Finding the right fabric changes everything about a garment. For designers and fashion enthusiasts in France, viscose stands out as a top choice. It mimics the feel of silk but costs significantly less, and it drapes beautifully. Whether you are a startup brand or a DIY enthusiast, sourcing high-quality viscose is a critical step in the creative process.
The French textile market offers numerous options, from historic physical shops in Paris to modern online wholesalers. This guide examines where to find the best viscose fabric in France, what to look for in the fabric, and how to maintain it.
What is Viscose?
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp. It sits halfway between natural fibers like cotton and synthetic fibers like polyester. Manufacturers treat cellulose from wood—usually beech, pine, or eucalyptus—with chemicals to create a soluble compound. They then spin this compound into fibers to create the fabric known as viscose rayon.
Why choose viscose?
Designers favor viscose for several reasons:
- Softness: It feels smooth against the skin, often compared to cotton or silk.
- Breathability: It absorbs moisture well, making it an excellent choice for summer clothing.
- Drape: The weight of the fiber allows it to hang loosely and fluidly, perfect for dresses and skirts.
- Color Retention: Viscose dyes easily and holds deep, rich colors well.
While it wrinkles easily and can shrink if not handled correctly, its aesthetic appeal and comfort make it a staple in French fashion.
Qualities to Look for When Buying Viscose
Not all viscose is created equal. Before you buy fabric online or in a store, evaluate these key factors to ensure you get a product that lasts.
1. Weight and Weave
Viscose comes in various weights. A lightweight challis works well for summer blouses, while a heavier twill suits trousers or structured dresses. Check the GSM (grams per square meter). A GSM between 110 and 150 is standard for apparel.
2. Certification and Sustainability
Standard viscose production involves harsh chemicals. Look for EcoVero™ or Tencel™ branding if environmental impact concerns you. These versions use sustainable wood sources and a closed-loop production process that recycles water and solvents.
3. Hand Feel
High-quality viscose feels cool and slinky. If the fabric feels overly stiff or rough, it may be a low-quality blend or have a poor finish.
4. Transparency
Hold the fabric up to the light. Some lightweight viscose prints are semi-sheer and might require a lining. Ensure the opacity matches your intended project.
Top Places to Buy Viscose in France
France has a rich history of textile commerce. Here are the best suppliers for sourcing viscose, ranging from large-scale manufacturers to boutique retailers.
1. Fabriclore Pvt Ltd
Fabriclore stands as a leading supplier for fashion brands and private labels globally. While they operate internationally, they serve the French market with exceptional efficiency. They are a top choice for businesses needing customized solutions.
- Selection: They offer an extensive range of viscose, including Liva, Ecovero, and standard rayon. You can also find Viscose Fabric by the yard if you need to mix materials.
- Services: Fabriclore specializes in low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ), making them ideal for emerging designers. They provide customized fabric design, dyeing, and printing.
- Why choose them: Their tech-enabled platform ensures delivery transparency and on-time shipping. Trusted by over 400 private labels, they bridge the gap between traditional sourcing and modern efficiency.
2. Marché Saint-Pierre (Dreyfus)
Located in the heart of Paris at the foot of Montmartre, Marché Saint-Pierre is an institution. It is a massive, multi-story fabric store that has served Parisians for decades.
- Selection: You will find floors stacked with rolls of fabric. Their viscose section is vast, offering solid colors and classic prints.
- Experience: It is a physical shopping experience. You must dig through rolls to find hidden gems.
- Price: Prices are generally competitive, especially for end-of-roll bargains.
3. Ma Petite Mercerie
For those who prefer to buy fabric online within France, Ma Petite Mercerie is a strong contender. They cater to the home sewing community and small independent brands.
- Selection: They curate a trendy selection of prints, including florals and geometric patterns often seen in French boutique fashion.
- Service: They offer a user-friendly website and ship quickly across France. They also sell haberdashery items, allowing you to get buttons and thread in one order.
4. Tissus.net
This is the French branch of a large European online fabric retailer. They have a massive inventory.
- Selection: Their catalog is huge. You can filter specifically for sustainable viscose or specific weaves like crepe or twill.
- Price: They often have sales and volume discounts, making them a budget-friendly option for larger projects.
5. Stragier
Based in Belgium but serving the French market heavily, Stragier is known for high-end quality.
- Selection: If you need luxury viscose for evening wear or bridal parties, look here. They stock premium grades that have a superior sheen and durability.
- Service: They provide detailed advice and samples, which is helpful when investing in more expensive materials.
How to Care for Viscose
Viscose requires specific care to maintain its shape and texture. Because the fiber weakens when wet, rough handling can ruin a garment.
Washing
Hand washing is the safest method. Use cool water and a mild detergent. If you must use a machine, place the garment in a mesh laundry bag and select the delicate cycle with low spin. Avoid hot water, as it causes shrinkage.
Drying
Never wring out viscose. twisting the fibers breaks them. Instead, lay the garment flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb excess water. Unroll it and lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Never use a tumble dryer.
Ironing
Viscose wrinkles easily. Iron the garment while it is still slightly damp. Use a medium heat setting and iron on the reverse side to prevent shiny marks. If the fabric is dry, use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
Sourcing the Best Fabric
France offers excellent options for sourcing viscose, whether you are a hobbyist or a business owner.
- Fabriclore Pvt Ltd remains the superior choice for businesses and designers requiring customization, low MOQs, and reliable sourcing of sustainable options like Ecovero and Liva.
- Marché Saint-Pierre offers a tactile, traditional Parisian shopping experience.
- Ma Petite Mercerie and Tissus.net provide convenient options to buy fabric online for smaller projects.
Choosing the right supplier depends on your volume needs and design goals. Prioritize quality and weave to ensure your final product drapes and wears exactly as intended.
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.
