When it comes to fabrics, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the most important factors is whether or not the fabric will stretch. This is especially important when you are buying clothes, as you want them to fit comfortably and look good.
So, does viscose fabric stretch? No, the amount of stretch in viscose fabric is minimal. However, it does have a stretchy feel when it’s combined with lycra or elastane.

In this blog post, we will discuss viscose fabrics and whether or not they stretch. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right ones for your needs!
About Viscose
Viscose is a plant-based fabric, which makes it environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
It is a man-made material that’s derived from cellulose, which is a natural substance that’s found in plants. The cellulose is combined with other chemicals and then spun into a yarn.
It is often used in clothing because:
- It has a lot of the same properties as natural fibers like cotton and linen.
- It’s also really soft and has a similar feel to silk, making it a popular choice for all types of clothing.
- It is also cheaper to produce than natural fibers, which makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
- The fabric is also known for being very breathable and absorbent, which makes it a good choice for summertime clothes.
Does Viscose Fabric Stretch?

No. One downside of viscose is that it doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it. By itself, it is not a naturally stretchy material.
Minimal Stretch
Because it’s made from plant cellulose, it does have some stretch to it. However, that doesn’t mean that your clothes will magically become looser-fitting over time.
The amount of stretch is minimal, so you’ll still want to make sure that your clothes fit well before you buy them.
Not Created Equal
What’s also important to note is that not all viscose fabrics are created equal. Depending on how the fabric is processed, some types may be more likely to stretch than others.
For example, rayon viscose is made with a different process than regular ones, and as a result, it tends to be less elastic and has less stretch.
So, if you’re looking for something with a little give, viscose might not be the best option.
How the Lack of Stretch Affects Clothing

The lack of stretch can have a few different effects on clothing.
- For one, it can make the clothing more likely to wrinkle. That’s because there’s less give in the fabric, so it’s more likely to crease and wrinkle when you move around.
- It can also make viscose-based clothing more likely to lose its shape over time. That’s because the fabric doesn’t have the same ability to “snap back” into place after being stretched out.
So, if you’re looking for clothing that will keep its shape and not wrinkle easily, it might not be the best option.
However, if you don’t mind little wrinkles and you’re looking for something soft and comfortable, it might be a good choice for you.
What to Do to Make Viscose Having Some Stretch

There are some ways to work with it so that it does have some stretch.
- You can add elastane or Lycra content to the fabric when you’re manufacturing it. This will give the finished product a little more stretch and make it more comfortable to wear.
- Alternatively, you can choose a design that doesn’t require much stretch in the fabric. A-line skirts or empire-waisted dresses are both great options since they don’t need to hug your body in order to look good.
How to Measure Viscose Fabric?

When shopping for the material, you will want to be sure to measure the fabric carefully.
There are several ways to measure, so it is important that you find one that works best for you. Here are a few tips that can help make measuring it easier:
- Use a standard tape measure or ruler.
- Take the length of the fabric and divide it by 2. This will give you the width of the fabric in inches.
- Then take the width of the fabric and divide it by 2 again, this will give you the height of the fabric in inches.
- Measure around each edge of the piece of fabric and add these values together to get your total measurement in inches.
How to Sew Viscose Fabric?
There are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, it is a rayon-based fabric and as such, it is prone to stretching. This means that you’ll need to take care when trying to alter the finished product—for example, if you want to make a garment with a fitted waistline, make sure that you leave plenty of excess fabric around the waist area so that the fabric can stretch without causing too much distortion.
- Additionally, be aware that even though it stretches somewhat, it isn’t going to bounce back as much as other types of fabrics. As such, if you’re looking for something with a lot of stretch and bounciness (like yoga pants), then you may want to go with something else.
Related Topics
Is Viscose the Same as Rayon?
No. Viscose is a type of rayon, but not all rayon fabrics are viscose.
Viscose is made from plant cellulose that has been chemically processed. Rayon, on the other hand, can be made from any number of natural or synthetic fibers.
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences between the two.
Can Viscose be Ironed?
Yes, it can be ironed. In fact, it’s actually quite easy to iron it. The key is to use a low heat setting on your iron and to avoid using too much steam.
Can You Machine Wash Viscose?
Yes, you can machine wash the material. Just be sure to use a gentle cycle and avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals.
Does Viscose Shrink Every Time You Wash It?
No, it does not shrink every time you wash it.
However, it is important to note that it is a delicate fabric and as such, it should be washed with care. Be sure to use a gentle cycle and avoid using too much heat or agitation.
Can Viscose Go in the Dryer?
Yes, it can go in the dryer. Just be sure to use a low heat setting and remove the fabric from the dryer while it is still damp.
Is Viscose Natural or Synthetic?
It is a synthetic fabric, but it is made from plant cellulose.
Is Viscose Better than Polyester?
It depends. They are both synthetic fabrics, but they have different properties.
Viscose is a more delicate fabric, so it isn’t as durable as polyester. However, it is softer and more absorbent, so it can be a good choice for clothing that will be in contact with your skin.