Synthetic Fiber and Viscose

Polyester Fiber

Polyester is a synthetic or man-made fiber material. Shortened from its technical name, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which, if born, would be its legal name, is made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Made in a lab from chemical compounds, polyester is a kind of plastic.

Viscose Fiber

Viscose is a man-made fiber—a “regenerated cellulosic fiber” made from cellulose, most commonly wood pulp, but many plants can be used, such as bamboo.

It is not a synthetic fiber made from petroleum. The cellulose is broken down and then “regenerated” into a fiber. All viscose is made from cellulose.

Viscose is a great fiber for summer knits. It’s breathable, lightweight, and has a nice drape, making it a good yarn for summer tanks, tops, and tees. It’s often blended with linen and cotton which are also good fibers for summer knits.

Viscose is also known as “rayon” and is used in the fashion industry as artificial silk.