Can you feel the difference between viscose and jersey

Short answer: Viscose is a fibre and jersey is a way of knitting, so the two words cannot be compared directly. A T-shirt can be jersey made from viscose or from cotton. Here you can see what you can actually feel and how to try the difference yourself.

Viscose and jersey are not the same thing

Many people think viscose and jersey are two kinds of fabric you can choose between, but that is not right. Viscose is the name of a fibre, while jersey is the name of a knitted fabric structure. A jersey T-shirt can therefore be made from viscose, cotton or a blend, and it is the label with the fibres that tells you what you are wearing.

What is jersey

Jersey is a single-knit fabric that gives slightly in both length and width and feels soft to wear. It is used for most T-shirts. How dense and thick the jersey is depends on the yarn and the knitting. That is why two jersey T-shirts can feel very different, even if they look alike in a shop.

What is viscose

Viscose is a fibre made from cellulose, and bamboo in clothing is viscose made from bamboo. The fibre is spun into yarn, which is then knitted into jersey. Many people find it feels smooth and soft against the skin. To try it, look at bamboo T-shirts for men and read the fibres on the label.

What you can feel

Holding two T-shirts side by side, you can often feel how smooth the surface is and how the fabric falls on the body. Some find that viscose falls looser and softer than cotton. Others prefer the firmness of cotton. It is personal, so let your own feel decide what you like to wear.

What the fibre does not decide

The fibre is only part of the whole. The density of the knit, the thickness of the yarn, the cut and the seams matter just as much for how a T-shirt sits and feels. A good T-shirt in one fibre can feel worse than one in another if the cut and knit are not right. Look at the whole garment, not only the material.

How to test it yourself

Try two T-shirts in the same size and wear them for a whole day, ideally with the same activity. Note how they sit after a few hours and how they feel when you sweat. You can also compare them in the wash, because the fabric can behave differently after a few washes.

Fit and layers

Whatever the fibre, a T-shirt should sit so the shoulder seam lies at the shoulder and the sleeve does not tighten around the upper arm. Under a sweater a thin T-shirt works, while a slightly heavier one suits wearing alone. For the whole layer, look at bamboo underpants for men and Bamboo Basics if you want to compare cuts.

Washing so the fabric lasts

Follow the care label and avoid high heat, and the T-shirt keeps its shape for longer. Wash it with clothes of similar colour and fabric, and let it dry flat or hung up. Viscose can lose its shape if wrung hard, so press the water out rather than wringing.

Frequently asked questions

Is viscose the same as jersey?

No, viscose is a fibre and jersey is a knitted fabric structure. A jersey T-shirt can be made from viscose, cotton or a blend of several fibres.

Can I feel the difference between viscose and cotton?

Many people can, because the surface and the drape are different. But knit, thickness and cut matter just as much, so try for yourself and let your own feel decide.

How do I see what a T-shirt is made of?

Read the label inside the garment. The fibres are listed in percentages, and you can see whether it is viscose, cotton, a blend or contains elastane.