Modal vs viscose
Modal is an upgraded viscose: stronger, softer and less prone to shrink. Viscose is cheaper and drapes better for dresses.
Choose modal
Underwear, tees
Choose viscose
Flowing dresses
Modal
- Softer than cotton
- Shrinks and fades less than viscose
- Can pill
- Weakened by heat
Viscose
- Looks like silk for less
- Breathable and cool
- Loses up to half its strength when wet
- Shrinks and creases
- Chemical-heavy production
| Modal | Viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Regenerated (from cellulose) | Regenerated (from cellulose) |
| Made from | Beech wood cellulose. | Cellulose from wood pulp (eucalyptus, pine, bamboo). |
| Feel | Very soft, silky and cool. | Soft, slippery and fluid – silk-like. |
| Shrinks? | A little: modal can shrink 1–2%, mostly in the first wash. | Yes – viscose shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. |
| Used for | Underwear, pyjamas, T-shirts, bedding. | Dresses, blouses, linings, summer clothes. |
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Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, modal or viscose?
Modal is an upgraded viscose: stronger, softer and less prone to shrink. Viscose is cheaper and drapes better for dresses.
02Which is more breathable?
About the same.
03Which creases less?
Modal creases less.