Textile Glossary

Viscose staple fiber

Definition

Viscose staple fiber is a cut staple fiber made from regenerated cellulose, produced by the viscose process: natural cellulose, typically sourced from wood or other plant-based raw materials, is chemically dissolved and extruded through spinneret holes into filaments, which are then cut into short staple fibers. The term therefore does not refer to a different material than viscose, but to a specific processed form of viscose fiber as a staple fiber — as distinct from viscose filament, which exists as a continuous filament yarn. Viscose staple fiber belongs to the group of cellulose-based manufactured fibers and is classified as a semi-synthetic or regenerated fiber.

Use in the textile industry

Viscose staple fiber is frequently used in blended woven fabrics with cotton or synthetic fibers, as it offers good moisture absorption, skin compatibility, and dyeability. Typical applications include apparel fabrics, lining materials, home textiles, and nonwovens for hygiene applications. Due to its limited wet tensile strength, viscose staple fiber is less commonly used in technical textiles and is often blended there with stronger fibers.

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Frequently asked question

Viscose refers to the chemical manufacturing process as well as the fiber type derived from it, made of regenerated cellulose; the term is used for both filament yarns and staple fibers. Viscose staple fiber is the specific designation for viscose fibers that are cut into short staple lengths — similar to the length of natural fibers such as cotton or wool — and can therefore be spun. The difference lies in the fiber format, not in the base material: viscose staple fiber is always a staple fiber, whereas viscose can also exist as a continuous filament.

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