Poly Viscose... what is it?

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 21st August 04, 10:58 PM

Okay. Of the more than 15 North American kilt making companies, more are going to the Poly Viscose material (virtually ALL from the same manufacturer).

After a recent "spirited" conversation on the stuff, here's what the manufacturers had to say about it.

Poly Viscose:

Poly Viscose is a RAYON fabric made from a cellulose ester (obtained by treating cellulose with caustic soda).

Viscose fabrics have a silky to matte luster with an elegant flowing drape. The natural effect of the colors gives them an attractive look. Viscose is supple and has a softness that is comfortable to wear.

As they can absorb perspiration quite quickly, making them very skin-friendly, but with poor thermal properties.

Cellulose, usually derived from tree trunks, is converted into a highly viscous state and spun into a fiber by forcing it through spinneret holes.

It is not to be confused in ANY WAY with a 13 or 16 ounce wool. It is MUCH lighter than the traditional materials used for kilts. It IS, however, light weight and easy to care for.

Information taken from two Mills and one chemical manufacturer.

**Graham** · 21st August 04, 11:32 PM

You are becoming the forum's fountain of knowledge Jimmy.
Thanks for that, now I know what I have around my bum right now!

**Rob** · 22nd August 04, 02:10 AM

Originally Posted by Graham

You are becoming the forum's fountain of knowledge Jimmy.
Thanks for that, now I know what I have around my bum right now!

Graham,

I bet you never knew that some of your kilts had once been 'highly viscous' and 'forced through spinneret holes'.

Rob (who has never forced anything through spinneret holes)

**Graham** · 22nd August 04, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by Rob

Originally Posted by Graham

You are becoming the forum's fountain of knowledge Jimmy.
Thanks for that, now I know what I have around my bum right now!

Graham,

I bet you never knew that some of your kilts had once been 'highly viscous' and 'forced through spinneret holes'.

Rob (who has never forced anything through spinneret holes)

Oh that's gross, yuk, I'm not wearing THAT anymore!!

(only kidding)

**Blu (Ontario)** · 22nd August 04, 04:34 AM

I think the post is great. It's very much the type of subject matter that I would be inclined to post. As for the 'spirited' conversation mentioned... I would also have described it as 'lofty'. Regardless, poly viscose fabric is practical and cost effective and here to stay.

BTW... With this sudden and radical shift in your style of posting... you haven't bumped your head on a bolt of poly viscose fabric, have you??

blu

**Donnie** · 22nd August 04, 05:40 AM

Thanks Jimmy! Very informative post. Polyviscose IS very comfortable especially here in the south.

**David Woodington** · 22nd August 04, 05:44 AM

Thanks Jimmy. I find this bit of information very interesting.and like most of the kilt materials Wool,poly,etc. they will all fill some special need.
Blu as to the change in his posts you will note his pint drinking buddy that usually resides at the bottom of his posts is now absent

Hmmm, very interesting

catch you all soon
Dave

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 22nd August 04, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

BTW... With this sudden and radical shift in your style of posting... you haven't bumped your head on a bolt of poly viscose fabric, have you??

blu

Nope... but Stacey just saw the bill for the kilts that I've been buying, and as a pastry chef, she's VERY proficient with a rolling pin! :o

I've just decided that it's better to have some facts out there so that arguements and debates are backed-up with documented and written facts. Like "knowing your tartan", it's just as good to know what's hanging off your arse (okay... I'm talking about the fabric you sickos).

On a side note, I LOVE the feel and flow of Poly-Viscose kilts. When they're made VERY carefully with straight sewing and pattern care, they're great! They have their place right next to my traditionals and American solids. I wouldn't trade my BearKilts Grizzly cuts for any other! 8)

**Raphael** · 22nd August 04, 09:55 AM

But I think Poly got its bad reputation fin the 70's. the material has since improved and blend with different fabric to make it feels and looks better. Most of my business suits are poly blend with wool. I have nothing but good comment from people. Then again, you gotta work in a suit /tailor shop to tell the different between them.

Believe it or not, I don't like pure wool suits because of the weight.

**Miah** · 22nd August 04, 10:02 AM

Yeah i agree bcmtnbka the poly fabrics of the 70's gave new fabrics a bad name. In the military we were issued a new material to replace our wool it was called Gaberdine (sp)
I am going to try to look up some info on it but it looked and wore almost exacly like wool.