Viscose, polyester or cotton: which fabric is right for you

Most clothes today are blends. Knowing what each fibre does helps you choose pieces you will actually enjoy wearing.

Cotton

Soft, breathable and comfortable in the heat. It can shrink and crease, and takes longer to dry.

Viscose

Made from plant cellulose, viscose feels silky and drapes beautifully. It is comfortable against the skin but weaker when wet, so wash it gently.

Polyester

Strong, quick-drying and crease-resistant. On its own it breathes less, so it is often blended with natural fibres.

Nylon or polyamide

Adds strength and stretch, and helps knits keep their shape.

Wool

The warmest fibre, and naturally resistant to odour.

Reading a blend

A viscose-polyester-nylon knit, for example, combines softness, durability and shape retention. The first fibre listed usually decides how the fabric feels.