manufacturers implement eco-friendly practices, making it a sustainable choice for conscious consumers.

Pilling Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose fibers tend to be more susceptible to pilling, which refers to the formation of small, fuzzy balls on the fabric surface due to friction and wear. Pilling can diminish the appearance of the garment over time.
• Cupro: Cupro, with its stronger and more durable fibers, exhibits better pilling resistance compared to viscose. Garments made from cupro are less likely to develop unsightly pills, ensuring a smoother and well-maintained appearance.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose fabrics are relatively prone to wrinkling, especially when exposed to moisture or during extended wear. While ironing can help smooth out wrinkles, it may require more frequent maintenance.
• Cupro: In contrast, cupro demonstrates remarkable wrinkle resistance. The fibers have a natural tendency to spring back to their original shape, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. As a result, clothing made from cupro requires less ironing and remains presentable for more extended periods.

Shrinkage

• Viscose: Viscose may have a tendency to shrink, especially when exposed to water or high heat during washing and drying. This characteristic requires careful handling and adherence to manufacturer’s care instructions to maintain the garment’s original size and fit.
• Cupro: Cupro is generally more resistant to shrinkage compared to viscose. Due to its inherent strength and stability, cupro garments are less likely to experience significant shrinkage, offering better dimensional stability and ease of care.

Drapability

• Viscose: Viscose is renowned for its exceptional drapability. Its soft and flowing nature allows it to gracefully conform to the body’s curves, creating a flattering and elegant silhouette. The lightweight and fluid drape of viscose fabrics make them popular for creating beautiful dresses, skirts, and loose-fitting tops.
• Cupro: Cupro, too, boasts excellent drapability. The smooth and silky texture of cupro fibers enables garments to hang beautifully, accentuating the body’s contours with a luxurious flow. Cupro’s inherent ability to drape elegantly adds a touch of sophistication to various clothing styles.

Color Retention

• Viscose: Viscose fabrics may experience color fading over time, especially with repeated exposure to sunlight and frequent washing. Careful attention to color preservation and following care instructions is crucial to maintain the vibrancy of viscose garments.
• Cupro: Cupro exhibits superior color retention compared to viscose. Its fibers retain dyes well, allowing clothing to maintain its original hue and luster for an extended period. Cupro garments are less likely to fade, providing long-lasting color vibrancy.

Strength

• Viscose: While viscose offers excellent drapability and comfort, it may be relatively weaker compared to some other fabrics. It is essential to handle viscose garments with care to prevent tearing or damage, especially when wet.
• Cupro: Cupro stands out in terms of strength and durability. The fibers’ inherent robustness makes cupro garments more resistant to wear and tear, providing a longer lifespan and better overall durability.

Luster

• Viscose: Viscose fabrics typically have a moderate sheen, adding a subtle luster to the finished garment. This gentle shine contributes to its versatility, allowing viscose clothing to transition seamlessly from casual to slightly more formal occasions.
• Cupro: Cupro’s luster is comparable to that of natural silk, giving it a more noticeable and refined shine. This luxurious sheen enhances the overall appearance of clothing made from cupro, making it suitable for sophisticated and glamorous outfits.

Production Process

• Viscose: The production process for viscose involves treating wood pulp or bamboo with chemicals, resulting in a semi-synthetic fiber. While it originates from renewable plant sources, the use of chemicals raises environmental concerns. However, advancements in sustainable practices, such as closed-loop systems, have made significant improvements.
• Cupro: Cupro’s production process, on the other hand, involves recycling cotton linter, which is a byproduct of the cotton industry. This method reduces waste and the need for additional raw materials, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Cost

• Viscose: Viscose is generally more affordable compared to many other natural and synthetic fabrics. Its cost-effectiveness makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers, offering an economical choice for various clothing and textile applications.
• Cupro: Cupro tends to be relatively more expensive than viscose. The recycling process and the use of cotton waste as raw material contribute to its higher production costs. As a result, cupro garments often come with a slightly higher price tag.

Comfort

• Viscose: Viscose is known for its soft and smooth texture, providing a comfortable wearing experience. Its breathability adds to the comfort level, making viscose garments suitable for all-day wear in various climates.
• Cupro: Cupro, with its silky and luxurious feel, offers a higher level of comfort, often compared to natural silk. The excellent drapability and moisture-wicking properties of cupro add to the overall comfort, making it a preferred choice for elegant and comfortable clothing.

Absorbency

• Viscose: Viscose fabrics have good moisture absorption capabilities, making them suitable for keeping the wearer cool and dry in hot weather. However, excessive moisture exposure can affect its strength and durability.
• Cupro: Cupro excels in absorbency, surpassing viscose in this aspect. Its moisture-wicking properties efficiently draw moisture away from the skin, providing enhanced breathability and comfort, even in humid conditions.

