Difference Between Viscose and Pure Georgette Fabric

Georgette fabric has long been revered for its elegance, fluidity, and delicate appeal. Within the georgette category, there are two main types to consider: viscose georgette and pure georgette.

Viscose georgette is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose fibers, offering a balance of opacity, lightweight comfort, and subtle stretchability.

On the other hand, pure georgette is crafted entirely from silk, known for its unparalleled sheerness, graceful draping, and luxurious texture. These distinct types of georgette offer unique characteristics in terms of transparency, weight, stretchability, and more.

Exploring their differences allows one to choose the perfect georgette fabric for their desired look and occasion.

Key Differences Between Viscose Georgette Vs Pure Georgette

Viscose Georgette and Pure Georgette are both types of georgette fabrics used in clothing, but they differ in terms of their composition and characteristics. Here are the key differences between the two:

Transparency

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric, made from cellulose fibers, is more opaque compared to pure georgette. While still somewhat sheer, it allows less light to pass through, offering a modest level of transparency. Viscose georgette provides a balanced blend of coverage and glimpses of the underlying skin.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette, crafted entirely from silk, boasts a higher level of sheerness and transparency. This fabric allows more light to penetrate through its delicate fibers, creating an ethereal and graceful appearance. Pure georgette fabric is ideal for achieving a more pronounced see-through effect, lending an enchanting allure to garments.

Weight

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric, while still lightweight, has a slightly heavier feel compared to pure georgette. This is due to its composition of cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp. The added weight gives viscose georgette a bit more substance, providing a sense of stability and presence to the fabric.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette, made entirely of silk, is renowned for its lightweight and airy nature. This fabric has a feather-like quality, making it incredibly light and floaty. Pure georgette’s weightlessness adds to its ethereal charm and allows for effortless movement and draping.

Stretchability

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette possesses a slight stretchability owing to its semi-synthetic nature. The cellulose fibers in viscose allow the fabric to have some give and flexibility. This stretchability enhances comfort, making viscose georgette garments easier to wear and move in.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette, composed solely of silk, has limited stretchability. Silk fibers have less inherent elasticity compared to viscose, resulting in a fabric that maintains its shape without much give. Pure georgette drapes beautifully and retains its form, providing a graceful silhouette without relying on the stretch.

Fiber Composition

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette is made from cellulose fibers, typically derived from wood pulp or bamboo. This semi-synthetic fabric offers a blend of natural and man-made properties, combining the breathability and moisture absorption of cellulose with the versatility and ease of production.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric is crafted entirely from silk fibers. Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms and is highly valued for its lustrous appearance and luxurious feel. The use of pure silk in georgette fabric enhances its elegance and adds a touch of opulence.

Draping

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric has a graceful drape that enhances the flow and movement of garments. The fabric falls softly and creates gentle folds, giving a flattering silhouette. Viscose georgette drapes beautifully, making it a popular choice for flowing dresses, skirts, and scarves.
Pure Georgette: Pure Georgette is renowned for its exquisite draping properties. The lightweight and fluid nature of silk fibers allows pure georgette fabric to drape with an ethereal quality. It effortlessly follows the body’s contours, creating elegant and flattering lines, making it ideal for evening gowns, sarees, and other formal attire.

Texture

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric has a smooth and soft texture. It feels comfortable against the skin and has a subtle tactile quality. The texture of viscose georgette adds a touch of elegance to garments and contributes to their overall appeal.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made entirely of silk, has a soft texture with a subtle graininess. The texture of pure georgette adds depth and richness to the fabric, giving it a luxurious feel. The slight texture enhances the visual interest and tactile experience of wearing pure georgette garments.

Durability

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric is moderately durable. While it can withstand regular wear and tear, it may be more prone to pilling and fraying over time. Proper care and handling are essential to maintain its durability and prolong its lifespan.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette, being made of silk, is relatively more durable compared to viscose georgette. Silk fibers are known for their strength and resilience, making pure georgette fabric more resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, pure georgette garments can last for a long time.

