What is Rayon and is it a good material for clothes?

As you might have read on our product descriptions, some of our pants are made with bamboo rayon, but do you know what that means? In this post we will tell you everything you need to know about our favored fabric. We should start by understanding that bamboo rayon is a type of fiber developed through a process that takes natural raw materials, such as cellulose (wood pulp) to produce a fabric very similar to cotton or linen.

Originally developed in France towards the end of the 19^th century, rayon gained traction in the textile world due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and similarity to other types of fibers already popular with consumers. It is interesting to note that despite being a fiber developed through manmade processes, the use of natural raw materials gives rayon clothes characteristics not usually associated with developed fabric such as natural comfort and high breathability. It is these natural properties that sets it apart from and often make sit more attractive than synthetic alternatives.

 

Rayon is a fabric which is extremely soft to the touch, ideal for clothing that prioritizes comfort and needs to be lightweight. It is also very supple, a type of material that does not stick to the body even in hot or humid climates and drops naturally over the wearer.

 

Unlike some other fabrics, rayon actually allows air to pass through it, in other words, it breathes. Its fibers leaves sufficient space between each individual strand to allow air to flow back and forth. Due to this property, it is often used for light sports or for summer clothes providing freshness and comfort in warm conditions. Studies show that rayon absorbs moisture more efficiently than cotton, which allows sweat to be absorbed and quickly evaporated on hot days.

 

Since rayon is produced from renewable cellulosic plants such as beech trees, pine trees, and, in our case bamboo it can be considered eco-friendly. All of these trees can be grown sustainably and the resulting rayon is fully biodegradable. It is of course 100% vegan and for this reason is well suited as a vegan-friendly alternative to silk.

 

As it is considered a delicate fabric, abrasions should be avoided. Care instructions will usually recommend rayon not be tumble dried in order to avoid tearing over time. Rayon clothing should, wherever possible, be washed by hand, by dry cleaning or machine washed on a cold water, delicate cycle. It also helps to hang dry after washing.