Viscose in summer...

Regarding summer dressing in hot climates, are you strict about 100% natural fibers?

I saw a couple of cute Lucky Brand tops today, that were either linen/viscose or cotton/viscose blends...how do you think these would fair in hot weather? Worth a shot or would you pass?

9 years ago

General

14 replies

Latest reply was from Helen11

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I was wondering about this too over the weekend, marble, so thanks for asking the question. Will be following along with interest

9 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have had good luck with woven viscose tops for summer, in terms of being light and comfortable.

9 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

Yes, in my opinion, to these blends. They should still feel soft, and not require too much ironing (if any!) I expect they will feel more like the natural fibres. Living in a hot, humid place,I would definitely give them a go.

9 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I like viscose/rayon/modal for all seasons, including summer, especially the versions that do not wrinkle much.
I consider it halfway between natural and manmade fibers, (it is manmade but from cellulose), and thus much prefer it to other manmade fabrics. It also tends tof eel pretty pleasant on the skin,

9 years ago

Anonymous

I live in a hot climate and will wear all fibers in summer (depending on where I'm going). Hot days usually mean inside and ac. As long as it doesn't feel hot when I put it on.

9 years ago

Henna Mackoin

(website)

Active Member

Well if you are going out for dinner or movies, it should be fine but if you plan to spend the whole day shopping or something like that I would recommend natural fibers

So if the clothing made of viscose seems lovely, just buy it! By testing it out you can decide when and how to use it!

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rayon and viscose are great in hot weather.

9 years ago

Anonymous

I agree with Tanya. It gets hot and humid here on the Mid-Atlantic US coast, and I have worn drapy viscose, modal and rayon tops in summer and found them extremely comfy, as long as they're not too heavy weight or tight fitting. I have discovered that not all fabrics of this type are created equal, though. Some --like Eileen Fisher -- seem to be higher quality and breathe better (and pill less). I have a long-sleeve top from a brand called Cut Loose and a short sleeve one from Comfy that wear beautifully and feel great, even on 90 degree days. I also have tops from Vince and Blue Canoe that felt hotter and pilled the first time I washed them. I don't have experience with Lucky, so maybe just try one item to start with and see how it wears?

9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I love rayon blends - they work really well with linen especially. Light and breathable without the wrinkling and slight itchiness of 100% flax.

I'm with Tanya; rayon/viscose is man made but from plant fibers, so it's inherently more breathable than something like polyester.

9 years ago

always trying

Veteran

Thanks for posting this! I was just reading labels in my closet trying to weed out anything that will be too hot for a trip where it will be hot.

On the absolute avoid list are polyester and spandex. So much is listed under cotton but upon reading labels there is the #$&^ 2% spandex. Now I know only such a small amount seems like it is too little to make a difference, but it does.

9 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Another who enjoys wearing man-made plant fiber materials (for me that's rayon, viscose, and lyocell/tencel/cupro). I find viscose plenty breathable in hot weather; in fact I look for it in my jersey knits, if possible. Rayon blends (cotton, linen, or silk) are especially lovely feeling! And tencel is my favorite of all, natural fibers included. I will say that I do find viscose (and some rayons to a lesser extent) a little finicky for washing though, especially wovens. I tend to take mine to the dry cleaners because I've shrunken several pieces doing simple hand washing at home.

9 years ago

Veteran

I was expecting a mixed-bag response but everyone seems to have had a positive experience...l think I will go back and pick up one or two to play around with. Thank you for feedback.

Aida - It is helpful to have an idea of what fibers may work when shopping so thanks for that info...I am going to try hand washing and see how it goes. My life is so casual, I can't really justify sending things out regularly to be dry cleaned.

9 years ago

Anonymous

I like viscose/rayon in hot weather and ours is hot and humid. I prefer it to cotton, which holds moisture. I wash in cold water and hang to dry,pulling into shape if needed.
One of my favorite hot weather fabrics has not been mentioned...nylon as opposed to polyester. It dries quickly and wrinklefree. Nylon mesh knits are especially nice.

9 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

I wash everything in the machine, and hang outside to dry. Nothing has ever shrunk. Mind you, I am not starting with expensive clothes! Hand wash = lingerie bag.

9 years ago

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