Breathability

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric offers good breathability. The cellulose fibers allow air to circulate, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable, especially in warmer weather. Viscose georgette garments provide a breathable option for those looking for lightweight and airy fabrics.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette, being made of silk, also provides good breathability. Silk fibers have natural temperature-regulating properties that help keep the body cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. Pure georgette garments allow air to pass through, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Moisture Absorption

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric has moderate moisture absorption capabilities. It can absorb moisture to a certain extent, helping to keep the skin dry and comfortable. However, it may not be as efficient in wicking away moisture as some other fabrics.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made of silk, has excellent moisture absorption properties. Silk fibers can absorb moisture without feeling damp, allowing the fabric to keep the skin dry and comfortable. Pure georgette garments are suitable for warm and humid climates due to their moisture-wicking capabilities.

Wrinkle Resistance

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric has moderate wrinkle resistance. While it can resist wrinkles to some extent, it may require ironing or steaming to remove any creases that may occur during wear or storage.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made of silk, has relatively better wrinkle resistance compared to viscose georgette. Silk fibers have a natural smoothness and elasticity that help the fabric recover from wrinkles. Pure georgette garments tend to hold their shape better and require less effort to maintain a wrinkle-free appearance.

Shrinkage

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric may experience minimal shrinkage when exposed to moisture or during washing. It is important to follow the care instructions to minimize the risk of shrinkage and maintain the garment’s original size and shape.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made of silk, generally has minimal shrinkage. Silk fibers have a natural resistance to shrinking, making pure georgette garments less likely to undergo significant changes in size after washing or exposure to moisture.

Color Retention

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric tends to retain color well. The cellulose fibers used in its composition have good dye absorption properties, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors. Viscose georgette garments maintain their color intensity even after repeated washes.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made of silk, also has excellent color retention. Silk fibers have a high affinity for dyes, allowing pure georgette garments to hold color exceptionally well. They retain their vibrant hues and do not fade easily, even with regular washing or exposure to sunlight.

Crease Recovery

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric has average crease recovery. While it may develop creases during wear or storage, they can often be removed by hanging the garment or lightly steaming. Care should be taken to prevent deep or permanent creases.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric has good crease recovery properties. Silk fibers have natural elasticity, allowing pure georgette garments to bounce back from creases easily. Light steaming or hanging the garment can quickly restore its smooth and wrinkle-free appearance.

Maintenance

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric requires careful handling and maintenance. It is recommended to follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as viscose georgette may be prone to wrinkling, shrinkage, and color bleeding if not properly cared for.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric requires delicate care and attention. It is advisable to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as silk can be sensitive to certain detergents and methods of cleaning. Gentle hand washing or dry cleaning is often recommended for maintaining the quality and longevity of pure georgette garments.

Price Range

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric is generally moderately priced. It offers a balance between affordability and the desirable qualities of georgette fabric, making it accessible to a wider range of customers.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made entirely of silk, falls into a higher price range. The luxurious nature and higher cost of silk contribute to the elevated price of pure georgette garments. They are often considered premium and are sought after for their elegance and sophistication.

Availability

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric is widely available in the market. It is a popular choice among designers and manufacturers, leading to a broader availability of viscose georgette garments and fabrics in various colors and patterns.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made of silk, is relatively less common and may be found in select specialty stores or luxury fabric suppliers. The availability of pure georgette garments and fabrics may be more limited compared to viscose georgette.

Versatility

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric offers versatility in terms of its usage. It is suitable for creating a range of garments such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and scarves, both for casual and formal occasions. Viscose georgette can be styled in various ways to achieve different looks.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric is also versatile and can be used to create a wide array of garments. However, it is often preferred for more formal occasions and traditional attire such as sarees, bridal wear, and evening gowns. Pure georgette lends an elegant and sophisticated touch to these special occasion garments.

