The Real Story Behind Rayon

1: What Exactly is Rayon?

Rayon is often misunderstood. It sits in a unique middle ground: it is neither a natural fiber (like cotton or wool) nor a fully synthetic fiber (like polyester).

It is a regenerated cellulosic fiber. This means it starts its life as plants—usually wood pulp from beech, pine, or eucalyptus trees—which are then dissolved and regenerated into silky fibers. Because it is plant-based, it mimics the properties of natural fibers: it breathes, absorbs moisture, and is biodegradable. However, the process to turn wood into wearable fabric involves sophisticated chemistry.

Cellulose itself is a tough, stubborn polymer. In nature, it’s packed tightly into crystalline structures. Rayon production basically loosens those structures, reshapes them, and aligns the chains to create something softer, cooler, and more fluid than any plant in its original state.

This is why rayon behaves like a “chameleon fiber”:

• cooler touch than cotton

• drapes like silk

• absorbs moisture exceptionally well

• takes dye with richness

• lacks the stiff “plastic heat” of polyester

A fiber with this many personalities was always going to take over fashion.

2: Decoding the Label – Viscose vs. Modal vs. Lyocell

Not all rayons are created equal. In 2025, you will see three main "generations" of this fabric in our collections. Here is how to choose the right one for your lifestyle:

Feature	Viscose (Gen 1)	Modal (Gen 2)	Lyocell / Tencel™ (Gen 3)
Best For	Flowy dresses, blouses, vibrant prints.	Underwear, loungewear, jersey knits.	Premium staples, denim alternatives, activewear.
Texture	Silk-like, smooth, cool to the touch.	"Feather-soft," stretchy, cozy.	Peach-skin feel, slightly crisp, substantial.
Breathability	High (Better than cotton).	High (50% more absorbent than cotton).	Excellent moisture wicking.
Wet Strength	Low (Becomes fragile when wet).	Medium (Resists shrinking better than viscose).	High (Very durable, wet or dry).
Eco-Impact	Traditional methods can be chemically intensive.	Improved. Often made from Beech trees.	Best. Uses a closed-loop system (99% solvent recovery).

Rihoas Insight: We use Viscose for our signature floral midi dresses because nothing else captures that vintage 1940s drape quite as well. However, for our premium lines, we are increasingly blending in Tencel™ Lyocell to add durability and sustainability credentials.

3: Three Very Different Types of Rayon : This Matters More Than People Realize

The world tends to lump them under “rayon,” but these three versions behave—and impact the planet—extremely differently.

3.1. Viscose Rayon

The original. The most common. The most problematic.

It’s what most fast-fashion labels simply call “rayon” or “viscose.”

It delivers gorgeous drape and intense color, but:

• loses up to half its strength when wet

• shrinks unpredictably

• wrinkles easily

• and historically relied on carbon disulfide, a neurotoxic chemical

It’s inexpensive and everywhere, but delicate.

3.2. Modal

Engineered as a sturdier, softer upgrade.

Modal usually comes from beech wood and uses a modified viscose method that increases molecular orientation. In practice that means:

• higher wet strength

• less shrinkage

• better resistance to pilling

• a silky, “second skin” feel

Micro-Modal, an even finer version, is one of the softest fibers ever used in lingerie and loungewear.

3.3. Lyocell (Tencel™ being the leading brand)

A newer process and the clear sustainability frontrunner.

Instead of dissolving cellulose with toxic reagents, lyocell uses a recyclable organic solvent (NMMO) in a closed-loop system. Over 99% of the solvent can be reused.

Its performance is also excellent:

• strong when wet

• very breathable

• temperature regulating

• capable of a range of textures (peachy brushed, crisp woven, fluid satin-like)

If you want rayon without the guilt, look for Lyocell/Tencel™.

4: Why We Love It And Why You Should Too

Despite the rise of synthetics, Rayon remains a staple in the "French Girl" wardrobe for Spring/Summer 2025. Here is why:

1. The "Cooling" Effect: Rayon is a thermal conductor. Unlike polyester, which traps heat, rayon releases body heat. For the humid summers predicted for 2025, it is a non-negotiable fabric.

2. Color Brilliance: The fiber is highly absorbent, meaning it drinks up dye. This is why the floral prints on our Green Lapel Plaid Sleeveless Dress look so vibrant and resist fading.

3. The Expensive "Drape": Cotton is stiff; linen wrinkles. Rayon hangs with a fluid weight that contours the body without clinging. It creates that effortless, romantic silhouette central to the Cottagecore and Retro trends dominating the 2025 runways.

5: The Sustainability Truth

We value transparency. Historically, conventional viscose production has been linked to deforestation and chemical waste. However, the industry is undergoing a massive shift, and Rihoas is part of it.

• The Goal: We are committed to incorporating at least 20% sustainable fabrics across our collections.

• The Innovation: We prioritize sourcing fabrics labeled Lenzing Ecovero™ or Tencel™. These fibers come from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests, ensuring that no ancient or endangered forests are paved over for your blouse.

• The Closed Loop: Lyocell production recycles 99% of the water and solvents used in the manufacturing process. It is the gold standard we are striving toward.

6: Care Guide – How to Make Your Rayon Last Forever

The biggest complaint about Rayon? "It shrunk in the wash!" Because Rayon is highly absorbent, the fibers swell when wet and contract when they dry. Here is how to break the cycle of fast fashion and keep your Rihoas pieces pristine:

• The Golden Rule: Cold Water Only. Heat is the enemy of Rayon.

• The "Taco" Method: Never wring out a wet rayon dress (it will break the fibers). Instead, roll it up in a clean towel like a taco to press the water out, then lay it flat to dry.

• Ironing: Always iron inside out on a low-medium setting. Better yet, use a steamer. Steam relaxes the fibers and brings the bounce back to the fabric.

• The "Un-Shrink" Hack: Did you accidentally toss it in the dryer? Don't panic. Soak the garment in a bucket of warm water with a capful of hair conditioner. The conditioner relaxes the fibers, allowing you to gently stretch the dress back to its original size while it dries.

2026 Trend Forecast

How are we styling Rayon this year?

• Texture Play: Look for "slubbed" viscose blends that mimic the look of raw linen but feel softer on the skin.

• Sheer Layering: As seen on the SS25 runways, sheer overlays are back. Viscose chiffons offer that ethereal, romantic vibe perfect for date nights.

• The Return of the Shirt Dress: Structured yet soft, our Lyocell-blend shirt dresses are designed for the modern "Office Siren"—professional enough for work, comfortable enough for the commute.

Final Thoughts

Rayon is not a simple “good vs. bad” fabric. It is a range—a spectrum shaped by chemistry, wood sourcing, manufacturing ethics, and what kind of wearer you are.

A viscose sundress is not the same thing as a Tencel™ shirt.
A Modal slip has a completely different performance profile than a bamboo viscose blouse.

Understanding these differences lets you buy smarter, wear longer, and support the parts of the fashion industry that are actually innovating instead of greenwashing.

If you want clothing that feels elegant and effortless, rayon will probably always have a place in your wardrobe. Now you just know how to choose it well.