Rayon vs cotton
Rayon (viscose) is cool and drapey but weak when wet and shrinks; cotton is stronger and easier to care for.
Choose rayon
Summer dresses and shirts
Choose cotton
Everyday wear
Rayon
- Breathable, takes dye well
- Weak when wet, shrinks
Cotton
- Breathes and absorbs moisture
- Hypoallergenic, good for sensitive skin
- Washes easily, even hot
- Creases
- Shrinks in heat, especially jersey
- Slow to dry
| Rayon | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Regenerated (from cellulose) | Natural plant fibre |
| Made from | Wood cellulose. | The fluffy fibre around cotton plant seeds. |
| Feel | Soft, drapey and cool. | Cool, dry and kind to skin; softens with age. |
| Shrinks? | Yes – rayon shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. | Yes – cotton shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. |
| Used for | Dresses, blouses, shirts. | T-shirts, shirts, jeans, underwear, bedding. |
More comparisons
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, rayon or cotton?
Rayon (viscose) is cool and drapey but weak when wet and shrinks; cotton is stronger and easier to care for.
02Which is more breathable?
Cotton breathes better.
03Which creases less?
About the same.