What is TENCEL™ Fabric? Modal, Lyocell and How They Compare

TENCEL™ is a brand name used by the Austrian company Lenzing for its lyocell and modal fibres. Both are made from wood pulp. This guide explains what TENCEL™ is, how the fibres are made, how they compare with cotton and other fabrics, and how to care for them.

What is TENCEL™ fabric?

TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell are cellulose fibres, meaning they are made from plant material (wood pulp) that is dissolved and spun into fibre. They are known for a soft, smooth feel and good drape, and are used in clothing, bedding and home textiles. Lavender Hill is licensed to use the TENCEL™ brand name.

Types of TENCEL™

• TENCEL™ Modal is made from beech wood pulp. It is soft, smooth and holds its shape well, and is often blended with cotton.
• TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from wood pulp, often eucalyptus, and has a smooth, cool feel with a fluid drape.

TENCEL™ vs cotton

Cotton is a natural fibre from the cotton plant. It is breathable and easy to care for, and gets softer with washing. TENCEL™ fibres are generally smoother and drape more fluidly, and many people find them softer. They also absorb moisture well. Cotton is often the better choice for crisp, structured pieces, while TENCEL™ suits fluid, soft garments. Our tops often blend the two.

How is TENCEL™ made?

Wood is broken down into pulp, dissolved, and pushed through fine holes (spinnerets) to form continuous filaments. These are washed, dried and cut or spun into yarn, which is then knitted or woven into fabric. For its lyocell, Lenzing states that it uses a closed-loop process in which most of the solvent is recovered and reused.

Features of TENCEL™ fabrics

• Softness: a smooth, silky feel against the skin.
• Breathability: the fibres absorb moisture well, so the fabric feels comfortable to wear.
• Drape: TENCEL™ hangs fluidly, which suits tops, dresses and nightwear.
• Durability: modal in particular holds its shape wash after wash when cared for properly.

Viscose vs modal vs lyocell

All three are cellulose fibres made from wood pulp. Viscose is the most widely used and varies a lot in quality. Modal is a finer, stronger development of viscose. Lyocell is made by a different process, with a solvent that is recovered and reused. TENCEL™ is the brand name for Lenzing's modal and lyocell.

Tencel vs bamboo

Most bamboo fabric on the market is bamboo viscose, a cellulose fibre made through the viscose process. TENCEL™ fibres are made from wood pulp, and Lenzing produces them under its own brand and quality standards. Both can feel soft; check the label and the brand's own information.

TENCEL™ care instructions

• Follow the care label on your garment.
• Wash at a low temperature on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
• Avoid bleach, and use fabric softener sparingly.
• Dry flat or hang to dry, or tumble dry on low if the label allows.

Shop TENCEL™

Browse our TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal t-shirts, our yoga wear and our nightwear. Questions about fabrics? Contact us.