Before you connect with fabric manufacturers in India to create your new summer collection, you must know the difference between rayon, cotton, viscose, and modal fabrics and pick the best one for your end product. In this article, you will learn the key differences between the four most popular fabrics for summer outfits and where to find the top fabric companies in India for your brand.
Differences Between Cotton, Rayon, Viscose, and Modal
Natural vs. Synthetic
Rayon, Viscose, Modal, and Cotton are all plant-based fabrics.
However, while cotton is all natural and can be farmed organically, Rayon is categorized as semi-synthetic because the cellulose obtained from the wood pulp goes through a long chemical process to create the final product.
While all four fabrics share similarities, there are key differences between them.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for trading options for rayon and cotton fabric companies in India, contact our expert here. We have 60+ years of experience in buying and selling all types of fabrics worldwide. We are associated with top textile companies in India, Egypt, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Central, and South Asia, and other regions.
Cotton Fabric
Cotton is the most popular naturally grown fiber, extensively used to manufacture comfortable summer dresses and outfits. It is also called the King of fibers. Cotton fiber is derived from the woolly hairs that grow in protective layers around the cotton seeds, called bolls.
They go through several non-chemical treatments before being spun into yarns. Cotton fiber can hold water 25 times more than its body weight.
World’s largest cotton fabric manufacturers are India, China, and the USA.
Four types of cotton commonly found today are Egyptian cotton, Upland cotton, Organic cotton, Supima cotton, Pima cotton, and Sea Island cotton.
Upland cotton is the most widely grown cotton in the world, holding 90% of global cotton production.
India is one of the largest cotton suppliers, and it primarily produces Shankar-6 cotton (used for high-quality textiles and apparel) and Suvin cotton (known for fineness and luster). Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are the most prominent cotton fabric manufacturers in India.
Rayon Fabric
Rayon was first introduced to the world as the silk substitute. Though farmed from the wood pulp of different trees, it is categorized as a semi-synthetic or biosynthetic fabric and not a natural fabric. This is because the production process starts from a natural material and it undergoes extensive chemical processing, essentially altering its original state.
The wood pulp is taken from trees like beech, bamboo, pine, etc. The pulp is dissolved in chemicals to alter its core and turn into something called alkali cellulose. This further goes through different chemical treatments to change its final structure.
For this reason, rayon fabric feels considerably different from cotton in appearance and feel. For instance, rayon fabric looks and feels silky, soft, and lustrous.
It easily stretches, holds shape in pleats and ruffles, retains dye better, and can be printed in a thousand different qualities, weights, textures, types, designs, and patterns.
In fact, it is one of the lightest fabrics in the world. You can stitch up an entire dress in less than 100 gms.
You can also create heavier and more durable products with Rayon fabric.
Rayon blends with other materials like polyester and cotton to create different finishes.
Modal and Viscose
Modal and Viscose are two main types of Rayon with slightly altered texture and appearance. They are two rapidly growing fabrics in the garment and apparel industry, known for producing affordable, fast fashion products.
Viscose was the first rayon invented in 1880. It looks expensive and radiant and has a beautiful sheen. It has excellent drapability and absorbs moisture better but shrinks and stretches easily when wet. And therefore, unlike other rayon types, viscose fabrics require dry cleaning.
Viscose is used in making shirts, skirts, gowns, and kurtas.
Modal is a rapidly growing Rayon fabric in the fashion world. It is the softest and most comfortable form of rayon. Modal is specially farmed from the beech-tree pulp and is often mixed with other materials like elastane and spandex to create a stretchy and soft material.
This is why modal is often used in making undergarments and activewear.
Conclusion
The main difference between cotton and rayon is the manufacturing process.
Cotton comes from the cotton tree, a natural renewable resource. Rayon comes from chemically regenerated wood pulp.
Both are excellent fabrics for making lightweight and soft clothing like t-shirts, dresses, skirts, and gowns. Rayon will be a better choice if you need fabric, particularly for sultry summer garments, such as maxis, midis, kaftans, and yoga pants.
But if you are in the production of garments for soft and sensitive skin, like for infants, then contact pure cotton fabric companies in India via DMI.
Contact us if you want to connect with textile companies in India. We can get you the best deals from verified rayon and cotton suppliers worldwide.
