Viscose Vs Microfiber: What’s the Difference?

In the world of textiles, fabrics like viscose and microfiber stand out for their unique properties and diverse applications. Viscose, a semi-synthetic fiber derived from plant-based sources, offers softness and breathability, making it ideal for comfortable clothing and home textiles.

On the other hand, microfiber, a fully synthetic fabric with ultra-fine fibers, boasts exceptional moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities, making it a top choice for sportswear and outdoor gear.

This introduction sets the stage for exploring the distinct features and characteristics of viscose and microfiber fabrics, shedding light on their uses, environmental impact, and suitability for various lifestyles and preferences.

Key Differences Between Viscose and Microfiber

Composition

• Viscose: Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from regenerated cellulose obtained from plant-based sources such as wood pulp, bamboo, or soy. The manufacturing process involves chemically treating the cellulose to convert it into fiber form. This semi-synthetic nature gives viscose its unique blend of natural and synthetic properties.
• Microfiber: On the other hand, microfiber is a fully synthetic fabric composed of ultra-fine fibers, usually made from materials like polyester or nylon. Unlike viscose, microfiber does not have any natural components and is entirely man-made through an industrial process.

Source of Raw Material

• Viscose: The raw material for viscose production comes from renewable plant-based sources, making it a more sustainable option compared to fully synthetic fabrics. Wood pulp is the most commonly used source for viscose, but other alternatives like bamboo and soy are also utilized.
• Microfiber: Microfiber, being a fully synthetic fabric, is derived entirely from non-renewable petrochemical sources like crude oil or natural gas. This reliance on fossil fuels raises environmental concerns due to their finite nature and contribution to carbon emissions.

Fiber Diameter

• Viscose: Viscose fibers have a relatively larger diameter compared to microfiber. While not as fine as microfiber, their larger diameter contributes to a soft and smooth texture, resembling natural fibers like cotton or silk.
• Microfiber: The defining characteristic of microfiber is its ultra-fine fiber diameter, measuring less than 10 micrometers. To put this into perspective, a single strand of silk is around 1 D, making microfiber one of the world’s finest textile fibers. This extremely fine diameter contributes to the fabric’s exceptional softness.

Texture

• Viscose: Viscose offers a soft and smooth texture, making it comfortable to wear. Its texture closely resembles natural fibers, adding to its appeal in clothing such as dresses, blouses, and scarves. The draping quality of viscose also enhances its aesthetic value.
• Microfiber: Microfiber boasts an exceptionally soft texture, surpassing the smoothness of viscose. The ultra-fine fibers create a luxurious feel, making microfiber a popular choice for sportswear, activewear, and towels. Additionally, its softness contributes to its effectiveness in cleaning cloths.

Breathability

• Viscose: Viscose exhibits good breathability, allowing air to pass through the fabric. This property makes it suitable for warm weather and summer wear, as it helps in regulating body temperature. However, viscose may not be as efficient in wicking away moisture as some synthetic fabrics.
• Microfiber: Microfiber excels in breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. Its ultra-fine fibers create a network of tiny spaces, enabling efficient air circulation and sweat evaporation. This feature makes microfiber an excellent choice for sportswear and outdoor activities, keeping the body dry and cool.

Moisture Absorption

• Viscose: Viscose has moderate moisture absorption capabilities. While it can absorb some moisture, it may not be as efficient as some synthetic fabrics like microfiber. In humid conditions or during intense physical activities, viscose may retain moisture, leading to a damp feeling.
• Microfiber: Microfiber excels in moisture absorption. The ultra-fine fibers in microfiber fabrics create numerous small channels that quickly draw moisture away from the skin. This property makes microfiber highly effective in wicking away sweat and keeping the body dry during exercise or hot weather.

Heat Retention

• Viscose: Viscose has some heat retention properties, which may not be ideal for extremely hot conditions. It can feel comfortable in moderate temperatures but may not provide the same cooling effect as certain synthetic fabrics.
• Microfiber: Microfiber has minimal heat retention, making it an excellent choice for hot and humid weather. Its ability to allow heat to dissipate quickly helps in maintaining a cool and comfortable feel, especially during physical activities.

Drape

• Viscose: Viscose fabric has good drape characteristics. It flows smoothly and gracefully around the body, creating an elegant and flattering appearance. This property makes viscose a popular choice for dresses, skirts, and other flowy garments.
• Microfiber: Microfiber has an average drape, which means it may not flow as fluidly as viscose. However, its softness and lightweight nature still allow it to drape nicely, particularly in sportswear and activewear designs.

Quick-drying

• Viscose: Viscose may take longer to dry compared to microfiber due to its natural origin. While it can absorb moisture, it may retain it for a longer period, requiring more time to dry fully.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is exceptionally quick-drying, thanks to its fine fibers and efficient moisture-wicking properties. It can rapidly evaporate sweat and moisture, making it a practical choice for sportswear and travel clothing where quick-drying is essential.

