Viscose is a semi-synthetic type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp that is used as a silk substitute, as it has a similar drape and smooth feel to the luxury material. The term “viscose” refers specifically to the solution of wood pulp that is turned into the fabric. It became hugely popular because of the way it draped on the body. Viscose is not quite synthetic, as it is made from cellulose (as all early plastics were), but it is not quite natural either, due to the extensive chemical transformations it is put through.