In today's apparel and textile industry, cotton and viscose yarns are undoubtedly two of the most common materials. Their widespread use in apparel, home textiles and functional fabrics has attracted the attention of countless consumers. But did you realize that despite their somewhat similar appearance, these two materials differ significantly in terms of raw material sources, physical properties and processing characteristics?
Imagine the impact on product quality and market demand if a fashion designer inadvertently misused these two very different materials when selecting fabrics. Not only would this affect the direction of product development, but it could also lead to major sales mistakes. Therefore, it is especially important for designers, fabric buyers, quality control engineers, and salespeople to accurately differentiate between cotton and viscose yarns.
In the next section, I will discuss how to accurately identify cotton and viscose yarns from a variety of perspectives, to help you master this important textile knowledge, so that you can navigate in the industry.
1. The raw materials and characteristics of cotton and viscose yarns
1.1 Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is made from natural cotton as a raw material, through the picking, delinting, spinning and other processes and fiber products. Because of the natural origin of cotton, cotton yarn has excellent moisture absorption and breathability, soft handfeel and great comfort. We can often see it in a variety of clothing and home textiles, such as T-shirts, shirts, bed sheets and so on. Whenever I wear a soft cotton T-shirt, I have a feeling of being embraced by nature, which is really so comfortable.
The main characteristics of cotton yarn:
（a) Natural raw material
(b) High moisture absorption
(c) Comfortable and soft
(d) Environmentally sustainable
1.2 Viscose Yarn
Viscose yarn, on the other hand, is a man-made fiber that originates from natural plant fibers (e.g. wood pulp, bamboo pulp) and is chemically processed to create the fiber. Although the raw material is also of plant origin, the process of making it involves a number of steps such as extraction, dissolution and spinning, which gives viscose yarn a smoother and shinier appearance. As a fashion-loving person, I especially love dresses designed with viscose yarn; its drape makes me feel like I'm dancing every time I walk.
The key features of viscose yarn:
（a) Natural raw materials + chemical processing
（b) Smooth handfeel and natural luster
（c) Superior drape
（d) Moisture absorption is better than cotton yarn, but slightly lower strength
2. How to distinguish between cotton yarn and viscose yarn?
2.1 Handfeel
Let me tell you that one of the most direct and effective ways to distinguish cotton yarn from viscose yarn is by the feel of the hand. Although both materials are very soft and comfortable, they still show subtle but obvious differences in handfeel due to the differences in their raw material structure and spinning process.
Characteristics of the feel of cotton yarns: Cotton yarns give a natural softness that is smooth and warm to the touch. It is really comfortable to touch, especially in hot weather, and makes me feel incredibly refreshed. Due to the nature of its natural fiber, cotton yarn generally feels comfortable when in contact with the skin and has good breathability. Even high-count cotton yarns have a delicate handfeel and still retain a certain natural fiber texture.
The feel of viscose yarns is characterized by: comparatively speaking, viscose yarns are smoother, giving people a silky feeling. It has no fluff on the surface, and the texture is usually slightly cooler than cotton. Viscose usually has a pronounced drape and slips naturally in the hand, so it is cool and light to wear, giving a sense of flow to the clothing on the body.
2.2 Comparison of Moisture Absorption and Dryness
Moisture absorption and dryness are also important factors in distinguishing cotton yarns from viscose yarns, and there are significant differences between the two in this respect.
Moisture absorption of cotton yarn: Cotton yarn can effectively absorb moisture and keep dry. I can really feel the magic of cotton when I wear it in hot weather, making me feel comfortable whether I'm exercising or going out. Sometimes when I'm sweating, I often marvel at the superior moisture-wicking properties of cotton yarn.
Moisture Wicking of Viscose Yarns: Although viscose yarns also have some moisture wicking ability, they are generally not as moisture wicking as cotton yarns. This is because viscose yarns dry more slowly than cotton yarns after absorbing moisture, which may make them feel sticky in hot and humid conditions.
2.3 Combustion test method
The burn test method is a classic technique for identifying cotton and viscose yarns. In fact, when I was attending a textile technology training, the instructor demonstrated this process and it was really interesting!
Steps:
2.3.1 Prepare the material - take a small piece of the fiber material to be tested and make sure it is dry and uncontaminated.
2.3.2 Light the test: In a well-ventilated environment, light one end of the fiber with a match or lighter, taking care to be safe.
2.3.3 Observe the burning characteristics:
2.3.4 Flame color: Cotton yarn produces a bright yellow-orange flame, while viscose yarn burns quickly with a bright flame.
2.3.5 Smoke and odor: Cotton yarn burns with thick smoke that smells like burnt paper; while viscose yarn burns with a sour odor.
2.3.6 Burning speed: cotton yarn is still flammable after blowing out, while viscose yarn is not.
Watching the video can help you understand better
2.4 Appearance observation method
Through naked eye observation or using a magnifying glass, we can initially determine the difference between cotton yarn and viscose yarn. In my daily work, I have summarized some simple and easy-to-use appearance characteristics to help better distinguish these two materials.
2.4.1 Gently Twist the Yarn - First, gently twist the yarn to loosen it slightly. This step will help you better observe the texture and characteristics of the fibers and feel their subtle differences.
2.4.2 Pull out a few strands of yarn - Next, carefully pull out a few strands of yarn. There will be an obvious difference here:
2.4.3 Cotton Yarn: You will notice that cotton yarns vary in length. This natural variation is the signature feature of the cotton fiber, showing off its natural characteristics.
2.4.4 Viscose yarn: In contrast, viscose yarns are usually of uniform length. As a man-made fiber, viscose is finely engineered during production to ensure that the yarns are of a consistent length.
2.4.5 Watching the video can help you understand better：
In this way, you can easily distinguish between the two materials by looking at the yarn's external characteristics!
https://youtube.com/shorts/jo7LND2ghg8?si=VDUZY3U-2l4wzrey
https://youtube.com/shorts/jo7LND2ghg8?feature=share
Summary
Cotton yarns and viscose yarns, each with its own characteristics, are suitable for different occasions and needs. In daily life, cotton yarn serves children and casual wear well with its excellent moisture absorption and comfort. And viscose yarn kind of luster and elegance make it a favorite in the fashion world.
