Viscose and rayon kurtas: soft drape, shrinkage and care

Why viscose behaves differently from cotton

• Weaker when wet: viscose loses much of its strength when wet, so it can stretch, distort or tear if wrung or handled roughly in the wash.
• Shrinkage: viscose can shrink noticeably, especially in warm water or a tumble dryer, and sometimes more than cotton.
• Creasing: it creases readily, though the creases usually drop out with a light steam.
• Drape: it hangs close to the body and moves with you, so it suits flowing cuts.
• Shine: a hot iron on the right side can leave shiny patches.
• Wear: some viscose fabrics pill or wear thin where they rub, such as under the arms and at the seat, so gentle washing helps them last.

Cuts that suit viscose

Viscose’s soft drape suits A-line and gently flared kurtas, kaftan-style kameez, palazzos and relaxed trousers. It is less suited to crisp collars and very structured shapes unless the collar is interfaced. Our kaftan style guide and A-line vs straight guide help you choose a shape.

Because viscose is slippery and can drop slightly as it hangs, it needs careful cutting, and a flared hem is best levelled after the garment has hung for a while. Allow a comfortable amount of ease: a closely fitted viscose kurta that shrinks slightly in its first wash can quickly feel tight. If you are between sizes, tell us, and our ease guide explains how loose is comfortable.

Lighter viscose, such as viscose voile or crepe, can be slightly sheer in pale colours and can cling. A light lining or half lining helps it skim rather than stick; our lining guide covers the options.

Washing and ironing viscose

Follow the care label first: some viscose is dry clean only, and some washes well on a cool, gentle cycle. Where washing is allowed, these habits help, and any new method is worth testing on a hidden area first.

• Cool water, gentle cycle or hand wash: heat encourages shrinkage.
• Do not wring: roll the kurta in a towel and press the water out instead.
• Dry flat or on a padded hanger: a heavy wet kurta can stretch on a thin hanger, so reshape it while damp.
• No tumble dryer: it is one of the most common reasons a viscose kurta shrinks.
• Iron inside out on a low to medium setting, while slightly damp, or steam it instead.
• Wash bright prints separately at first: viscose prints can release dye in early washes, and our colour-fastness test shows whether they will.

Pre-washing and ordering

Because viscose can shrink, many people wash viscose fabric before it is cut, the same way they plan to wash the finished kurta. Our pre-washing guide covers how to do it without fraying the edges. Tell us on the stitching quote form whether the fabric is viscose or rayon, whether it has been washed and how you like the fit. The custom stitching page explains the rest. If a viscose kurta you already own has shrunk or stretched, a local tailor who can see it on you is the person to ask whether it can be let out or reshaped. If it cannot be altered well, or you would rather have one that fits from the start, we can make a new kurta to your measurements: start a quote.