What Is Rayon? The Term Explained

Short answer: Rayon is the American term for viscose – a fibre made from plant cellulose, for example from bamboo or wood. So if your clothes say rayon, it is the same type of material that we call viscose in Europe. Bamboo rayon and bamboo viscose are one and the same fabric.

Where does the word rayon come from?

When viscose was invented around the year 1900, it was marketed as artificial silk. In the United States the name rayon was chosen later on, while Europe stuck with viscose. The chemistry is the same: cellulose is dissolved and spun into new, smooth fibres. Read more about the process in the whole truth about bamboo textiles.

Rayon in bamboo clothing

A lot of bamboo clothing is labelled "bamboo rayon" or "rayon from bamboo" – especially if the manufacturer sells internationally. That also goes for several of the items in our selection of bamboo clothing for men and bamboo clothing for women. The properties are the same: softness, breathability and good moisture transport.

Is rayon a good material?

Rayon is soft and comfortable, but the production is chemical, and the quality depends on the manufacturer's process. That is why certifications and honest labelling matter – you can read more about that in the honest guide to bamboo and the environment. Try the material for yourself in something like a bamboo T-shirt for men.

Frequently asked questions

Are rayon and viscose the same?

Yes. Rayon is the American name, viscose the European one. Both cover fibres made from dissolved plant cellulose.

Is rayon natural or synthetic?

Somewhere in between. The raw material is natural cellulose, but the fibre is created chemically. That is why rayon is called a regenerated cellulose fibre – not a synthetic plastic like polyester.

What does bamboo rayon mean on the care label?

That the fabric is viscose made from bamboo – in other words the same as bamboo viscose.