Occasion

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric is well-suited for both casual and formal occasions. It offers a balance of comfort and style, making it suitable for everyday wear as well as for dressing up for events and parties.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric is often favored for formal and special occasions. Its luxurious appearance and graceful drape make it a popular choice for weddings, red carpet events, and other formal gatherings where a touch of elegance is desired.

Allergies

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric may cause allergies or sensitivities in some individuals. As it is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose fibers, certain people may experience skin reactions or irritation when in contact with viscose georgette.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, being made of silk, is generally considered hypoallergenic. Silk fibers have natural proteins that are less likely to cause allergies or irritate sensitive skin, making pure georgette a suitable choice for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Sustainability

Viscose Georgette: Viscose georgette fabric is less environmentally friendly compared to pure georgette. The production of viscose fibers involves chemical processes and may have a higher impact on the environment, particularly in terms of water usage and chemical waste.
Pure Georgette: Pure georgette fabric, made of silk, is considered more sustainable. Silk is a natural fiber derived from silkworms, and its production involves fewer chemicals and is more biodegradable compared to viscose georgette. Pure georgette garments are often preferred by those seeking more sustainable and eco-friendly choices.

Viscose Georgette Vs Pure Georgette: Comparison Table

Categories	Viscose Georgette	Pure Georgette
Transparency	More opaque	More sheer and transparent
Weight	Slightly heavier	Lightweight and airy
Stretchability	Has a bit of stretchability	Less stretchable
Fiber Composition	Made from cellulose fibers	Made entirely of silk
Draping	Drapes beautifully	Drapes with an ethereal quality
Texture	Smooth and soft	Soft with subtle texture
Durability	Moderately durable	Relatively more durable
Breathability	Good breathability	Good breathability
Moisture Absorption	Absorbs moisture moderately	Absorbs moisture well
Wrinkle Resistance	Moderately resistant to wrinkles	Relatively resistant to wrinkles
Shrinkage	Minimal shrinkage	Minimal shrinkage
Color Retention	Retains color well	Retains color well
Crease Recovery	Average crease recovery	Good crease recovery
Maintenance	Requires careful handling	Requires delicate care
Price Range	Moderately priced	Higher price range
Availability	Widely available	Relatively less common
Versatility	Suitable for various garments	Suitable for various garments
Occasion	Versatile for both casual and formal wear	Preferred for formal occasions
Allergies	May cause allergies in some individuals	Hypoallergenic
Sustainability	Less environmentally friendly	More environmentally friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can viscose georgette and pure georgette fabrics be dyed easily?

Yes, both viscose georgette and pure georgette fabrics have good dye absorption properties, allowing them to be dyed easily in a wide range of colors.

How should viscose georgette and pure georgette garments be washed?

Viscose georgette garments should be hand-washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Pure georgette garments are typically recommended for gentle hand washing or dry cleaning to maintain their delicate fibers.

Do viscose georgette and pure georgette fabrics require ironing?

Yes, both fabrics may require ironing to remove any wrinkles or creases. However, it is important to use a low heat setting and place a cloth between the iron and the fabric to prevent damage, especially for pure georgette.

Are viscose georgette and pure georgette fabrics prone to static cling?

Viscose georgette fabric may have some static cling, especially in dry conditions. Pure georgette fabric, being made of silk, has natural anti-static properties and is less prone to static cling.

Can viscose georgette and pure georgette fabrics be altered or tailored easily?

Both viscose georgette and pure georgette fabrics can be altered or tailored, but it is recommended to work with a skilled tailor or seamstress experienced in handling delicate fabrics like georgette to ensure proper fit and maintain the fabric’s integrity.

To Recap

The comparison between viscose georgette and pure georgette reveals the nuances and variations within the georgette fabric family. While viscose georgette offers a more opaque and slightly heavier option with a touch of stretchability, pure georgette captivates with its ethereal sheerness, lightweight nature, and elegant draping.

Each fabric has its own merits and is suitable for different purposes and occasions. Whether it’s the versatility of viscose georgette or the sophistication of pure georgette, both fabrics embody the timeless charm and allure of georgette, allowing individuals to express their style and grace with confidence.