Environmental Certification

• Viscose: The environmental impact of viscose production can vary depending on the manufacturing processes used. Some manufacturers implement sustainable practices, such as closed-loop systems, to minimize their ecological footprint. Certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can indicate responsibly sourced viscose.
• Cupro: Cupro’s production is generally considered more eco-friendly compared to conventional viscose. However, similar to viscose, the environmental impact depends on the specific manufacturing practices adopted by individual companies. Look for certifications such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) to identify environmentally conscious cupro products.

Allergenic Potential

• Viscose: Viscose is generally hypoallergenic, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Its natural origin and smooth texture reduce the likelihood of causing skin irritations.
• Cupro: Similarly, cupro is also considered hypoallergenic, as it is made from natural cellulose fibers. The absence of synthetic chemicals in its production contributes to its non-irritating properties, making it a safe choice for those with skin sensitivities.

Biodegradability

• Viscose: Viscose is biodegradable, which means it can naturally break down over time when disposed of in the environment. This property makes it an eco-friendly choice, as it reduces the burden on landfills and contributes to a more sustainable waste management system.
• Cupro: Like viscose, cupro is also biodegradable, offering similar benefits for the environment. The ability of cupro fibers to decompose naturally after disposal makes it an eco-conscious option for those seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

Uses

• Viscose: Viscose is a versatile fabric used in various applications, including clothing items like dresses, blouses, skirts, and shirts. It is also popular for creating lightweight scarves, draperies, and linings in garments.
• Cupro: Cupro finds usage in similar fashion applications as viscose, such as dresses, tops, and blouses. Its luxurious drape and elegant appearance make it a favored choice for creating sophisticated eveningwear and formal attire.

Eco-friendliness

• Viscose: Viscose can be considered eco-friendly when produced using sustainable practices, such as closed-loop systems and responsible sourcing of wood pulp. These practices reduce the environmental impact, making viscose a greener alternative to some synthetic fabrics.
• Cupro: Cupro is generally regarded as more eco-friendly than conventional viscose due to its utilization of cotton linter waste. This recycling process reduces waste and helps decrease the demand for new raw materials, contributing to its eco-friendliness.

Dyeing Capabilities

• Viscose: Viscose fibers have good dye affinity, allowing them to absorb and retain color effectively. As a result, viscose fabrics can showcase vibrant and rich hues, offering a broad spectrum of colors in clothing and textiles.
• Cupro: Similarly, cupro has excellent dyeing capabilities, producing intense and lasting colors. The smooth surface of cupro fibers enhances the color uptake, resulting in clothing with vivid and eye-catching shades.

Production Sustainability

• Viscose: The sustainability of viscose production depends on the company’s commitment to responsible practices. Adopting eco-friendly manufacturing methods, such as closed-loop systems and reduced water usage, can significantly improve its sustainability.
• Cupro: Cupro’s sustainability is evident in its use of recycled cotton linter, which reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact. Choosing cupro garments from manufacturers with eco-friendly practices further enhances its sustainability.

Viscose Vs Cupro: Comparison Table

Aspect	Viscose	Cupro
Source	Wood pulp from trees	Cotton waste (linter)
Durability	Weaker, less durable	Stronger, more durable
Texture and Drape	Soft, flowy	Silky smooth, elegant
Sheen	Subtle	Slight sheen
Moisture Absorption	Good	Excellent
Breathability	Breathable	Breathable
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly	Eco-friendly
Pilling Resistance	Moderate	Good
Wrinkle Resistance	Prone to wrinkles	Resistant to wrinkles
Shrinkage	May shrink	Minimal shrinkage
Drapability	Flowy and comfortable	Excellent drape
Color Retention	Fades over time	Retains color well
Strength	Relatively weak	Strong
Luster	Moderate shine	Subtle sheen
Production Process	Chemical processing	Chemical processing
Cost	Generally affordable	May be more expensive
Comfort	Soft and comfortable	Luxurious feel
Absorbency	Good moisture absorption	Excellent moisture-wicking
Environmental Certification	Varies by manufacturer	Varies by manufacturer
Allergenic Potential	Generally hypoallergenic	Generally hypoallergenic
Biodegradability	Biodegradable	Biodegradable
Uses	Apparel, home textiles	Apparel, home textiles
Eco-Friendliness	Sustainable option	Sustainable option
Dyeing Capabilities	Good color uptake	Good color uptake
Production Sustainability	Depends on practices	Depends on practices

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The comparison between viscose and cupro highlights the diverse qualities each fabric brings to the table. Viscose, with its softness and affordability, remains a popular choice for comfortable and casual wear.

On the other hand, cupro’s strength, luxurious feel, and better environmental credentials position it as a premium and sustainable option for sophisticated garments. Both fabrics offer biodegradability and versatility in their uses, catering to diverse fashion needs.

As conscious consumers continue to prioritize eco-friendly choices, understanding these differences empowers them to make conscious and responsible fashion decisions that contribute to a more sustainable future.