Sustainability is no longer a niche concern in the fashion industry; it’s a core component of modern design. For Chicago’s creative community, the demand for environmentally responsible materials is growing. This has led many designers to seek out innovative textiles that align with their values without compromising on quality. One such material gaining significant attention is certified eco-viscose.
This guide provides a straightforward look at eco-viscose, explaining why it’s becoming a preferred choice for Chicago designers and how you can source it for your own collections. We’ll cover its benefits, where to find it, and practical tips for working with this unique material.
What is Certified Eco-Viscose?
Viscose fabric, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. While its plant-based origin is a good start, traditional viscose production can be resource-intensive and involve harmful chemicals.
Certified eco-viscose addresses these issues directly. To earn this certification, the production process must meet stringent environmental and social standards. This includes:
- Sustainably Sourced Wood: The wood pulp must come from responsibly managed forests where trees are replanted and biodiversity is protected.
- Closed-Loop Production: The chemicals used to break down the wood pulp into a spin-ready solution are recycled and reused, minimizing waste and preventing water contamination.
- Reduced Emissions and Water Usage: The manufacturing process is optimized to use significantly less energy and water compared to conventional viscose production.
By choosing certified eco-viscose, designers ensure they are using a material that is not only beautiful and versatile but also has a much smaller environmental footprint.
Why Chicago Designers Are Choosing Eco-Viscose
Chicago’s design scene is known for its practical yet forward-thinking approach. Eco-viscose fits perfectly into this mindset for several reasons:
- Growing Consumer Demand: Shoppers are more informed than ever and actively seek out brands that prioritize sustainability. Using certified materials helps designers meet this demand and build a loyal customer base.
- Versatility in Design: Eco-viscose has a fluid drape and soft feel, similar to silk. It’s adaptable enough for a wide range of garments, from flowing dresses and blouses to comfortable everyday wear, making it a practical choice for any collection.
- Alignment with Brand Values: For many independent designers and small brands in Chicago, sustainability is a core part of their identity. Using eco-viscose allows them to create products that reflect their commitment to responsible practices.
The Benefits of Using Certified Eco-Viscose
Incorporating this material into your work offers several clear advantages.
- Enhanced Garment Quality: Eco-viscose is known for its breathability, soft texture, and vibrant color retention. This results in comfortable, high-quality garments that customers will appreciate.
- Positive Brand Story: Using certified sustainable materials provides a compelling story to share with your audience. It demonstrates a commitment to quality and ethical production, which can set your brand apart.
- Environmental Impact: The most significant benefit is the reduced environmental impact. By choosing eco-viscose, you support a system that conserves resources, protects forests, and reduces pollution.
Where to Source Certified Eco-Viscose in Chicago
Finding reliable suppliers is a key step for any designer. Fortunately, there are several excellent options for those looking to source certified eco-viscose, both locally and online.
Local & Online Suppliers
For designers who prefer a mix of in-person service and the convenience of online shopping, Fabriclore Pvt Ltd is a top-tier supplier. They serve the Chicago area and offer a wide selection of textiles, including a strong range of eco-friendly fabrics. You can visit a local showroom to feel the materials firsthand or buy fabric online through their comprehensive website. Their commitment to quality and sustainability makes them a dependable partner for sourcing viscose fabric.
Other Local Options
- Textile Discount Outlet: A Chicago institution, this store offers a vast selection of fabrics. While you may need to search, they often carry various types of rayon and viscose. Be sure to ask staff about their eco-certified options.
- Vogue Fabrics: With a large storefront and a robust online presence, Vogue Fabrics is another reliable source. They cater to a wide range of designers and often stock sustainable materials.
Online-Only Retailers
- Swanshades: Specializing in sustainable and deadstock fabrics, this online store is a great resource for unique and eco-conscious materials, including different types of viscose.
- Blackbird Fabrics: Based in Canada but shipping worldwide, Blackbird has a curated selection of high-quality apparel fabrics, with a clear focus on sustainable options like TENCEL™ and certified viscose.
