Rayon and silk are two popular fabrics, but what’s the difference – and which should you choose?
Rayon fabric, sometimes called ‘artificial silk,’ is a semi-synthetic fiber that mimics silk, which is made from natural fibers. Rayon has better heat retention and breathability than silk, but isn’t as soft or luxurious. However, it does cost less and is easier to care for. Unfortunately, rayon, particularly viscose rayon, is very bad for the environment. Rayon fiber is also not as durable as silk.
Check out the comparison table below then read on for a full guide to the differences between rayon and silk:
Rayon vs Silk Comparison Table
Property | Rayon | Silk |
---|---|---|
Other Names | Viscose, Modal, Lyocell | – |
Made From | Chemically-treated wood and bamboo cellulose | Silk is a soft and shiny fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons. |
Advantages | Rayon is cheap to produce and provides a substantially higher yield per acre than most other fabrics | Smooth, soft and luxurious. Looks and feels fantastic. |
Disadvantages | Rayon shrinks in hot water, and the more environmentally-friendly methods of creating it increase costs. Some forms of rayon require dry cleaning. Rayon may absorb body oils leading to staining. | Less practical than many other fabrics. Heat retention, water-resistance and color-fastness are all poor, and overall less durable than many other fabrics. |
Uses | Rayon is used for clothing, bed sheets, curtains, and carpets. | Fashion, particularly luxury items, as well as lining for men’s suits, ties, and pocket squares. Other uses include curtains, sheets, pillows, and upholstery. |
Natural or Synthetic | Semi-Synthetic | Natural |
Woven or Knitted | Either | Either, typically woven |
Thread Count | 300-600 | Up to 600 |
Washing | Dry clean or gentle hand wash in cold water (always check the label first) | Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may leave to fading. Do not put in the washing machine. |
Drying | Air dry only, do not tumble dry as shrinkage is likely | Air dry only |
Ironing | Iron inside-out while damp with low heat | Do not iron. Silk should be steamed. |
Wrinkle Resistance | Wrinkles easily, especially when damp. | Don’t tend to wrinkle |
Heat Retention | Medium | Poor |
Moisture Wicking | Good | Good |
Breathability | Very Good | Good |
Stretchability | Low | |
Flammability (untreated) | Very High | Very High |
Water-Resistance (untreated) | Poor | Poor |
Color-Fastness | Poor | Poor |
Strength | Medium when dry, but weaker when wet | Good, but weaker when wet |
Durability | Low | Medium |
Drape | Fluid | Fluid |
Softness | Good | Very Good |
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst) | Generic Viscose Rayon = E, Modal = D, TENCEL = B | Normal Silk = C, Organic Silk = B |
Sustainability Issues | The Rayon industry contributes to deforestation and pollution. Rayon production is chemically-intensive. | Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside). |
Vegan | Yes | No |