Finding soft, comfortable clothing that drapes well and feels great against the skin is a priority for many. Viscose fabric consistently meets these needs, making it a popular material for everything from blouses to dresses. If you’re in the UK and looking for high-quality viscose, this guide will point you to the best retailers and provide tips on how to identify and care for this versatile fabric.
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated wood pulp. It’s known for its silk-like feel, breathability, and excellent drape, which is why it’s a staple in the fashion industry. The softness and comfort of viscose make it a preferred choice for garments that are worn close to the body, offering a gentle touch without irritation. Its ability to hold dye well also means it comes in a wide range of vibrant colors and prints.
This article provides a straightforward look at where to find soft viscose clothing and fabric in the UK. We will cover the best online and high-street retailers, including specialist suppliers like Fabriclore Pvt Ltd, and offer practical advice on selecting and maintaining quality viscose.
Benefits of Wearing Soft Viscose Clothing
Viscose fabric offers several functional advantages that contribute to its popularity in modern apparel. Understanding these benefits can help you make informed decisions when shopping.
Breathability and Moisture Management
One of the most significant benefits of viscose is its breathability. The fabric allows air to circulate freely, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable, particularly in warmer weather. Viscose also has excellent moisture-wicking properties, meaning it draws sweat away from the skin and allows it to evaporate quickly. This makes it a practical choice for activewear and everyday clothing.
Drape and Flow
Viscose is prized for its fluid drape, which allows it to hang beautifully and move with the body. This quality gives garments a graceful and flattering silhouette. Whether it’s a flowing maxi dress or a simple blouse, the fabric’s natural movement adds a touch of refinement to any style.
Versatility for Different Styles
The versatility of viscose makes it suitable for a wide array of clothing items and seasons. It can be woven to mimic the texture of silk, cotton, or wool, making it adaptable for both casual and formal wear. Lightweight viscose is ideal for summer dresses and tops, while heavier weaves can be used for trousers and light jackets in cooler months.
Top Retailers for Viscose in the UK
When searching for viscose fabric or clothing in the UK, you have several options, from specialized online stores to well-known high-street brands.
Fabriclore Pvt Ltd
For those looking to source fabric directly, Fabriclore Pvt Ltd is a leading supplier that serves both local and online customers. They offer a comprehensive range of viscose fabrics, including options like rayon, modal, and Liva. Fabriclore is known for its wholesale pricing and customized design and printing services, making it a trusted partner for over 400 private labels globally. Their commitment to on-time delivery and customer support makes them a reliable choice for sourcing quality materials.
Online Fabric Stores
Several online retailers in the UK specialize in fabrics for dressmaking and crafts. These stores often provide a vast selection of viscose prints and solids.
- Minerva: A popular destination for sewers, Minerva offers a wide variety of viscose fabrics, including challis, crepe, and jersey. They frequently feature new arrivals and provide detailed product descriptions.
- The Fabric Godmother: This store curates a selection of high-quality dressmaking fabrics, with a strong focus on unique and designer prints. Their viscose offerings are often sourced from top European mills.
- Sew Over It: Known for its sewing patterns, Sew Over It also has an online shop with a curated collection of fabrics, including a good range of viscose prints perfect for their patterns.
High-Street Fashion Brands
Many high-street retailers incorporate viscose into their collections due to its comfort and aesthetic appeal.
- Marks & Spencer: M&S is known for its quality basics and offers a wide range of clothing made from viscose, from comfortable tops and trousers to stylish dresses.
- H&M: A go-to for trend-led fashion, H&M frequently uses viscose and more sustainable versions like LENZING™ ECOVERO™ in its collections.
- Zara: Zara’s collections often feature blouses, skirts, and dresses made from viscose, prized for their fluid drape and contemporary designs.
How to Identify High-Quality Viscose
Not all viscose is created equal. To ensure you’re purchasing a durable and comfortable garment, consider the following points.
Check Fabric Composition
Always check the label for the fabric composition. High-quality viscose is often blended with other fibers like cotton or linen to enhance its properties. Also, look for certifications like OEKO-TEX®, which ensures the fabric is free from harmful substances, or LENZING™ ECOVERO™, which indicates the viscose was produced with lower environmental impact.
Assess the Weave and Texture
Feel the fabric. High-quality viscose should feel smooth and soft, not rough or stiff. A tight, even weave is a sign of good construction and will contribute to the fabric’s durability. Hold the fabric up to the light; if it’s overly transparent (unless intended to be sheer), it may be of lower quality.
Tips for Durability
Gently stretch a small section of the fabric. It should have some give but return to its original shape. Poor-quality viscose may stretch out and not recover. Also, check the seams and stitching on garments to ensure they are secure and well-finished.
Care Tips for Maintaining Viscose Softness
Proper care is essential to keep your viscose garments soft and looking their best for years to come.
Washing and Drying
Viscose can be delicate, especially when wet, so it’s best to wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water. Using a mild detergent will help preserve the fibers. To prevent stretching or damage, avoid wringing out the fabric. It’s recommended to air-dry viscose items by laying them flat or hanging them on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight.
Ironing and Storage
If ironing is necessary, do so on a low heat setting and preferably while the garment is still slightly damp. Ironing on the reverse side can help protect the fabric’s surface. When storing, fold viscose items neatly to avoid creasing. Hanging heavy viscose garments for long periods can cause them to stretch out of shape.
Preventing Pilling
Pilling can occur with friction. To minimize it, wash viscose garments inside out and avoid washing them with abrasive items like denim or items with zippers.
Find Your Perfect Viscose Fit
Viscose is an excellent choice for anyone seeking soft, comfortable, and stylish clothing. With its breathability and beautiful drape, it’s a fabric that delivers both comfort and a refined appearance.
In the UK, you can find high-quality viscose from specialized suppliers like Fabriclore Pvt Ltd, various online fabric stores, and numerous high-street brands. By learning how to identify quality material and caring for it properly, you can enjoy the lasting comfort and value that viscose clothing provides.
Fabriclore highlights four main types of viscose fabric weaves on this page: Plain Weave Viscose, Twill Weave Viscose, Satin Weave Viscose, and Jacquard Weave Viscose. Plain weave viscose is described as simple, sturdy, and versatile for everyday clothing and home textiles. Twill weave viscose features a diagonal rib for added durability, making it suitable for trousers, jackets, and other hard‑wearing garments. Satin weave viscose offers a glossy, smooth, high–thread count surface ideal for eveningwear and lingerie. Jacquard weave viscose incorporates intricate woven patterns, used for upscale garments, decorative pieces, and couture applications.
Fabriclore is a leading B2B fabric sourcing platform dedicated to empowering fashion designers, apparel manufacturers, and clothing brands worldwide. With 10+ years of experience in the textile industry, we have built a trusted network that connects creativity with high-quality fabrics, ensuring seamless and efficient sourcing for every scale of production.
Our extensive collection includes natural fibers like cotton fabric, linen fabric, and silk fabric; man-made fibers such as viscose and polyester; along with sustainable options like LENZING™, LIVA™, BEMBERG™ Cupro, and organic cotton.
We offer four key services tailored to meet every design and production need:
- Dyeable Fabric – Woven RFD & greige, sustainable, and knitted fabrics.
- Dyed Fabric – Mill dyed, yarn dyed, Schiffli, and denim fabrics.
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- Ready Stock – Block, screen, Ikat, tweed, and jacquard fabrics.
Explore our diverse range of custom-printed, ready mill-dyed, and yarn-dyed fabrics to find the perfect match for your next collection.
For personalized assistance or inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected].
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