Viscose Vs Tencel: What is the Difference and Which is Better

In the world of textiles, the choice of fabric can significantly impact comfort, style, and sustainability. Two popular options, viscose and Tencel (Lyocell), are known for their softness, breathability, and suitability for warm weather wear.

Viscose, a semi-synthetic fiber derived from natural cellulose, offers affordability and soft drape. In contrast, Tencel stands as a sustainable alternative, manufactured from responsibly sourced wood pulp with a closed-loop production process.

Understanding the differences between these fabrics, including manufacturing processes, environmental impact, and performance properties, can empower consumers to make informed decisions when selecting the ideal fabric for their clothing and lifestyle needs.

Key Differences Between Viscose and Tencel (Lyocell)

Viscose and Tencel (Lyocell) are both semi-synthetic or regenerated cellulose fibers used in the textile industry. They have some similarities but also important differences. Here are the key differences between viscose and Tencel:

Manufacturing Process

• Viscose: Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from natural cellulose, usually sourced from wood pulp or bamboo. The manufacturing process involves treating the cellulose with various chemicals to produce a soluble compound. This compound is then extruded into fibers and spun into yarn.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is a brand name for Lyocell, a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp, often obtained from eucalyptus, beech, or spruce trees.
  The production process of Tencel is considered more environmentally friendly compared to viscose. It employs a closed-loop system where the chemicals used to dissolve the wood pulp are recycled and reused, resulting in reduced waste and water usage.

Environmental Impact

• Viscose has a less favorable environmental impact compared to Tencel. The production of viscose involves the use of various chemicals, some of which can be harmful to the environment if not managed properly. Additionally, the process can consume significant amounts of water, potentially contributing to water scarcity in certain regions.
• On the other hand, Tencel’s closed-loop production process significantly reduces its environmental impact. The recycling of chemicals used in the process minimizes waste and helps conserve resources, making Tencel a more sustainable choice.

Breathability

• Viscose: Viscose offers good breathability, allowing air to circulate through the fabric and keeping the wearer cool in warm conditions. Its ability to allow for proper air ventilation makes it suitable for summer wear.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is highly breathable as well and has excellent moisture-wicking properties. It efficiently absorbs moisture from the skin and releases it into the air, helping to regulate body temperature and prevent the wearer from feeling sweaty.

Heat Absorption

• Viscose: One of the advantages of viscose is its ability to not absorb heat. It remains cool to the touch, which can be particularly beneficial in hot and humid climates.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Similar to viscose, Tencel also does not trap heat. It stays cool and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for warm-weather clothing and bedding.

Durability

• Viscose: Viscose, while soft and comfortable, may not be as durable as Tencel. The fibers in viscose are relatively weak and prone to breakage, especially when exposed to friction or mechanical stress. As a result, garments made from viscose may not withstand frequent washing or intense use as well as those made from more robust fabrics.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel, on the other hand, is known for its excellent durability. The fibers in Tencel are stronger and more resilient, making the fabric more resistant to wear and tear. Clothing made from Tencel is likely to maintain its shape and integrity even with regular use and washing, ensuring a longer lifespan for the garment.

Moisture Absorption

• Viscose: Viscose has moderate moisture absorption properties. While it can absorb some moisture, it may not be as efficient as other natural fibers like cotton or Tencel. This could lead to the fabric feeling damp or uncomfortable in humid conditions.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel excels in moisture absorption. The fabric can absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet or clammy to the touch. This attribute makes Tencel particularly well-suited for sportswear and activewear, as it helps wick away sweat and keeps the wearer feeling dry and comfortable.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose is not particularly wrinkle-resistant and tends to crease easily. Garments made from viscose may require frequent ironing or steaming to maintain a smooth appearance, especially after washing.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel boasts excellent wrinkle resistance. The fabric tends to resist creasing, even after washing and drying. This characteristic is especially advantageous for travelers or individuals who prefer low-maintenance clothing that looks neat and fresh throughout the day.

Stretch and Recovery

• Viscose: Viscose has relatively low stretchability, and the fibers may lose their shape when subjected to stretching. Additionally, viscose garments may not fully recover their original form after stretching, leading to potential distortion or sagging.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel offers moderate stretchability, making it comfortable to wear and move in. The fabric also has excellent recovery properties, meaning it bounces back to its original shape after stretching or movement. This elasticity contributes to the fabric’s durability and ability to retain its form over time.

Color Retention

• Viscose: Viscose may experience color fading over time, especially with frequent exposure to sunlight and repeated washing. The fabric’s vulnerability to fading can result in a loss of vibrancy in the garment’s color.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel exhibits superior color retention properties. The fabric retains its colors well, even after prolonged use and multiple washes. This characteristic ensures that Tencel garments maintain their visual appeal and vibrant hues for a more extended period.

Pilling

• Viscose: Viscose is more prone to pilling compared to Tencel. Pilling occurs when small, fuzzy balls of fiber form on the surface of the fabric due to friction and wear. While viscose garments may feel soft and luxurious initially, they can develop pilling over time, especially in areas that experience regular rubbing or abrasion.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel exhibits better resistance to pilling. The strong and smooth fibers of Tencel are less likely to create those unsightly pill balls on the fabric’s surface. This attribute contributes to Tencel’s ability to maintain a smooth and pristine appearance even after prolonged use.

Shrinkage

• Viscose: Viscose garments can be prone to shrinkage if not cared for properly. Washing viscose in hot water or using high heat during drying can cause the fabric to contract and lose its original size and shape.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel has minimal shrinkage tendencies. The fabric is more stable when exposed to various washing and drying conditions, ensuring that Tencel garments maintain their fit and shape over time.

