Semi-synthetic fibres are made from natural materials through chemical processes. Most semi-synthetic fibres are produced from cellulose, a structural component of plants. The earliest of semi-synthetic fabrics is rayon, also known as viscose, which was accidentally made in an attempt to produce a fabric similar to silk and hence is referred to as artificial silk too.To make semi-synthetic fabrics, the cellulose is extracted from the plant, made soluble, and then spun into fibre. A sustainable process, it produces a very versatile fabric.

Cotton Blend

Cotton blends are cotton that is combined with other fibres to create a stronger and more appealing fabric. Fibres such as rayon, polyester, linen are blended with cotton to obtain a cotton feel and texture. These cotton blends usually have about 80% cotton in them.Cotton blends are used to make different types of clothes. While cotton tends to wrinkle easily, most cotton blends are wrinkle-free.

When cotton is blended with linen it produces a lightweight, breathable and wrinkle-resistantfabric that keeps the heat more effectively than pure linen. When synthetic fibres such as polyester and rayon are combined with cotton, the resulting fabric has a distinct sheen and texture.

The main advantage of cotton blend fabrics is that it is easy to wear and care.

cotton blend

Modal Fabric

Modal fabric is a semi-synthetic fabric that is changing the fashion industry with its lightweight, stretchy, and breathable nature. Produced from beech tree pulp, it is an eco-conscious, durable and environmentally-friendly textile option.

Used mainly for the manufacture of clothing, such as underwear and pyjamas, and household items, modal is a form of rayon. For additional strength, it is sometimes mixed with other fibres like cotton and spandex. It is expensive compared to other fabrics owing to its smooth feel and unique texture.

Modal production process includes spinning reconstituted beech tree cellulose, soaking the fabric in chemicals, thus classifying it as semi-synthetic.

It has become very popular among eco-conscious fashion designers and is considered an eco-friendly alternative to cotton.

modal fabric

Lyocell

Lyocell, also known as Tencel, is a semi-synthetic fabric made of cellulose that may be usedinstead of cotton or silk. It is recognised for its sustainability, durability, absorbency, draping, and wrinkle resistance. Lyocell fabric production involves dissolving cellulose usingan innovative spinning process. This implies that, unlike the rayon manufacturing method, the Tencel manufacturing technique does not induce any major chemical modifications to the chemical structure of cellulose.

It is used in virtually everything from denim to towels and is a more sustainable alternative to fully synthetic fibres. This fabric is easily combined with other fibres such as cotton, silk, rayon, polyester, nylon, and wool.

lyocell

Viscose Bamboo

Fabric made from bamboo is called "viscose from bamboo" or simply "bamboo viscose." A type of rayon, it is made by extracting cellulose from wood pulp.The production process includes solvents to break down the bamboo and bleaching chemicals to dye the fibres white. The fibres are then woven into a fabric, often with a combination of viscose and Lyra or spandex to ensure the fabric maintains its shape. The resultant fabric is ultra-smooth and luxurious, suitable for high-end apparel manufacture.Viscose from bamboo is gaining popularity in the fashion industry due to its affordability, availability, and soft, pliable texture. A versatile fabric, it has excellent breathability and moisture-wicking property.

viscose bamboo