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A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Rayon Fabric for Your Project

Rayon is among the luxury fabrics that rule some industries. Especially when it comes to women's dresses, athletic wear, undergarments, baby wear, or formal apparel, rayon is the one that rules. It provides a silk-like feel and drape, making it a great alternative to silk. Then, the affordability, availability, and versatility of luxury apparel increase. If you deal in the fabric industry, here is a guide for you.

Things to Consider in Rayon Selection 

Rayon fabric selection requires consideration of multiple factors. There are various types of apparel, each with its unique characteristics. Likewise, rayon comes in numerous kinds, and the selection process depends on the specific type. If you examine each factor, consider the following points.

Level of Drape

The symbolic feature of rayon is the drape, which makes its apparel famous around the world. The amount of draping in the fabric will help you decide the luxury level. Since luxurious apparel requires high draping, the cost and comfort factors are also affected. For luxury or formal apparel, high draping is essential.

Wrinkle Resistance

Rayon usually has a very low chance of having wrinkles. Wrinkle resistance defines the quality of the product. If it has the least wrinkles, it is suitable for luxury apparel production. Different grades of rayon have various resistance levels to wrinkles. Low resistance shows low draping, and the grade is also low. If you need formal wear, a wrinkle-resistant option is preferable. 

Stretchability 

Usually, rayon is not a stretchable fabric. It gets stretchability when other types of fabrics are combined for apparel comfort. It is combined with spandex for added stretchability, allowing it to become more flexible. That allows movement, especially in athletic wear and undergarments.

Moisture Wicking

Its moisture-wicking level demonstrates its effectiveness. Since it has multiple types, you can find different moisture-wicking levels in each. If you are looking for athletic wear or undergarments, rayon with high moisture wicking is necessary.

Durability

Different grades of rayon have different durability levels. The basic one has less, and the advanced one has higher durability. Additionally, the type of apparel you choose determines the level of durability you need. For athletic wear, sportswear, or intimate wear, a high durability level is essential.

Workability 

Not every type of rayon is easily machined for sewing. There are different types, and each type has different workability. If it is very soft and silky, the workability will be difficult because of the slippery surface. Likewise, if there is a less slippery surface, the workability will be better.

Washability 

The washability depends on the delicacy of the rayon. Some types are so delicate that they make them hard to wash. Then, special care is required to remove stains. If the surface is very silky and smooth, the washability will also struggle.

Cost

The basic type of rayon is affordable, and the most delicate one is expensive. There are usually four types, and the viscose type is the most affordable and common. On the other hand, the cupro type is the most costly due to its high-quality fabric. Therefore, cupro is common for luxury apparel.

Types of Rayon

Here are the types of rayon that will help you further in choosing what you need. Since there are different types and qualities of apparel, you will surely need the right type of rayon for every kind of apparel.

Viscose Rayon

This is the most common type of rayon in the world, and it is also the most affordable. It is basically the original form of rayon, which rules the entire industry. It is made of wood pulp and regenerated cellulose. These are the features of viscose rayon that make it the most desirable type in the industry.

  • Breathable
  • Feels similar to cotton
  • Absorbent
  • Good draping
  • Affordable
  • Less resistant to wrinkles 

It is suitable for casual wear, blouses, drapey dresses, palazzos, scarves, and even some formal apparel. However, it is less durable and has low tenacity, which makes it fragile in washing. That means it needs special care.

Modal Rayon

There is a second type, which is made from beechwood pulp. It is superior to the first type due to its benefits.  

  • Much softer than viscose
  • More breathable
  • Better wrinkle resistance 
  • Better resistance to shrinking
  • Fewer drapes than viscose, but they are good enough

Modal rayon is suitable for intimate apparel, sleepwear, activewear, baby clothing, and more. However, it is an expensive type of rayon.

Lyocell Rayon

The third type is made of wood pulp, which is Lyocell rayon. It provides a better user experience than the first two. What gives it this quality are the following features. 

  • Better fabric strength than the first two types.
  • Better wrinkle resistance
  • Much softer than the previous two types

It is used for luxury blouses, sleepwear, and activewear, which makes it more expensive than the others. The quality it offers is really high, which is reflected in its price.

Cupro Rayon

The fourth type is cupro rayon, which is sourced from cotton linter. It feels exactly like silk, making it the ideal choice for both comfort and appearance. 

  • It is breathable like other types.
  • Better wrinkle resistance than the rest.
  • Hypoallergenic 

It is common in the production of luxury draped dresses, blouses, sleepwear, scarves, linings for coats, and high-end apparel. Cupro rayon is definitely expensive, which is due to the exceptional results it offers.

How to Care for Rayon?

Now, the last thing to consider is its care and maintenance. How do you care for dresses made of rayon? Just follow these simple tips, which are also applicable to end consumers.

  • Do not wring out rayon because it will lose its strength.
  • Avoid hot washing, as it can damage the fabric.
  • Do not try heat drying either because that will damage the rayon.
  • Keep the iron on a low setting or keep another layer of fabric if you have to iron the rayon.
  • Harsh detergent can damage this fabric, so avoid it.

Conclusion

This guide will help you choose the best rayon fabric for your project. Whether you deal in sportswear, casual wear, undergarments, baby wear, or sleepwear, this guide will help you choose the right type. Since there are different types of rayons available in the industry, you will need this guide to help you navigate them. 

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