What is acetate? Learn about its properties and uses.

The clothing industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. Fast fashion requires producers to anticipate trends, act quickly, and introduce innovations that captivate consumers and encourage purchases. This is why new semi-finished products are being invented, making production on such a scale possible. Fortunately, there is also a current trend toward responsible fashion, which seeks solutions to reduce the negative consequences of the clothing industry. In this regard, it is also necessary to create products that can help in this task. Thanks to advanced technologies, new materials are being created practically overnight.

Acetate, a fabric that until recently was virtually unknown, has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, it's not the only material still emerging in the clothing industry, which is why it's not necessarily familiar to consumers. Other examples include lyocell, acrylic, and polyamide. Are these fabrics suitable for contact with the skin? How do you choose the right material? Acetate, like the other fabrics mentioned above, is a new product, and little is known about it online. This post is just the beginning of a series of articles in which we'll explain each type of material in more detail. So, let's explore what you need to know about acetate.

Acetate – what is this material?

While browsing clothing labels, have you ever come across the word "acetate"? What exactly is this material and what are its properties? This is a question many people ask themselves because it's not yet as popular as other fabrics, and information about it is relatively scarce. So let's analyze it and see what this material actually is. Acetate is also known as a cellulose fiber. It is classified as a synthetic fabric, meaning it's made from fibers derived from natural raw materials.

It's often associated with silk as a cheaper alternative. Due to its properties, it's often used for clothing lining. Acetate, like viscose, is made from cellulose – so what's the difference between these two materials? The difference lies in the method of yarn production. We'll discuss the acetate production process later in this article. So now you know a little about acetate fabric – what it is and how it's made. It's time to take a closer look at its properties.

Properties of acetate

It's time to discover what makes acetate unique. The properties of this material have quickly earned it immense recognition in the fashion industry. Its exceptional visual qualities have earned it the reputation as an alternative to silk. However, acetate has much more to offer and competes with other materials in many areas. Above all, it's worth noting that it has quite good hygroscopic properties, absorbing up to 25% of moisture. This makes clothes made from this fabric very comfortable against the skin, allowing it to breathe freely.

Moreover, acetate is opaque and exceptionally soft, making it an excellent material for dresses or linings, such as jackets, which often come into direct contact with our skin. The fabric's price is also worth mentioning. Although it's often compared to silk, the production process is significantly less expensive, making it affordable for virtually any budget.

Acetate – fabric composition

When considering purchasing acetate clothing, it's worth first understanding the production process and its composition. Acetate, like viscose, is derived from cellulose fibers, making it a synthetic fabric—one made from natural raw materials. While the production process for both materials is similar, what distinguishes them is the method of yarn production.

In the case of acetate, the solvent for the cellulose flakes is acetone. After dropping them into the aforementioned substance, mineral oil is added. This treatment protects the material from static electricity and sticking together. The fibers are then produced using small nozzles. When the acetone has fully evaporated, the product is ready for use. Another crucial aspect of acetate production is the method of finishing it in an acidic bath. This treatment gives the acetate increased resistance to discoloration.

Acetate and opinions about it

If you're unsure whether to buy acetate clothing, you should seek the opinions of users, which may be helpful in making your final decision. In our opinion, this material is definitely worth exploring. Don't be misled by the label "man-made." While this doesn't sound right, it's important to remember that man-made and synthetic materials are two completely different things. While acetate, which includes acetate, is made from naturally occurring raw materials that require technical processing, synthetic materials are made from fibers that are produced solely through chemical processing.

What other qualities make acetate a good choice? Online reviews emphasize its unique appearance. Patterned garments created by combining acetate with other fibers achieve a beautiful, natural color shift. Its unique properties, which make it incredibly comfortable for everyday use, also bear mention. Acetate has excellent hygroscopic properties, is wrinkle-resistant, and dries quickly after washing.

Acetate – most popular questions and answers

We hope this post has given you a better understanding of acetate, making it easier to decide whether to buy clothes made from it. Below, we've included a list of frequently asked questions and answers that may help clear up any doubts you may have about this fabric.

• Is acetate a good material?

  Absolutely. Like viscose, it's made from cellulose. It's classified as a synthetic material, meaning it's derived from natural raw materials that have undergone some processing. It exhibits good hygroscopic properties, is wrinkle-resistant, dries quickly, and doesn't shrink in the wash. Furthermore, it's incredibly pleasant to the touch, often compared to silk. It can be hand-washed at up to 40°C. It's most commonly used for dresses and linings of all kinds.

• Is acetate natural?

  Acetate is a product of chemical processing of cellulose. It is therefore classified as a synthetic material, meaning it can be processed, but its raw material is natural components, such as cellulose. It should not be confused with synthetic fiber, which is produced entirely chemically from polymers not found in nature. Acetate, like viscose, is therefore a high-quality material with unique properties.

• Does acetate crease?

  Acetate is a synthetic material most often used for lining. It's also often used for dresses. It's exceptionally versatile for several reasons, one of which is its wrinkle-resistance. It also dries quickly and doesn't shrink in the wash. It's thanks to these unique properties that it's gaining popularity. It's also very pleasant to the touch, often compared to silk.

• Should I wash acetate and how?

  Many people wonder how to wash acetate, and whether it can even be done without losing its properties. Hand washing is recommended at a maximum temperature of 40°C. Unfortunately, it's believed that materials with a high acetate content can lose their shine and shape during washing, so it's essential to follow the above recommendations. An alternative way to clean acetate clothing is to take it to a dry cleaner.

• Acetate and ironing

  This is another question that often puzzles owners of acetate clothing. Can clothing made from this fabric be ironed? It's generally considered safe to use an iron at a maximum temperature of 120°C. Fortunately, acetate is a wrinkle-resistant fabric, so ironing is usually unnecessary. If you're concerned about the material, you can take your clothing to a trusted dry cleaner, where they will professionally care for your garment and restore its pristine appearance.

Choosing a material is a crucial aspect when purchasing new clothing. It's important to choose a high-quality fabric that guarantees comfort during everyday wear. One such material is acetate, which has recently gained considerable recognition in the clothing market. It's worth trying it out for yourself to see its unique properties. We invite you to explore our selection. Unique designs await you, ensuring you'll feel great every day.