Strength and Durability

• Viscose: Viscose has moderate strength and durability. While it offers comfort and a soft feel, it may not be as sturdy as some fully synthetic fabrics like microfiber. Viscose garments may be more prone to wrinkling, stretching, or tearing with frequent use.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is known for its strength and durability. The synthetic nature of microfiber fibers provides robustness, making it resistant to wear and tear. Microfiber fabrics can withstand frequent use, washing, and intense physical activities without losing their shape or integrity.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose fabric tends to wrinkle more easily compared to synthetic fabrics like microfiber. While it offers comfort and softness, garments made from viscose may require ironing or special care to maintain a wrinkle-free appearance.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is relatively wrinkle-resistant due to its synthetic nature and fine fibers. Clothing made from microfiber is less likely to crease, making it a practical choice for travelers or individuals seeking low-maintenance garments.

Pilling

• Viscose: Viscose garments are susceptible to pilling, especially in areas that experience friction or rubbing during wear. The formation of small, unsightly balls of fibers on the surface of the fabric can affect the appearance and longevity of viscose clothing.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is generally less prone to pilling compared to viscose. Its tightly woven structure and synthetic composition contribute to its resistance against the formation of pills, preserving the fabric’s smooth appearance.

Resistance to Static Electricity

• Viscose: Viscose fabric has low resistance to static electricity, which can lead to garments clinging to the body or attracting lint and dust particles. This property can cause discomfort and inconvenience during wear.
• Microfiber: Microfiber has a higher resistance to static electricity compared to viscose. The smooth surface and synthetic fibers help reduce static buildup, making microfiber garments less likely to cling to the body or attract debris.

Biodegradability

• Viscose: Viscose is partially biodegradable since its raw material, cellulose, comes from plant-based sources. However, the chemical processing involved in converting cellulose into viscose fiber may hinder its complete biodegradation.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is not biodegradable. Being a fully synthetic fabric, it is made from petroleum-based materials that do not naturally break down in the environment. This lack of biodegradability raises concerns about microfiber pollution and its impact on ecosystems.

Environmental Impact

• Viscose: Viscose production has a moderate environmental impact. While it starts with renewable plant-based materials, the chemical processes involved in manufacturing raise concerns about pollution and water usage. Sustainable practices in viscose production, such as closed-loop systems, can mitigate its environmental impact.
• Microfiber: Microfiber production has a relatively lower environmental impact compared to some other synthetic fabrics. However, it still contributes to environmental issues, primarily through the release of microplastic particles during washing, which can enter waterways and harm marine life.

Uses

• Viscose: Viscose is commonly used in various clothing items such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and scarves due to its soft and comfortable feel. Its draping qualities also make it suitable for flowy and elegant designs. Viscose is also used in home textiles like drapery and upholstery.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is popularly used in sportswear, activewear, swimwear, and outdoor clothing due to its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Its softness and lightweight nature also make it suitable for towels and cleaning cloths, as well as certain types of bedding.

Allergy Concerns

• Viscose: Viscose is generally considered hypoallergenic and less likely to cause skin irritation compared to some synthetic fabrics. However, individuals with sensitive skin may still experience mild irritation or allergic reactions, especially if the fabric has been treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is also considered hypoallergenic and safe for most individuals, even those with sensitive skin. Its ultra-fine fibers are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies, making it a suitable choice for those with skin sensitivities.

Price

• Viscose: Viscose is usually more affordable than microfiber. The production process of viscose involves renewable plant-based materials, which can result in a lower cost compared to the petrochemical-based production of microfiber.
• Microfiber: Microfiber can vary in price depending on the quality and brand. While it might be more expensive than viscose in some cases, its durability and performance make it a cost-effective option in the long run, especially for sportswear and activewear that require frequent washing and wear.

Maintenance

• Viscose: Viscose garments require gentle handling and care to maintain their shape and softness. They may need to be hand washed or washed on a delicate cycle, and ironing or steaming may be necessary to remove wrinkles.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is relatively easy to care for and low-maintenance. Most microfiber garments can be machine washed and dried, and they are less likely to wrinkle compared to viscose. Their quick-drying properties also make them convenient for travelers and active individuals.

Environmental Certifications

• Viscose: Some viscose manufacturers have adopted eco-friendly practices and certifications, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which ensures responsible sourcing of wood pulp. Additionally, some brands may implement closed-loop systems to reduce water and chemical usage in the production process.
• Microfiber: Microfiber production has fewer environmental certifications compared to viscose. However, efforts are being made to address the issue of microplastic pollution through research and the development of sustainable microfiber fabrics.

