Cupro is a regenerated fibre made from cotton linter, the short fuzz left on cotton seeds after ginning, which is dissolved and spun into a fine thread with a silky handle and a soft drape. It is used in dresses, blouses and linings across our designer dresses and tops, including the new gingham dress from Scanlan Theodore, which is half cupro and half viscose.
Key facts
- Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fibre made from cotton linter
- It is named after the copper used to dissolve the linter
- It is smooth, cool and breathable, with a soft sheen
- It is weaker when wet, so dry clean it and hand wash cool only where the label allows
How cupro is made
Cotton linter is too short to spin as cotton, so it is dissolved in a copper and ammonia solution, pushed through fine nozzles and set into filament. The name comes from the copper in that process. Like viscose, it is a cellulose fibre: plant based, but made in a factory.
How cupro feels
Cupro is smooth, cool and fluid, with a soft sheen rather than the high shine of satin. It breathes well and does not build static, which is why it is a favourite lining fabric. It sits between silk and viscose: softer than most viscose, a little less lustrous than silk.
Cupro against silk and viscose
| Fibre | Source | Feel | Care |
| Cupro | Cotton linter | Fluid, cool, soft sheen | Dry clean; gentle cool hand wash |
| Silk | Silkworm cocoons | Lustrous, warm, light | Dry clean; gentle hand wash |
| Viscose | Wood pulp | Soft, heavier drape | Dry clean; cool hand wash |
Designer pieces in cupro
1. Gingham Dress in Blue
Cupro and viscose gingham, cut as a belted shirt dress.
2. Dries Van Noten Cupro cocoon shirt in Dark Brown
A cocoon shirt in dark brown cupro.
3. Dries Van Noten Wide leg cupro pants in Dark Brown
Wide leg trousers in fluid cupro.
4. Magda Butrym Gathered cupro mini dress in beige floral print
A gathered cupro mini dress in a floral print.
5. Magda Butrym Cupro bubble blouse in red
A red cupro bubble blouse.
6. Magda Butrym Strapless cupro and wool draped corset dress in brown
A draped corset dress in cupro and wool.
7. Lemaire Dress with Slits in Transparent Cupro
A sheer cupro dress with slits.
8. Schiaparelli Safari Cupro Shirt
A cupro safari shirt.
How to care for cupro
Follow the label: many pieces are dry clean only. Where a hand wash is allowed, use cool water and a mild detergent, do not wring, and dry flat in the shade. Cupro is weaker when wet, so be gentle until it dries. Steam on low rather than pressing with a hot iron, and store on a padded hanger.
Frequently asked questions
Is cupro a natural fabric?
It is made from a natural material, cotton linter, but it is processed chemically, so it is classed as a regenerated cellulose fibre, like viscose.
Is cupro better than polyester?
It breathes better and does not build static, so it feels cooler and more comfortable against the skin.
Does cupro shrink?
It can if washed hot and tumble dried. Wash cool by hand, where the label allows, and dry flat.
Is cupro like silk?
It has a similar fluid drape and cool handle, with a softer sheen, and is often used as an alternative to silk.
Read next: Shirt dresses, Scanlan Theodore gingham, Gingham dresses.
By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.
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