Editing Rayon (section)

== Properties ==
[[File:Rayon closeup 1.jpg|thumb|A close-up of rayon from a skirt]]
[[File:Rayon closeup 2.jpg|thumb|Another skirt with a different texture]]
[[File:Rayon closeup 3.jpg|thumb|A blouse with a texture similar to the second]]

Rayon is a versatile fiber and is widely claimed to have the same comfort properties as natural fibers, although the [[Drapery|drape]] and slipperiness of rayon textiles are often more like [[nylon]]. It can imitate the feel and texture of [[silk]], [[wool]], [[cotton]], and [[linen]]. The fibers are easily [[Dyeing|dyed]] in a wide range of colors. Rayon fabrics are soft, smooth, cool, comfortable, and highly absorbent, but they do not always insulate body heat, making them ideal for use in hot and humid climates, although also making their "hand" (feel) cool and sometimes almost slimy to the touch.<ref>{{cite book |last1=LaBat |first1=Karen L. |last2=Salusso |first2=Carol J. |name-list-style=amp |date=2003 |title=Classifications & Analysis of Textiles: A Handbook |publisher=University of Minnesota }}</ref>

The durability and appearance retention of regular viscose rayons are low, especially when wet; also, rayon has the lowest elastic recovery of any fiber. However, HWM rayon (high-wet-modulus rayon) is much stronger and exhibits higher durability and appearance retention. Recommended care for regular viscose rayon is dry-cleaning only. HWM rayon can be machine-washed.<ref name="Kadolph 2001">{{cite book |last1=Kadolph |first1=Sara J. |last2=Langford |first2=Anna L. |name-list-style=amp |date=2001 |title=Textiles |edition=9 |publisher=Prentice Hall |isbn=978-0-13-025443-6 }}</ref>{{Page needed|date=May 2025}}

Regular rayon has lengthwise lines called [[:wikt:striation|striations]] and its cross-section is an indented circular shape. The cross-sections of HWM and cupra rayon are rounder. [[wiktionary:filament|Filament]] rayon [[yarn]]s vary from 80 to 980 filaments per yarn and vary in size from 40 to 5000 [[Denier (unit)|denier]]. Staple fibers range from 1.5 to 15 denier and are mechanically or chemically crimped. Rayon fibers are naturally very bright, but the addition of delustering [[pigments]] cuts down on this natural brightness.<ref name="Kadolph 2001" />