Is Viscose a Breathable and Good Material? A Complete Style & Fabric Guide

Viscose is one of the most widely used semi‑synthetic fabrics—but is it really breathable? Does it work for warm weather? And how should you style it? Here’s everything you need to know—plus how Tellar.co.uk guarantees you the perfect fit in viscose garments across 1,500+ brands.

🌿 What Is Viscose?

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre, often derived from wood pulp like beech or bamboo. Developed as an affordable alternative to silk, it offers a luxurious drape, smooth sheen, and soft hand feel.

🍃 Breathability of Viscose

Yes—viscose is fairly breathable, especially compared to polyester. Its natural fiber origin allows good air circulation, which keeps you cool in warmer months. However:

Looser weaves = more breathability.
Blends with synthetics may reduce airflow.
Heavy finishes or coatings can trap heat.

🚦Pros & Cons

👍 Advantages

Beautiful drape and softness
Better breathability than most synthetics
Versatile—folds from casual to formal
👎 Disadvantages
Wrinkles easily
May shrink or distort when wet
Lower durability than cotton
Environmental impact if not eco‑certified

☀️ Perfect for Warm Seasons?

Yes—viscose is ideal for summer pieces such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and lounge sets. For humid days, choose flowy designs and minimal finishing to avoid clinginess.

👗 Styling with Viscose

Day-to‑Day:

Floaty viscose maxi dress with sandals and straw tote.
Soft viscose shirt tucked into linen trousers.

Workwear:

Tailored viscose wrap blouse with cropped chinos.
Structured viscose blazer over a silk-like shell.

Evening:

Draped viscose jumpsuit with statement heels.
Viscose-satin skirt and fitted top with blazer.

Tip: Choose prints or darker shades to mask wrinkles and always follow garment care diligently.

🔍 Recommended Brands Using Viscose Well

Whistles – Tailored viscose separates.
Massimo Dutti – Elegant drapey blouses and dresses.
Arket – Scandinavian, responsibly-sourced viscose.
Boden – Vibrant print maxi dresses.
Nobody’s Child – Ethereal, floaty viscose pieces.

🔗 Discover more in our Tellar posts:

Whistles sizing advice and style fit guide
Does Massimo Dutti sizing run large or small?
Best materials for summer wear: full breakdown

🧼 Caring for Viscose

Wash by hand or on delicate in cold water
Avoid wringing—gently squeeze
Air dry flat or on hanger
Iron on low heat with steam
Blended viscose is more durable and easier to care for.

✨ Viscose vs Other Fabrics

Fabric	Breathability	Feel	Eco Impact	Best Uses
Viscose	Medium–High	Silky	Medium	Blouses, dresses, loungewear
Cotton	High	Soft/Crisp	Varies	Tees, shirts
Polyester	Low	Smooth	High	Sportswear, linings
Linen	Very High	Textured	Low	Summer wear
Silk	High	Luxurious	Mixed	Occasionwear

✅ Is Viscose a Good Material?

Absolutely—viscose is breathable, comfortable, and versatile, particularly in warm weather and refined silhouettes. Just mind your care routine and sizing.

🛍 Why Use Tellar.co.uk for Viscose Sizing?

Due to its minimal stretch, viscose demands precise sizing. Tellar.co.uk is your free, personalized assistant that matches your measurements to real fit data across 1,500+ brands—including those working with viscose.

How It Works:

Create your free profile at Tellar.co.uk
Input your measurements once
Instantly view your size in brands like Whistles, Arket, Massimo Dutti
Read style notes on fit, fabric behaviour, and size adjustments

Already have a dress in mind? Check it with our Store Size Lookup tool.

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

With Tellar.co.uk, your viscose pieces will not only feel amazing—they’ll fit flawlessly.