Water Usage in Production

• Viscose: Viscose production can be water-intensive, particularly during the chemical processing stages. The dissolving of cellulose and other treatments require substantial water volumes. However, efforts are being made by some manufacturers to adopt more sustainable production practices, such as closed-loop systems that recycle water and minimize overall water usage.
• Microfiber: Microfiber production generally requires less water compared to viscose. The synthetic nature of microfiber allows for more controlled and efficient manufacturing processes, reducing water consumption. However, it’s important to note that the overall environmental impact of microfiber production extends beyond water usage and includes other factors like energy consumption and chemical emissions.

Comfort Level

• Viscose: Viscose offers a high level of comfort due to its soft and smooth texture. It feels gentle against the skin and is often likened to natural fibers like cotton or silk. The breathability of viscose also contributes to its overall comfort, making it suitable for summer wear.
• Microfiber: Microfiber provides an excellent comfort level, primarily due to its ultra-fine fibers that create a soft and luxurious feel. Its moisture-wicking properties and lightweight nature enhance comfort during physical activities and warm weather conditions.

Color Retention

• Viscose: Viscose may experience some color fading over time, especially with frequent washing or exposure to sunlight. The extent of color retention depends on the quality of the dye used and the fabric’s care.
• Microfiber: Microfiber generally exhibits good color retention, with colors remaining vibrant even after repeated washings. The synthetic fibers in microfiber are more resistant to fading, making it a preferred choice for colored sportswear and activewear.

Production Process

• Viscose: Viscose production involves a series of chemical processes to transform plant-based cellulose into fiber form. The wood pulp or other cellulose sources undergo treatments with chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide to create a viscose solution, which is then extruded into fibers through spinnerets.
• Microfiber: Microfiber production is a fully synthetic process, involving the extrusion of synthetic polymers like polyester or nylon through fine spinnerets to create ultra-fine fibers. This process allows for precise control over fiber diameter and properties.

Environmental Impact in Production

• Viscose: The environmental impact of viscose production can vary depending on the manufacturing practices employed by different companies. Traditional viscose production has raised concerns about chemical emissions and waste discharge, but sustainable practices like closed-loop systems have been implemented to mitigate these issues.
• Microfiber: Microfiber production has its own set of environmental concerns, mainly related to the use of petrochemicals in the production of synthetic fibers. Additionally, microfiber shedding during washing can lead to microplastic pollution in waterways, which poses environmental risks.

Applications

• Viscose: Viscose finds applications in various clothing items such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and scarves due to its softness and draping qualities. It is also used in home textiles like drapery and upholstery.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is widely used in sportswear, activewear, swimwear, and outdoor clothing due to its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Its softness and lightweight nature make it suitable for towels, cleaning cloths, and certain types of bedding.

Viscose Vs Microfiber: Comparison Table

Key Differences	Viscose	Microfiber
Composition	Semi-synthetic (rayon)	Fully synthetic
Source of Raw Material	Plant-based (wood pulp)	Synthetic (polyester/nylon)
Fiber Diameter	Relatively larger	Ultra-fine (less than 10 micrometers)
Texture	Soft and smooth	Exceptionally soft
Breathability	Good	Excellent
Moisture Absorption	Moderate	High
Heat Retention	Some	Minimal
Drape	Good	Average
Quick-Drying	Not as fast as microfiber	Very fast
Strength and Durability	Moderate	Strong
Wrinkle Resistance	Moderate	Resistant
Pilling	May occur	Less likely
Resistance to Static Electricity	Low	High
Biodegradability	Partially biodegradable	Not biodegradable
Environmental Impact	Moderate	Relatively low
Uses	Casual wear, drapery, upholstery	Sportswear, activewear, towels, cleaning cloths
Allergy Concerns	Potential for skin irritation	Generally hypoallergenic
Price	Usually more affordable than microfiber	Varies depending on quality
Maintenance	Requires gentle handling and care	Easy to care for
Environmental Certifications	Some eco-friendly certifications	Fewer eco-certifications
Water Usage in Production	Higher	Lower
Comfort Level	High	Very high
Color Retention	Good	Excellent
Production Process	Involves chemical processing	Fully synthetic production
Environmental Impact in Production	Moderate	Relatively low
Applications	Clothing, drapery, upholstery, etc.	Sportswear, activewear, cleaning cloths, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The comparison between viscose and microfiber reveals their unique strengths and applications. Viscose’s blend of natural and synthetic properties offers comfort and drapability, making it popular in clothing and home textiles.

Microfiber’s advanced moisture-wicking and quick-drying features make it a preferred choice for sportswear and activewear. Both fabrics have their environmental considerations, with sustainable practices being implemented to mitigate their impact.

Ultimately, the choice between viscose and microfiber depends on individual preferences, comfort needs, and environmental awareness. As the textile industry evolves, finding a balance between performance, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction remains a crucial goal.