Uses

• Viscose: Viscose finds application in various types of apparel, including dresses, blouses, skirts, and scarves. It is also commonly used in drapery and upholstery due to its soft and flowing characteristics.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is a versatile fabric used in similar apparel applications as viscose, including dresses, shirts, and skirts. However, its excellent moisture-wicking properties and breathability make it particularly suitable for activewear, sportswear, and clothing for hot weather conditions.

Comfort in Hot Weather

• Viscose: Viscose offers decent comfort in hot weather due to its breathability and moisture absorption properties. The fabric allows air circulation and helps wick away sweat, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable in warm conditions.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel excels in providing comfort in hot weather. Its exceptional moisture-wicking abilities ensure rapid evaporation of sweat, maintaining a dry and fresh feeling on the skin. Tencel’s breathability and cool touch make it a preferred choice for summer clothing, outdoor activities, and hot climates.

Comfort in Cold Weather

• Viscose: Viscose may not provide much insulation or warmth in cold weather. The fabric’s breathable nature allows air to pass through, which can lead to a cooler feeling, making it more suitable for warmer seasons.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel offers some degree of insulation and warmth in cold weather. The fabric’s moisture-wicking properties help retain body heat, making it comfortable to wear during cooler temperatures. However, it may not provide as much warmth as thicker and heavier fabrics specifically designed for cold weather conditions.

Sustainability

• Viscose: While viscose is derived from natural cellulose, its manufacturing process involves the use of chemicals that can have a significant environmental impact. The production of viscose is generally considered less sustainable compared to Tencel. The sourcing of wood pulp or bamboo for viscose may also raise concerns about deforestation and its ecological consequences.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is renowned for its sustainability and eco-friendliness. The fabric is made from wood pulp sourced from responsibly managed forests, and its production utilizes a closed-loop system.
  This system recycles the chemicals used in the process, resulting in minimal waste and reducing the overall environmental footprint. Tencel is considered a more sustainable alternative to many other fabrics, including traditional viscose.

Cost

• Viscose: Viscose is generally more affordable compared to Tencel. The production process for viscose is well-established and more straightforward, contributing to its lower cost. As a result, garments and products made from viscose tend to be more budget-friendly.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is considered a higher-end material, and its production involves more advanced and sustainable processes. As a result, Tencel fabrics and products typically come with a higher price tag than viscose. The added cost is often justified by Tencel’s superior performance, durability, and eco-friendly attributes.

Care Instructions

• Viscose: Viscose garments may require careful handling and specific care instructions to maintain their quality. The fabric can be sensitive to high temperatures and aggressive detergents, which might lead to shrinkage, distortion, or loss of softness.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel has relatively easy care requirements. It is generally more durable and less prone to shrinkage compared to viscose. However, to preserve its softness and other attributes, it is still recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, which typically include avoiding high heat during washing and drying.

Allergenic Properties

• Viscose: Viscose itself is not inherently allergenic. However, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to certain chemicals used in the manufacturing process, especially if residual chemicals are present in the fabric.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is considered hypoallergenic, making it a safer choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. The closed-loop production process of Tencel minimizes the use of harsh chemicals, reducing the likelihood of skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Biodegradability

• Viscose: Viscose is biodegradable, which means it can naturally break down over time when disposed of properly. However, the rate of biodegradability may vary depending on the specific manufacturing process and any additional finishes applied to the fabric.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is also biodegradable and compostable. Its production process ensures that the fabric retains its biodegradability, making it an environmentally friendly choice at the end of its useful life.

Viscose Vs Tencel: Comparison Table

Aspect	Viscose	Tencel (Lyocell)
Manufacturing Process	Semi-synthetic, derived from wood pulp	Sustainable fabric from wood pulp
Environmental Impact	Less eco-friendly due to chemical process	More sustainable, closed-loop production
Softness and Comfort	Soft and comfortable	Soft and luxurious
Breathability	Breathable, allows air circulation	Highly breathable, regulates body temp.
Heat Absorption	Does not absorb heat	Does not trap heat
Durability	Less durable, requires gentle handling	More durable and resilient
Moisture Absorption	Absorbs some moisture	Excellent moisture-wicking properties
Wrinkle Resistance	Prone to wrinkling	Relatively wrinkle-resistant
Stretch and Recovery	Low stretch, limited recovery	Moderate stretch and good recovery
Color Retention	Colors may fade over time	Retains colors well
Pilling	Prone to pilling	Less prone to pilling
Shrinkage	May shrink if not cared for properly	Minimal shrinkage
Uses	Apparel, drapery, and upholstery	Clothing, sportswear, and bed sheets
Comfort in Hot Weather	Comfortable in warm weather	Ideal for hot weather conditions
Comfort in Cold Weather	Not very insulating	Provides some insulation
Sustainability	Less eco-friendly	Environmentally friendly
Cost	Generally more affordable	Higher-end material
Care Instructions	Requires careful handling and mild detergents	Avoid high heat during washing and drying
Allergenic Properties	Can cause skin irritation in some individuals	Generally hypoallergenic
Biodegradability	Biodegradable, but slower than Tencel	Biodegradable and compostable

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The distinctions between viscose and Tencel (Lyocell) highlight the importance of considering various factors when choosing fabrics. Viscose, with its affordability and softness, remains a viable option for many.

However, for those prioritizing sustainability, Tencel emerges as the preferred choice with its eco-friendly production and hypoallergenic properties.

Tencel’s enhanced durability, moisture-wicking abilities, and resistance to pilling make it an attractive option for various applications, including sportswear and cooling bed sheets.

By understanding the unique attributes of these fabrics, consumers can make well-informed decisions, ensuring comfort, style, and environmental responsibility in their clothing choices.