Viscose is one of the softest and most comfortable fabrics available for sleepwear — but it does need a little more care than cotton to stay that way. The good news is that with a simple routine, viscose pyjamas and loungewear will hold their softness and shape for a long time.
Here's everything you need to know.
Why viscose needs careful washing
Viscose is made from plant-based cellulose fibres that are smooth and lightweight, which is why it feels so soft and drapes so well. Those same properties make it more susceptible to damage from heat, agitation and harsh chemicals than cotton.
When washed incorrectly, viscose can:
- Shrink — especially in hot water or a hot dryer
- Lose its shape — heavy agitation in a full spin cycle can stretch or distort the fabric
- Pill — friction from rough washing can create surface bobbles
- Feel rough — residue from strong detergents can affect the fabric's natural softness
None of this needs to happen if you follow a few straightforward steps.
How to wash viscose sleepwear
Check the care label first
Always check the care label on your specific garment. Different viscose blends (viscose with elastane, viscose with cotton) may have slightly different requirements. The label is the definitive guide.
Use a cool or cold wash
30°C is the recommended maximum for most viscose blends. Many pieces can be washed at 20°C. Cold water is gentler and is less likely to cause shrinkage or colour fading.
Avoid 40°C or above — this is the most common cause of viscose shrinking.
Use a gentle or delicate cycle
The delicate or hand wash cycle on your machine uses slower agitation and a gentler spin. This is much kinder to viscose than a standard cotton cycle. If your machine has a 'silk' programme, that works well too.
High spin speeds can stretch and distort viscose. Use 600–800 rpm rather than 1200+.
Use a gentle detergent
Biological detergents contain enzymes that can break down protein fibres — not relevant for viscose itself, but worth knowing. More importantly, choose a detergent that's designed for delicates or one that's gentle on colours.
Avoid fabric conditioners with viscose containing elastane, as they can degrade the stretch fibres over time. For pure viscose, a small amount of conditioner can help maintain softness.
Wash inside out
Turn your pyjamas inside out before washing. This reduces surface friction on the outer fabric, which helps prevent pilling and protects any printed or dyed surface.
Wash with similar fabrics
Washing viscose with heavy items like denim or towels increases friction and agitation. Wash delicates together, or use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
How to dry viscose sleepwear
Never tumble dry on high heat
High heat in a tumble dryer is likely to shrink viscose significantly. If you do use a tumble dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove items while still slightly damp.
Air dry flat where possible
The best method is to lay viscose pieces flat on a clean towel or drying rack. This prevents the weight of wet fabric pulling the garment out of shape as it hangs.
If hanging to dry, use a wide hanger rather than a narrow wire one, which can leave shoulder marks. Don't hang by the waistband of trousers — the weight can stretch the waistband.
Dry away from direct sunlight
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade colours over time. Dry in a shaded spot outdoors or indoors.
How to iron viscose
Viscose can wrinkle, but it usually falls back into shape once worn for a short while. If you do need to iron:
- Use a cool iron (the silk/delicate setting)
- Iron on the reverse side (inside out)
- Use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric if possible
- Never iron viscose when completely dry — very slightly damp gives better results
Alternatively, a fabric steamer on a gentle setting is a good option for removing creases without direct contact with the fabric.
Storage
Store viscose sleepwear folded rather than on hangers for long periods — hanging can cause the fabric to stretch over time. Keep in a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight.
A simple summary
| | Recommended | |---|---| | Wash temperature | 20–30°C | | Cycle | Delicate or hand wash | | Spin speed | 600–800 rpm | | Drying | Air dry flat | | Tumble dryer | Avoid, or lowest heat only | | Iron | Cool setting, inside out |
With these habits in place, your viscose sleepwear will stay soft, hold its colour and keep its shape wash after wash.