Acetate fabric
Wood cellulose treated with acetic acid. Cellulose acetate is dissolved and spun into a lustrous, silk-like filament.
How it feels
Shiny, smooth and light.
Season: All year round – depends on the weight.
What it's used for
Linings, evening dresses, ribbons.
Lustrous evening dresses and suit linings. Keep it away from perfume and nail-polish remover – acetone dissolves it.
Pros
- Beautiful lustre
- Drapes well
Cons
- Melts with a hot iron and dissolves in acetone
- Weak
Care: a typical label
Always follow your own garment's label – blends and finishes change the care.
How it's constructed
Satin weave. Long floating threads cover the surface – smooth and shiny, but quicker to snag.
A little history
Acetate has been made commercially since the 1920s and was long the go-to for evening wear and linings.
How to recognise it
Regenerated fibres are smooth, slightly lustrous, very drapey and cool to the touch. Noticeably weaker when wet. They burn smelling of paper, like cotton.
Sustainability
Renewable and biodegradable, but viscose production is chemical-heavy. Lyocell (Tencel) is made in a closed loop – the cleanest choice. Look for FSC or Lenzing EcoVero.
When buying
'Bamboo' on a label usually means viscose. Modal and lyocell shrink less than plain viscose – worth paying more for clothes you wash often.
Frequently asked
01What is acetate?
Wood cellulose treated with acetic acid. Cellulose acetate is dissolved and spun into a lustrous, silk-like filament.
02Is acetate a natural fabric?
Partly: the raw material is natural (wood cellulose) but the fibre is made chemically – it's regenerated, neither natural nor synthetic.
03Does acetate shrink?
A little: acetate can shrink 1–2%, mostly in the first wash.
04Is acetate breathable?
Moderately: it depends on the weave – open acetate breathes far better than dense.