A Comparison: TENCEL™, Lyocell, Rayon, and Modal

A Comparison: TENCEL™, Lyocell, Rayon, and Modal
The modern consumer is a conscious one, but with so many options on the market, how do you know what’s the best and most sustainable? In this guide, we’ll take you through a detailed comparison of rayon, modal, lyocell, and TENCEL™ material to help you understand the difference between them and which one helps meet your needs.

TENCEL™, Lyocell, Rayon, and Modal are all regenerated cellulose fibers that are made from cellulose extracted from wood pulp. TENCEL™ is produced by Austrian based Lenzing Group, while Lyocell and Modal are produced by the same company but branded differently.

1.Rayon
Rayon is a fiber from regenerated cellulose, generally derived from wood pulp. Rayon is usually made from eucalyptus trees, but any plant can be used (such as bamboo, soy, cotton, etc.) Rayon is produced by a variety of manufacturers. All of these fabrics are soft, lightweight, and breathable.

While rayon in a jersey knit form is stretchy, it is simply because knit fabrics generally have a stretch element to them – the fiber itself has no stretch, and any woven fabric created from just rayon will have no stretch to it.

2.TENCEL™
TENCEL™ is a botanic fiber found in nature. It is harvested from Eucalyptus trees and produced through a closed loop manufacturing process, which means it's eco-friendly and safe for the environment. Eucalyptus trees are sustainable, regenerate quickly, and grown free of herbicides and pesticides. TENCEL™ is known for its smooth and silky texture while Modal is a bit more lustrous than Tencel.

3.Lyocell
Lyocell is a type of fabric made from a combination of cellulose and synthetic fibers. It's soft, lightweight, breathable, and known for its durability. It's also eco-friendly and highly resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and stretching.

Fabric made of lyocell also has excellent drape, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and holds dye well so it makes vibrant colors. It’s also breathable and manages moisture so it helps with temperature regulation. These features make it particularly popular for clothing and bedding brands.

Like Modal, Lyocell has the benefit of being durable even when wet. It doesn't wrinkle or crease easily, and it's an especially good material if you're the type who hates ironing. The versatility of this fabric means it's perfect for just about anything.

Lyocell and Rayon have a more textured feel, making them a great choice for garments that need a bit of extra grip, such as trousers or jackets.

BXTribe Comfy Golf Polo Shirt, adding Lyocell, the lightweight and breathable fibers with special weaving technology is adopted to evaporate water and dry faster, perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable all day long. 

4.Modal
Modal is a type of fabric made from beechwood cellulose. It is lightweight, soft, and breathable. Modal is incredibly soft, so it’s most common in intimate apparel and loungewear. It is often used in clothing and lingerie. Unlike synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, rayon and modal won't trap sweat and odors, making them perfect for summer clothing.

The difference between Modal and Tencel or Lyocell
Handfeel - Modal is known to be softer and smoother than Tencel Lyocell. It sits so gently against your skin that it almost feels like a second skin.

Thickness - Modal's unique weave pattern and fabric properties allow it to also be processed into micro-modal, a thinner, lighter version of modal. This makes it a perfect choice for pajamas and underwear, especially for those in tropical climates, summer weather and nighttime runs.

Temperature - Modal feels cooler on the skin and also keeps you cool throughout the night. Its moisture-wicking properties allow your garment to regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable throughout the day.

Maintenance - Modal and microfiber last longer despite heavy use. It is less prone to pilling, allowing you to enjoy perfect comfort for longer. Modal also retains its vibrant colors. This enables consumers to practice ethical consumption as they do not have to constantly re-purchase products for replacement.

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