Modal fabric
Beech wood cellulose. An improved viscose: the fibre is stretched to make it stronger and less prone to shrink. The best known is Lenzing's 'Tencel Modal'.
How it feels
Very soft, silky and cool.
Season: Summer and hot days – it keeps you cool.
What it's used for
Underwear, pyjamas, T-shirts, bedding.
Best next to skin: tees, underwear, pyjamas and loungewear.
Pros
- Softer than cotton
- Shrinks and fades less than viscose
Cons
- Can pill
- Weakened by heat
Care: a typical label
Always follow your own garment's label – blends and finishes change the care.
How it's constructed
Knit. One yarn interlocked in loops – so the fabric stretches sideways and creases less, but can stretch out.
A little history
Modal was developed in Japan in the 1950s; Austria's Lenzing refined and popularised it.
How to recognise it
Regenerated fibres are smooth, slightly lustrous, very drapey and cool to the touch. Noticeably weaker when wet. They burn smelling of paper, like cotton.
Sustainability
Renewable and biodegradable, but viscose production is chemical-heavy. Lyocell (Tencel) is made in a closed loop – the cleanest choice. Look for FSC or Lenzing EcoVero.
When buying
'Bamboo' on a label usually means viscose. Modal and lyocell shrink less than plain viscose – worth paying more for clothes you wash often.
Frequently asked
01What is modal?
Beech wood cellulose. An improved viscose: the fibre is stretched to make it stronger and less prone to shrink. The best known is Lenzing's 'Tencel Modal'.
02Is modal a natural fabric?
Partly: the raw material is natural (wood cellulose) but the fibre is made chemically – it's regenerated, neither natural nor synthetic.
03Does modal shrink?
A little: modal can shrink 1–2%, mostly in the first wash.
04Is modal breathable?
Yes: modal lets air through and absorbs moisture – cool in the heat.