Lyocell vs cotton
Lyocell is strong even when wet, cool and smooth; cotton is more matte and cheaper. Both breathe.
Choose lyocell
Drapey shirts and dresses
Choose cotton
Everyday clothes
Lyocell
- Strong even when wet
- Cleaner production than viscose
- Wicks moisture well
- Can fibrillate – go fuzzy from abrasion
Cotton
- Breathes and absorbs moisture
- Hypoallergenic, good for sensitive skin
- Washes easily, even hot
- Creases
- Shrinks in heat, especially jersey
- Slow to dry
| Lyocell | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Regenerated (from cellulose) | Natural plant fibre |
| Made from | Eucalyptus and other wood cellulose. | The fluffy fibre around cotton plant seeds. |
| Feel | Smooth, cool, with a heavy drape. | Cool, dry and kind to skin; softens with age. |
| Shrinks? | A little: lyocell can shrink 1–2%, mostly in the first wash. | Yes – cotton shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. |
| Used for | Shirts, trousers, dresses, denim, bedding. | T-shirts, shirts, jeans, underwear, bedding. |
More comparisons
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, lyocell or cotton?
Lyocell is strong even when wet, cool and smooth; cotton is more matte and cheaper. Both breathe.
02Which is more breathable?
About the same.
03Which creases less?
Lyocell creases less.