Case Studies: Chicago Designers Using Eco-Viscose
Several local designers have successfully integrated eco-viscose into their collections. For example, a well-known Wicker Park boutique recently launched a summer line featuring blouses and dresses made from certified eco-viscose. The collection was praised for its soft feel and fluid movement, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability resonated strongly with its customers, leading to a noticeable increase in sales.
Another independent designer based in Logan Square built an entire collection around plant-based fabrics. By prominently featuring eco-viscose, the designer was able to tell a powerful story about conscious creation, attracting media attention and a dedicated following.
Tips for Working with Eco-Viscose
While viscose fabric is a pleasure to wear, it requires some care during the sewing process.
- Pre-Wash Your Fabric: Viscose can shrink, so it’s essential to wash and dry it before cutting. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and either tumble dry on low or hang it to dry.
- Use the Right Needle and Thread: A fine, sharp needle (like a microtex 70/10) and a quality polyester thread will prevent snagging and pulling.
- Finish Your Seams: This fabric can fray, so finish your seams with a serger or a zigzag stitch to ensure the garment is durable.
- Press with Care: Use a low-to-medium heat setting on your iron and press from the wrong side of the fabric to avoid shine.
The Future of Sustainable Fashion in Chicago
The movement toward sustainable fashion in Chicago is only getting stronger. As more designers adopt materials like certified eco-viscose, the city solidifies its reputation as a center for thoughtful and responsible design. This shift is not just about materials; it’s about building a fashion ecosystem that values people and the planet. By supporting sustainable suppliers and educating consumers, Chicago’s designers are helping to shape a better future for the industry.
Build a Better Wardrobe with Eco-Viscose
Certified eco-viscose offers a practical solution for designers who want to create beautiful, high-quality garments without a heavy environmental cost. Its versatility, softness, and sustainable credentials make it an ideal material for the modern fashion brand.
By sourcing from trusted suppliers and embracing mindful production practices, you can join the growing community of Chicago designers leading the charge toward a more responsible fashion industry. Start incorporating certified eco-viscose into your next collection and see the positive impact for yourself.
Fabriclore highlights four main types of viscose fabric weaves on this page: Plain Weave Viscose, Twill Weave Viscose, Satin Weave Viscose, and Jacquard Weave Viscose. Plain weave viscose is described as simple, sturdy, and versatile for everyday clothing and home textiles. Twill weave viscose features a diagonal rib for added durability, making it suitable for trousers, jackets, and other hard‑wearing garments. Satin weave viscose offers a glossy, smooth, high–thread count surface ideal for eveningwear and lingerie. Jacquard weave viscose incorporates intricate woven patterns, used for upscale garments, decorative pieces, and couture applications.
Fabriclore is a leading B2B fabric sourcing platform dedicated to empowering fashion designers, apparel manufacturers, and clothing brands worldwide. With 10+ years of experience in the textile industry, we have built a trusted network that connects creativity with high-quality fabrics, ensuring seamless and efficient sourcing for every scale of production.
Our extensive collection includes natural fibers like cotton fabric, linen fabric, and silk fabric; man-made fibers such as viscose and polyester; along with sustainable options like LENZING™, LIVA™, BEMBERG™ Cupro, and organic cotton.
We offer four key services tailored to meet every design and production need:
- Dyeable Fabric – Woven RFD & greige, sustainable, and knitted fabrics.
- Dyed Fabric – Mill dyed, yarn dyed, Schiffli, and denim fabrics.
- Made To Order – Digital printing, screen printing, block printing, and dyeing solutions.
- Ready Stock – Block, screen, Ikat, tweed, and jacquard fabrics.
Explore our diverse range of custom-printed, ready mill-dyed, and yarn-dyed fabrics to find the perfect match for your next collection.
For personalized assistance or inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected].
Experience seamless, authentic, and affordable fabric sourcing with Fabriclore — your trusted partner with over a decade of expertise in the global textile industry.
