What Is Modal Fabric & Is This Material Really Sustainable?
Some call it a sustainable textile and others worry that its popularity is a result of greenwashing.
So, what is modal fabric? Does it live up to its hype as an eco-friendly fashion material?
The pulp of beech trees is what becomes modal fabric. Modal is a semi-synthetic and breathable material.
It is commonly found in underwear, cotton jersey t-shirts, eco friendly robes, activewear, and even sustainable bedding and eco friendly pillows.
Like with many of the fabrics used in sustainable and ethical fashion, modal does have its ecological benefits. It doesn’t require as many resources as other materials and is made with plant-based materials.
Plus, it’s easy to care for and super comfortable.
However, the sustainability of modal is, well, complicated.
In order to ensure that modal-made clothes belong in our eco-friendly wardrobes, we might have to do a little extra digging (like looking for that favorite skirt you know is buried somewhere in your closet).
QUICK LINKS TO MODAL FABRIC PROPERTIES
- What is Modal Fabric?
- How is Modal Fabric Made?
- Properties of Modal Fabric
- Is Modal Material Good Quality?
- Who Manufactures Modal Fabric?
- Is Modal Fabric Sustainable?
- Modal Fabric Pros and Cons
- Modal Fabric Care
- Modal Fabric vs Cotton, Lyocell and Viscose
- Which Brands Use Modal Fabric?
1. WHAT IS MODAL FABRIC?
Modal rayon fabric, also known as High Wet Modulus (HWM) rayon, was first developed in Japan in 1951 as an alternative to silk.
But what is modal material?
Well, modal is very similar to regular viscose rayon fabric. However, it is also stronger, more breathable, and has the ability to withstand excessive moisture.
Modal fabric is a “semi-synthetic” fabric that is commonly combined with other fibers to create a soft and long-lasting material.
It’s a hybrid fabric of sorts.
And because it’s a hybrid (taking the best properties from a variety of raw materials), modal fabric feels silky-smooth like a cozy, breathable, soft hug which makes it one of the more luxurious vegan fabrics.
It’s generally found in the garments from higher-end sustainable clothing brands.
2. HOW IS MODAL FABRIC MADE?
Modal is produced in a manner like that of viscose fabric, but without most of the wasteful and harmful processes.
So what is modal material made of?
Harvested beech trees. Which are put through a somewhat complex purification process converting the wood chips into the cellulose that becomes the modal fabric.
First, sheets are formed from the extracted cellulose.
Submerging the sheets in sodium hydroxide prepares them for the next step. Unlike with viscose rayon, this process requires much less sodium hydroxide, which means less toxic waste.
Seeping the cellulose sheets breaks them down into crumb-size pieces. Immersing them in carbon disulfide produces an orange substance called sodium cellulose xanthate.
This is the point at which the modal material goes beyond being a synthetic fabric and is considered to be a semi-synthetic fabric.
The sodium cellulose xanthate is once again soaked in sodium hydroxide. It is then moved through a spinneret to create fibers. A soak in sulfuric acid is the final step, and then voila—manufacturers have created sustainable yarn!
After bleaching, washing, and drying, modal is ready to become that favorite t-shirt or new pair of undies.
3. PROPERTIES OF MODAL FABRIC
One of the best modal fabric properties is its ultra-comfy feel. It’s soft, light, flexible, and breathable.
Like peace silk, modal material doesn’t crease, doesn’t shrink, and drapes well, too.
It provides the perfect stretch but also remains durable (even for those sustainable yoga clothes and sustainable socks you’ve been living in over the past couple of months!).
Even better, you won’t experience that annoying pilling after extended wear.
4. IS MODAL FABRIC GOOD QUALITY?
Modal fabric lasts longer than cotton, is more resilient than many other synthetics and can withstand repeated wash and dry cycles, making it a great fabric for ethical activewear. Or any clothing that goes through the wringer.
It’s also color-fast and comfortable, which makes it an ideal alternative fabric for brands who are in the business of creating organic bras, fair trade pajamas, and eco friendly t-shirts.
5. WHO MANUFACTURES MODAL FABRIC?
The leader in modal fabric is Lenzing AG, an Austrian fabric company.
Driven by a mission to provide sustainable fibers, Lenzing uses a circular business model to achieve their aims.
