Ah, viscose. That dreamy, drapey fabric that feels luxurious and its kind to the planet. We love it for its silky softness and vibrant colors, but here’s the catch: viscose is delicate.
But don’t worry, taking care of viscose doesn’t need to feel like rocket science. With the right steps, you can keep your garments looking gorgeous without any shrinking disasters or sad, saggy seams. Once you know the rules, caring for viscose is totally doable—and your clothes will stay beautiful for ages. Let’s walk through it together.
💡 Did you know
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to traditional viscose. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is derived from certified renewable wood sources using an ecologically responsible production process, meeting high environmental standards. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ generates 50% less emissions and water consumption than standard viscose and is fully biodegradable.
Keep Your Viscose Perfect Every Wash!
All of our garments are fully wash- and wear-tested to help prevent shrinkage and stretching. That said, some pieces are made from 100% viscose, a natural fibre that does shrink when it comes into contact with water. Don’t panic! To get the size back, simply reshape it while it’s damp. And if you need a little extra help, a cool iron on the reverse will work wonders.
The fabrics we use for our garments are chosen for their softness, flow, and comfort, but this also means they need a little extra care. Many of them are delicate and can be easily damaged if they come into contact with rough surfaces or items that snag. To keep your clothes looking their best, avoid washing them with items that have zips, hooks, belts, or any hardware that could catch and pull the fabric. Even one small snag can spoil the smooth, elegant finish of your garment.
When it comes to washing, always treat your garment with kindness. A gentle cycle is best, or, if you prefer, hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent works beautifully. Avoid harsh cycles or heavy loads, as too much agitation can stress the fibers and cause wear over time. By choosing a gentle wash, you’re not only protecting your garment in the moment but also helping it last longer.
Step 1: Wash It & Handle Viscose With Care
Here’s where most of us trip up. Viscose is delicate—especially when it’s wet—so you’ve got to treat it gently.
Viscose loves cool, gentle care. Hot water is a big no-no—it makes the fabric shrink and lose its shape. Instead:
Best option: Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water (max 20–30°C) with a mild detergent. Gently swirl, don’t scrub like you’re scrubbing your dishes. If you’ve got a stain, rub it lightly with detergent for a few minutes, but keep it gentle.
If you’re using the washing machine: Pop your garment inside out, tuck it into a mesh bag (this prevents snags and friction against the drum), add a delicate detergent, and choose the delicate/hand-wash cycle . Make sure the spin is low and the temperature doesn’t creep above 30°C. Then press start, sit back, and let your machine do the careful work for you.
Top Tip 1: Don’t throw viscose in with heavy items like jeans or towels—they are too heavy and can damage the fabric.
Top Top 2: Use a guppy bag to protect viscose against zips and other heavy duty items that are in the wash with it. They work wonders for your delicates too!
Step 2: Dry It, No Shortcuts, Please!
Once washed, your viscose will feel a little stiff and fragile. Totally normal—this is just its “wet stage” personality.
To dry it properly:
Lay your garment flat on a towel or a drying rack, smoothing it into its natural shape.
No tumble-dryers—unless you’re looking to downsize your wardrobe unintentionally. Heat is viscose’s worst enemy.
If it’s really dripping, wrap it in a towel and gently press (never wring or twist!) to remove the excess water.
While it’s still damp, gently stretch it back to its original shape. This little step will save you from a lot of post-wash heartbreak.
Patience pays off here. A little air-drying time and your viscose will return to being soft and flowy again.
Top Tip: Reshape your garment while it’s still damp. Give it a gentle stretch back to its original silhouette so it dries exactly as it should.
Step 3: Iron - Viscose's Best Friend
This is where the real transformation happens. Viscose gets back its true glory when ironed—it’s like watching it bloom again.
Iron it while still slightly damp , inside out, on the lowest heat (look for the “Silk” setting or one dot, about 110°C).
To be extra safe, place a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric. This helps avoid shiny marks or “glazing” at the seams.
Most creases will melt away during this step, and your garment will recover its length, shape, and that gorgeous, airy lightness.
Top Tip: Keep steam and sprays to a minimum. A simple, cool glide is all viscose needs.
Viscose Care Do's & Don'ts
Do's:
✔ Wash inside out (hand wash or delicate cycle, max 30°C)
✔ Use a mesh bag in the washing machine
✔ Air dry flat—never tumble dry
✔ Reshape while damp
✔ Iron inside out, while still damp, on low heat through a cloth
✔ Read the care label and follow the instructions it gives you.
✔ Wash similar colours together, separate whites, dark & colours.
Don'ts:
✔ No bleach, no twisting, no rough handling
✔ Soak coloured garments with white garments.
✔ Overload your washing machine.
✔ Don't wash viscose with heavy duty items
✔ Use too much detergent.
✔ Use any detergents containing bleach.
✔ Tumble dry any item unless specified on the care label.
✔ Don't take your laundry to your mum’s - take her out to lunch instead.
Top Tip: Wash only when required. This will extend the life of your viscose (and the planet!).
The Takeaway For Viscose Care
Caring for viscose is all about slowing down and treating it gently—almost like a little self-care ritual for your clothes. Skip the shortcuts (sorry, dryer lovers!) and you’ll be rewarded with garments that stay silky, vibrant, and as good as new for seasons to come.
With the right care, your garment will maintain its shape, texture, and softness, giving you the chance to enjoy it again and again. Think of this little extra effort as an investment in keeping your favorite pieces looking and feeling wonderful. ✨
