In the context of fabric, CV stands for Viscose.
Viscose is a type of rayon fabric made from regenerated cellulose fiber, offering a silk-like aesthetic and feel at a lower cost. It's widely used in clothing and home furnishings due to its versatility and desirable properties.
Understanding Viscose Fabric
Viscose, often referred to simply as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from natural sources like wood pulp (typically from beech, pine, or eucalyptus trees). The cellulose is chemically processed and regenerated into fibers, making it distinct from fully synthetic fibers (like polyester) and natural fibers (like cotton or wool).
Key Characteristics of Viscose:
- Soft and Smooth: Viscose has a very soft hand and a smooth, luxurious feel, often compared to silk.
- Breathable: It allows air to pass through, making it comfortable to wear in warm weather.
- Absorbent: Viscose is highly absorbent, which means it takes dyes well and can wick moisture, though it can lose strength when wet.
- Drapes Beautifully: Its fluid nature gives garments excellent drape and movement.
- Affordable: Compared to natural fibers like silk, viscose is a more economical option.
- Biodegradable: As it's derived from natural cellulose, it is generally biodegradable.
Common Uses of Viscose:
Viscose's unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications:
- Apparel: Dresses, blouses, skirts, linings, activewear, and casual wear.
- Home Furnishings: Upholstery, draperies, bedspreads, and towels.
- Industrial Applications: Tire cords and other technical textiles.
Care for Viscose Fabrics:
Caring for viscose requires some attention due to its tendency to weaken when wet and potential for shrinkage:
- Gentle Washing: Hand washing or machine washing on a delicate cycle with cold water is recommended.
- Mild Detergent: Use a gentle detergent to preserve the fabric's integrity.
- Avoid Wringing: Do not wring or twist viscose garments, as this can damage the fibers.
- Air Dry: Lay flat to dry or hang on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Low Heat Ironing: Iron on a low heat setting, preferably while the fabric is slightly damp, or use a steam iron.
Common Fabric Abbreviations
Understanding fabric abbreviations is crucial for manufacturers, designers, and consumers when identifying material compositions. Here's a table of some frequently encountered abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Fabric Type |
|---|---|
| CV / VI | Viscose / Rayon |
| CO | Cotton |
| EA / EL | Elastane / Spandex |
| LI | Linen |
| PA | Polyamide / Nylon |
| PC | Acrylic |
| PE | Polyethylene |
| PL | Polyester |
| PU | Polyurethane |
| SE | Silk |
| WO | Wool |
This table helps in quickly deciphering fabric labels, ensuring you know exactly what materials your textiles are made from.
Viscose vs. Other Rayons
It's important to note that "rayon" is a broad category, and viscose is just one type. Other common types of rayon include Modal and Lyocell (often known by the brand name Tencel™). While all are regenerated cellulose fibers, they differ in their manufacturing processes and resulting properties. Viscose is the oldest and most common form of rayon, offering a balance of affordability and performance.
Viscose Fabric
