Is Viscose a Breathable and Good Material? A Full Guide + Styling Tips

Viscose is one of the most common semi-synthetic fabrics, often marketed as a luxurious, cost-effective alternative to silk. But is it truly breathable, practical, and worth including in your wardrobe? Here's your definitive guide—plus styling advice, top brands that use it well, and how Tellar.co.uk helps you get the perfect fit every time.

🌱 What is Viscose?

Viscose (also known as rayon) is a regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp. Though originating from a natural source, it undergoes chemical processing to create a soft, silky fabric known for its drape and sheen.

🌬️ Breathability & Comfort

Viscose is moderately to highly breathable, much more so than synthetic fibres like polyester. Its natural base allows air to circulate, making it suitable for warm-weather clothing. However, breathability depends on:

Weave structure: Looser weaves allow more airflow.
Fabric blends: Mixing with polyester or elastane may limit breathability.
Finishes: Heavy coatings, such as waterproofing, reduce airflow.

✅ Advantages & ⚠️ Drawbacks

Advantages:

Luxurious drape reminiscent of silk
Soft hand feel, ideal for sensitive skin
Versatile across casual and formal styles
Better breathability than most synthetics

Drawbacks:

Highly prone to wrinkling
May shrink or lose shape when washed incorrectly
Less resilient than cotton or linen
Environmental concerns from chemical production

Best Uses in Clothing

Viscose shines in garments where flow and comfort are key. It’s ideal for:

Maxi dresses and wrap skirts
Flowy blouses and wide-leg trousers
Casual jumpsuits and lounge sets

For humid conditions, go for lightweight, loose fits in viscose or choose crepe textures for slightly more structure.

🎨 Styling Viscose with Confidence

Day-to-Day:

Floaty viscose maxi dress, paired with sandals and a woven bag.
Relaxed viscose blouse tucked into denim or linen shorts.

Office Approaches:

Tailored viscose wrap blouse with cropped trousers.
Draped viscose blazer over a camisole.

Evening Wear:

Draped jumpsuit in viscose—minimal effort, maximum impact.
Satin viscose midi skirt with a fitted top and heels.

Tip: Go for prints or darker hues to camouflage wrinkles, and always follow careful washing instructions.

Top Brands Doing Viscose Right

Discover stunning viscose pieces from:

& Other Stories – Chic, well-cut blouses and dresses.
Whistles – Polished viscose styles for work or social outings.
Massimo Dutti – Eastern Europe–sourced blouses and skirts.
Baukjen & Hush – Soft, relaxed silhouettes with ethical tones.
Nobody’s Child – Feminine, floaty viscose dresses.

Explore sizing and styling insights in these Tellar-approved posts:

🧼 How to Care for Viscose

Take good care for longevity:

Hand-wash or use delicate cold cycle
Gently squeeze excess water—don’t wring
Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sun
Iron on low heat with steam
Blended viscose (with elastane or cotton) is less fussy

🔄 Viscose vs Other Fabrics

Fabric	Breathability	Feel	Eco Impact	Best Uses
Viscose	Medium–High	Silky, drapey	Moderate	Dresses, blouses, loungewear
Cotton	High	Crisp, soft	Varies	Shirts, basic bottoms
Linen	Very High	Textured	Low	Summer wear
Polyester	Low	Smooth, clingy	High	Sportswear, linings
Tencel	High	Silky, soft	Low/mid	Sustainable dresses, tops

Is Viscose Good?

Yes—viscose is breathable, comfortable, and versatile. It's especially worth considering for relaxed, drapey summer pieces, though it requires careful handling and proper fit to look its best.

Why Tellar.co.uk Is Vital for Viscose

Viscose garments tend to have limited stretch, meaning fit is non-negotiable. That's where Tellar.co.uk comes in as the perfect ally.

Here’s how it works:

Create a free profile at Tellar.co.uk.
Input your body measurements once.
Get instant size matches for over 1,500 brands.
Read fit notes—covering things like “runs small” or “relaxed fit.”

Whether it’s a viscose wrap dress from & Other Stories or a soft midaxi from Massimo Dutti, Tellar ensures it fits right first time.

Check your size instantly using our Store Size Lookup, perfect if you already love a brand.

🧵 Final Thoughts

Viscose offers a silky, breathable option for wardrobe staples—ideal for relaxed dresses, blouses, and fluid free-flowing styles. Just choose the right fit and care for it properly.

And for effortless shopping, let Tellar.co.uk match you to your ideal size across brands that use viscose—so your wardrobe always fits as intended.

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"Find your size in 1,500+ brands—real-time. It’s free and easy."

With Tellar’s fit science, your viscose wardrobe will drape beautifully—and fit flawlessly.