Viscose vs Polyester: Differences (What’s Best for Bedding & Clothes)

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Viscose vs Polyester

For this article, we are going to discuss Viscose vs. polyester – what are their key differences and which material is better. Let’s see how they compare in terms of durability, price, breathability, warmth, stretchiness and so much more. We are also going to look at which fabric is more suitable for bedding, suits, leggings, dresses, and shirts.

VISCOSE

POLYESTER

Difference Between Polyester and Viscose

Feel

Polyester  

Viscose is a chemical-combination sequence that produces polymer textile fabric. It’s a silky and synthetic material that has a comfy feel on your skin, thus why it’s highly recommended for a bedding fabric. It’s also a bit harder and stiffer.

Viscose

Viscose fiber is manufactured from regenerated cellulose extracted from pulp/tree. Structurally it has a close resemblance to cotton, but as a result of undergoing a chemical process, it’s regarded as artificial silk.

The fabric is soft, glossy, and smooth; the only drawback is the fact that it shrinks. But, with proper maintenance, its quality can be kept in check.

Price

Polyester

Polyester has a wide range of applications due to its soft and fine texture. The fabric is also available in a variety of patterns, styles, and designs; hence its quite affordable on different platforms and usually costs less than Viscose.

Viscose

In comparison to polyester, it’s quite affordable but costs slightly more. Its sourced from natural materials and has brilliant features and designs; all these factors come with a higher price point.

Breathability

Polyester

Polyester cannot absorb water or sweats, making it quite uncomfortable to wear during hot weather.

Viscose

It’s highly absorbent. Water can be easily absorbed into tiny micropores of its fabric makes it highly breathable as it has the ability to eliminate water vapor from your skin for ultimate comfort. 

Uses

Polyester

Polyester material dries up quickly, and it’s water-resistant. As a result of these properties, it’s great for outdoor use or clothing, especially in areas with adverse weather conditions.

Polyester fabric is mainly used to produce hiking and backpacking accessories.

It’s also used as insulating and cushioning material in upholstery padding, comforters, and pillows

Viscose 

Viscose can endure high temperatures making it a suitable fabric for extreme heat conditions such as factories.

The fabric is also quite popular in the fashion industry as it’s durable and cheaper compared to silk. It’s also a great material for sheets and comforters and bedding in general.

Durability

Polyester

When it comes to durability, polyester is resistant to abrasions and chemicals, making it highly durable. Its fabrics are also water-resistant, perfect for a wet environment.

Viscose

It’s highly susceptible to wet conditions, which might cause severe damage. It also has low heat resistance impacting its durability.

Warmth

Polyester 

Polyester is water-resistant, which means that it will insulate you in case you get wet. It also cannot absorb moisture, which ensures that your fabric insulates and retains the warmth in your body.

Viscose

Viscose is exceptionally absorbent, making it suitable for dry conditions. However, its soft and breathable fabric will also keep you warm during cold weather and cool during summer.

Washing and Drying

Polyester

Polyester is quite simple to clean and maintain when compared to Viscose. The fabric has a lot of resistance, but bear in mind that you need to be careful how you wash/spin it and the kind of water that you’ll use.

If you are machine washing it, you must use cold water and when it comes to spinning. Spin at low levels and with a tumbler.

Viscose

Well, I will not lie, when it comes to washing and drying of the fabric, it’s quite tricky. When its washed, don’t squeeze but allow it to dry as its fabric is quite delicate.

And if you are using a washing machine, set it to the lowest spin to avoid tampering with its quality.

stretchy fabric blend

Are polyester and Viscose stretchy?

The fibers of polyester are not too stretchy. However, it can be turned into a stretchy material. For polyester to be stretchy, it can be blended or knitted with another fabric, making it stretchy.

While on the other hand, for Viscose, it’s also not stretchy. But if it’s added or blended with another fabric, it can become a stretchable material and will retain its overall soft and breathable properties with a perfect drape as well.

Viscose and polyester bed sheets: which ones are better?

Viscose material absorbs water, but it’s highly breathable, which is crucial for comfort.

However, it can shrink when washed or used.

Polyester bed sheets are silky and synthetic; they are also quite affordable and soft, making it an excellent material for sleeping on.

Both can be good options for bedding but I recommend you choose Viscose over Polyester if you’re a hot sleeper or live in a tropical climate. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to go for polyester sheets and comforters because they’re cheaper.

Best-Selling Polyester Bedding Here

Viscose sheet sets and comforters

Viscose vs polyester dress

Viscous is soft and absorbent, making it a perfect fabric for making dresses.

It’s also lightweight and breathable, which is quite comfortable to wear.

As for Polyester dresses, they’re quite durable and can withstand a bit of wear and tear.

The only drawback is that it’s not perfect for hot weather because it’s not the most breathable material.

Check Best-Selling Viscose Dresses

Best-Rated Polyester Dresses in 2024

Viscose or polyester shirt

I would go for Viscose shirts, the fabric not only drapes well, but it’s comfortable and soft.

Plus, it’s ideal for hot summer days.

However, Polyester has come a long way and high-quality polyester shirts can even outperform cheaper low-quality Viscose clothes.

Check Best-Selling Viscose Shirts in 2024

Best-Rated Polyester Shirts

Viscose or polyester suit

Viscose suits drape better and can be hung in small pleats, but the bad side it tears, shrinks and wrinkles with times which makes it not so great for suits.

When it comes to polyester suits, they’re budget-friendly, but let’s face it – not too comfortable, especially in hot conditions.

However, you might find a good cotton-polyester blend suit like the one on the picture.

Check Best-Selling Viscose Suits

Best-Rated Polyester Suits

Viscose vs polyester leggings 

When it comes to leggings, breathability, softness, and smoothness are everything. All these qualities that make for great leggings are made from Viscose.

Check the best selling viscose leggings here

Viscose and polyester rugs: What’s Better?

Viscose is made of a semi-synthetic fiber, it’s highly absorbent and smooth, which can be quite comfortable to step on.

It can also be easily dyed to your preferred individual color, making it a perfect rug. As for polyester, a bit harder and stiffer, making it not as good for a rug.

Check the best Viscose Rugs here

difference Viscose Polyester

Final words

The two top fabrics that we’ve reviewed and compared have some outstanding qualities. They both have a soft texture and smooth feel that will prove good value for your money.

Personally, for me, Viscose fabric is my preferred option, it’s breathable, feels amazing and though it is usually pricier than polyester, it’s not too expensive.

For people who tend to sweat a lot, Viscose sheets and comforters should be at the top of your list as it’s breathable and comfy to your skin.

If you’re looking for a dress or suit, polyester or polyester blend is probably a better option though. Why? Because there are many more options and they usually look nicer too.

Ciao! 

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