Viscose is a staple in many wardrobes, loved for its silk-like feel and breathability. It is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, sitting somewhere between natural fibers like cotton and synthetics like polyester. However, not all viscose is created equal. The quality varies significantly depending on the manufacturing process, the raw materials used, and the weave.

If you plan to Buy Fabric online, knowing how to identify high-quality viscose is essential. You do not want to spend money on material that shrinks after one wash or tears at the seams. This guide provides a straightforward approach to assessing quality, helping you source the best Viscose Fabric in Australia.

Understanding Viscose: What Is It?

Before you purchase, you must understand what you are buying. Viscose belongs to the rayon family. Manufacturers extract cellulose from wood pulp—often beech, pine, or eucalyptus—and treat it chemically to create a liquid. They then spin this liquid into fibers.

Because it comes from plants but requires chemical processing, the industry classifies it as a regenerated cellulose fiber. It absorbs moisture well, dyes easily, and drapes beautifully. These traits make Viscose Fabric in Australia a top choice for summer dresses, blouses, and lining materials.

However, the chemical process determines the strength and durability of the fabric. High-quality viscose mimics the best qualities of silk and cotton. Low-quality viscose can feel flimsy, pill easily, and lose its shape.

What to Look for When Assessing Quality

You need to check specific physical attributes to ensure you get a premium product. Here are the key factors to consider.

1. Weight and GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

The weight of the fabric is one of the clearest indicators of quality. GSM measures how dense the fabric is.

• Low GSM (Under 100): This fabric is often sheer and delicate. It might require a lining and can be prone to tearing.
• Medium GSM (100–160): This is the sweet spot for most apparel. It offers enough weight to drape well without being transparent.
• High GSM (Over 160): This indicates a heavier, more durable weave, suitable for trousers or structured tops.

When you look for Viscose Fabric in Australia, check the GSM listed in the product description. A higher GSM generally suggests a tighter weave and more fiber usage, which correlates with better durability.

2. The Scrunch Test

Viscose is notorious for wrinkling. However, higher quality fibers have better recovery. If you are in a physical store, scrunch a handful of fabric and hold it for a few seconds. Release it and watch how the wrinkles behave.

If the deep creases remain and look sharp, the fabric will likely require constant ironing. If the wrinkles are soft and fall out slightly, the quality is higher. When you buy fabric online, you cannot do this test yourself. This is why ordering samples is vital.

3. Check the Weave Tightness

Hold the fabric up to the light. You should see an even, consistent weave. If you see gaps or irregularities in the threads, the fabric is likely low quality. A loose weave makes the garment susceptible to seam slippage, where the threads pull apart at the stitching lines.

4. Fabric Swatches are Mandatory

The biggest risk when you buy Fabric online is relying on photos alone. Photos cannot convey texture or weight accurately. The best way to mitigate this is to order Fabric Swatches in Australia before committing to a bulk purchase.

Touching the swatch allows you to check the softness. High-quality viscose feels cool, smooth, and soft against the skin. If it feels coarse, scratchy, or plastic-like, avoid it.

Common Problems with Viscose Fabric

Even the best Viscose Fabric in Australia has limitations, but poor quality exacerbates these issues. Being aware of these common problems helps you spot inferior products.

Shrinkage

Viscose fibers absorb water readily, which causes them to swell and then shrink as they dry. High-quality viscose usually comes pre-shrunk or is processed to minimize this. Cheap viscose can shrink by up to 20% in a single wash. Always check if the retailer guarantees minimal shrinkage.

Wet Strength

Viscose is weaker when wet. Low-quality fibers can break easily in the washing machine. Premium variations, like Modal or Lyocell, have higher wet strength, but standard viscose requires gentle handling. If a fabric sample tears easily when damp, do not buy it.

Pilling

Short fibers pill faster than long fibers. High-quality viscose uses longer fibers during the spinning process, creating a smoother surface that resists friction. If you rub your swatch and fibers start to lift immediately, the fabric will look worn out after a few wears.

The Best Places to Buy Viscose Fabric in Australia

Finding a reliable supplier is half the battle. You want a vendor that offers transparency regarding GSM, origin, and care instructions. Here are the top recommendations for sourcing Viscose Fabric in Australia.

1. Fabriclore

Fabriclore stands out as the premier destination for sourcing fabrics. They offer an extensive collection of viscose prints, solids, and sustainable variations like EcoVero.

Why choose Fabriclore:

• Variety: They stock one of the widest ranges of Viscose Fabric in Australia, catering to both hobbyists and fashion brands.
• Customization: They offer customized design and printing options at low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ), which is rare for online retailers.
• Transparency: They provide detailed product specifications, including GSM and weave type.
• Swatches: You can easily order Fabric Swatches in Australia from their platform to verify quality before you buy.
• Wholesale Pricing: If you run a small business, their wholesale rates are unmatched.

Fabriclore combines technology with textile expertise to ensure on-time delivery and quality assurance. Their focus on sustainable options also sets them apart in the market.

2. Super Cheap Fabrics

If budget is your primary concern, Super Cheap Fabrics offers decent options. They operate online and have physical locations. While their prices are low, the range of high-end viscose is more limited compared to specialized suppliers. It is a good option for mock-ups or simple projects where longevity is not the main priority.

3. The Remnant Warehouse

Based in Sydney but shipping nationwide, this store focuses on deadstock fabrics. You can find designer quality Viscose Fabric in Australia here, often left over from fashion productions. The downside is that stock is finite; once a roll is gone, they cannot restock it. It is a treasure hunt experience rather than a reliable supply chain.

4. Lincraft

A well-known chain store in Australia. Lincraft is accessible and convenient for quick purchases. However, their fashion fabric selection varies greatly by store, and technical details like GSM are not always listed clearly when you Buy Fabric online through their site.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Viscose

Standard viscose production can be chemically intensive. If sustainability matters to you, look for branded viscose fibers like Lenzing EcoVero. These fibers come from sustainable wood and use an eco-responsible production process.

When you Buy Fabric online, search for these specific terms. Retailers like Fabriclore often highlight these eco-friendly certifications. High-quality sustainable viscose often feels softer and lasts longer than generic conventional viscose.

Care Tips to Ensure Longevity

Once you secure your Viscose Fabric in Australia, proper care is necessary to maintain its quality. Even premium fabric will deteriorate if mistreated.

• Wash Cold: Always use cold water. Hot water shrinks viscose fibers instantly.
• Use a Mesh Bag: To prevent tearing when wet, place viscose garments in a laundry mesh bag.
• Line Dry in Shade: Never use a tumble dryer. The heat and tumbling action destroy the fibers. Dry it flat or hang it in the shade to prevent sun fading.
• Iron with Steam: Viscose wrinkles easily. Iron on the reverse side using a medium heat setting with steam to remove creases without glazing the fabric.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect material requires attention to detail. You must look beyond the print and color. Assessing the weight, checking the weave, and understanding the fiber origin are non-negotiable steps. The ability to order Fabric Swatches in Australia changes the game, allowing you to test the material before you commit.

For the best experience, choose reputable suppliers. Fabriclore remains the top recommendation for their vast range, professional service, and commitment to quality. Whether you are a fashion designer or a home sewer, taking the time to check these quality markers ensures you get the best value when you buy fabric online.