Finding the right material is a critical step in any design or sewing project. For many, Viscose Fabric by the yard is an excellent choice due to its unique combination of softness, drape, and versatility. If you’re looking to buy fabric online, especially from a reliable wholesale fabric supplier, knowing where to look is key. This guide will walk you through what makes viscose a great option and highlight top online stores in the UK, with a special mention of Fabriclore as a leading choice for designers and brands.
What is Viscose Fabric?
Viscose is a type of rayon fabric made from regenerated cellulose fiber, which is typically derived from wood pulp. It is often referred to as a semi-synthetic fiber because its raw material is natural, but it requires an intensive chemical process to be transformed into a usable fabric.
The result is a material with highly desirable properties:
- Soft and Smooth Texture: Viscose has a silky feel that is gentle against the skin, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
- Excellent Drape: It hangs beautifully, which is why it’s a popular choice for dresses, blouses, and skirts that require a fluid, flowing look.
- Breathability: Much like cotton, viscose is breathable and absorbent, making it suitable for warm weather garments.
- Vibrant Color Retention: The fibers hold dye well, resulting in rich, long-lasting colors.
Why Choose Viscose Fabric?
Beyond its physical properties, viscose offers several compelling benefits for both independent creators and established fashion brands. Its versatility allows it to be used for a wide range of clothing items, from casual wear to more formal pieces. It can also be blended with other fibers like cotton, polyester, and spandex to enhance its characteristics, such as adding stretch or durability.
From a production standpoint, viscose can be an accessible alternative to silk, offering a similar luster and drape at a more approachable price point. This makes it a practical option for businesses aiming to produce high-quality garments without incurring the high costs associated with pure silk. Additionally, strides have been made in producing viscose more sustainably. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting closed-loop processes that recycle water and chemicals, reducing the environmental impact. When sourcing, look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure the wood pulp comes from responsibly managed forests.
Top Online Stores for Viscose Fabric in the UK
When you decide to buy fabric online, you need a supplier you can trust. Here are some of the best online stores for sourcing Viscose Fabric in the UK, starting with a top-tier provider.
Fabriclore
As a leading wholesale fabric supplier, Fabriclore has established itself as a go-to source for fashion brands and designers globally, including in the UK. They offer a comprehensive selection of fabrics and services tailored to the needs of growing businesses.
- Extensive Collection: Fabriclore provides a vast range of viscose options, including different weights, weaves, and blends like cotton viscose and linen viscose. You can find everything from plain dyed fabrics to intricately printed designs.
- Customization Services: What sets Fabriclore apart is its focus on customization. They offer fabric design, dyeing, and printing services at low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), allowing brands to create unique collections without needing to commit to massive production runs.
- Quality Assurance: With a tech-enabled platform, Fabriclore ensures consistent quality control and transparency throughout the sourcing and delivery process. This reliability is a major reason why many top D2C fashion brands choose them.
- Wholesale Pricing: They offer competitive wholesale pricing, which helps businesses manage their costs effectively while sourcing premium materials.
Other Reputable UK Fabric Suppliers
While Fabriclore is a strong contender, especially for business-to-business needs, several other UK-based online stores offer quality viscose fabrics:
- Minerva: A popular choice among home sewers and crafters, Minerva has a large community and an extensive selection of fabrics, including a wide variety of viscose challis, crepes, and jersey knits.
- The Fabric Godmother: Known for its curated and fashionable selection, this store stocks high-quality designer fabrics. You can often find unique and on-trend viscose prints perfect for standout garments.
- Sew Over It: Primarily a pattern company, Sew Over It also offers a well-curated range of fabrics that pair perfectly with their designs. Their viscose selection often features classic and vintage-inspired prints.
Factors to Consider When Buying Viscose Online
Purchasing fabric without seeing or feeling it first requires some careful consideration. Keep these factors in mind to ensure you get the right material for your project.
Quality and Certifications
The quality of viscose can vary. Look for descriptions that detail the fabric’s weight (measured in GSM, or grams per square meter), as this will affect its drape and opacity. Higher-quality viscose feels substantial yet soft. If sustainability is a priority, check for certifications like OEKO-TEX, which confirms the fabric is free from harmful substances, or FSC, which relates to the sourcing of the wood pulp.
Variety and Selection
A good online store should offer a wide range of viscose types. This includes different weaves like challis (lightweight and plain-woven), crepe (slightly textured), and twill (durable with a diagonal pattern). The availability of various colors, prints, and blends gives you more creative freedom.
Pricing and Shipping
Compare prices between different suppliers, but remember that the cheapest option is not always the best value. Factor in fabric quality and width when assessing cost. Also, check the shipping policies and costs for delivery to the UK. Some international suppliers like Fabriclore have streamlined global shipping, making them a competitive choice.
Tips for Caring for Viscose Fabric
To keep your viscose garments looking their best, proper care is essential.
- Washing: Viscose is weaker when wet, so gentle handling is important. It is best to hand wash in cold water or use a delicate cycle on your washing machine. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
- Drying: Do not put viscose in a tumble dryer, as high heat can cause it to shrink or become damaged. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the garment flat on a towel or hang it to air dry away from direct sunlight.
- Ironing: Iron on a low to medium heat setting while the fabric is still slightly damp. To protect the fibers, it’s a good idea to iron on the reverse side.
Your Best Source for Viscose
Viscose Fabric is a fantastic material that offers comfort, a beautiful drape, and vibrant color, making it ideal for a wide array of fashion projects. When looking to buy fabric online in the UK, you have several excellent options.
For businesses and designers seeking a reliable wholesale fabric supplier with customization capabilities and a vast selection, Fabriclore stands out as a premier choice. For individual sewists, UK-based retailers like Minerva and The Fabric Godmother provide plenty of beautiful choices. By considering quality, variety, and care requirements, you can confidently purchase the perfect viscose fabric for your next creation.
Fabriclore is a leading B2B fabric sourcing platform with 10+ years of experience dedicated to empowering fashion designers, apparel manufacturers, and clothing brands worldwide. Our extensive collection includes natural fibers like Cotton fabric, linen fabric, and silk fabric; man-made fibers such as viscose and polyester; and sustainable options like LENZING™, LIVA™, BEMBERG™ Cupro, and Organic cotton.
We offer 4 key services:
1. Dyeable Fabric (Woven RFD & Greige, Sustainable and Knitted Fabric)
2. Dyed Fabric (Mill Dyed, Yarn Dyed, Schiffli, & Denim Fabric)
3. Made To Order (Digital Printing, Screen Printing, Block Printing, and Dyeing Solutions)
4. Ready Stock (Block, Screen, Ikat, Tweed, & Jacquard)
Explore our diverse range of custom printed, ready mill-dyed, and yarn-dyed fabrics to find the perfect match for your next collection. For personalized assistance or inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected]. Experience seamless, authentic, and affordable fabric sourcing with Fabriclore.