One of Lenzing’s brands, TENCEL™, uses both lyocell and modal fibers. Recognized for their closed loop production process, the brand reuses 99% of the solvent and recycles water.
They use sustainable wood sources and ensure that certified sources produce the harvested wood.
Overall, the production of Lenzing Modal is carbon-neutral and requires less land and water than other textiles
6. IS MODAL FABRIC SUSTAINABLE?
While Lenzing leads the way, there are other companies that produce this type of rayon.
But not all modal fabric is made equal.
The production of modal takes place in countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan—but without the strict standards used by Lenzing.
In some areas of the world, the production of modal fabric occurs with government standards that are more lax than in others. This can have an impact on sustainability and worker conditions, given the heavy use of chemicals in production.
In fact, the modal supply chain has been linked to logging in tropical rainforest areas—at a rate that’s predicted to double by 2025.
That’s right, while beechwood pulp produces most eco friendly modal fabric, rainforest pulp has been used as well. While environmentally responsible processes that use sustainably sourced wood are responsible for Lenzing modal fibers, many other manufacturers don’t do the same.
Every year, our clothing comes from more than 120 million trees that have been cut down. The biodegradability of modal means that it is one of the more sustainable options out there.
But, to ensure that the modal fabric you’re buying is actually eco friendly, it should come from a trusted manufacturer who uses sustainable sourcing practices.
7. MODAL FABRIC PROS AND CONS
There are more modal fabric pros than there are cons.
One of the biggest pros of modal fibers is that, in Lenzing’s case, it has been certified as both biodegradable and compostable under home, soil, industrial, and marine conditions.
It’s growth is more sustainable than that of cotton, and it’s responsible for yields up to ten times as high. It also uses 20 times less water!
Water is also saved when you’re wearing those new modal fabric organic pajamas. The material doesn’t require heavy washing and you’ll have no need for whitening agents or non-toxic fabric softeners.
Modal material is comfortable and durable. You can anticipate that clothes made with this fabric will be able to withstand stretching and moving and years of wearing.
As for the cons of modal fibers, there have been occasional drawbacks reported including allergic reactions, discoloration and lack of heat retention.
For us, the number one downside of modal is that, unless it is a Lenzing Modal, you just cannot guarantee that the underlying wood pulp came from a sustainably managed forest or that the process of manufacturing the modal material was safe (for workers and the environment).
Hence the heated discussions over rayon fabric vs cotton; which of these two is the most sustainable all depends on its production.
8. MODAL FABRIC CARE
Knowing how to wash modal fabric is important to ensure the longevity of the material.
Modal is machine washable but as always, the most environmentally friendly wash is a cold wash. This will also help prevent any shrinkage.
For sustainable lingerie or delicate items, be sure to use a wash bag to protect your special ware.
If you must use a dryer, use a low to medium high temperature. Ironing is generally not a problem for modal fabric but do be sure to check the care labels on your garment.
We would generally advise against using chemicals but if you feel you need to bleach your clothing, use a bleach that does not contain chlorine and is oxygen based instead.
9. MODAL FABRIC VS COTTON, VISCOSE & LYOCELL
It’s important to realize that in many cases, the modal fabric composition will depend on the fabric that it’s paired with (like a cotton modal or nylon modal blend).
It’s often blended with another fabric to ensure long-lasting use and ultimate comfort – optimizing the best properties of each fabric.
But modal fabric is different from other types of fabric, for reasons that go beyond sustainability.
Modal vs Viscose:
The production process is relatively similar.
Modal fabric is processed more, resulting in a stronger and lighter final product. We would recommend avoiding viscose if you can, given the huge amount of water and toxic chemicals used in production.
Modal vs Lyocell:
Modal is often confused with Lyocell given their similarities and Lenzing makes both. Modal is slightly softer and more delicate but both are comfortable, breathable and absorb moisture.
Similar to Modal, Lyocell converts wood pulp into a fiber, which is turned into a fabric. However, the closed-loop solvent spinning manufacturing process for Lyocell uses non-toxic cellulose solvents
Modal vs Cotton:
Modal is more expensive than even organic cotton.
However, modal fabric is more eco-friendly (provided it is made by Lenzing) and a more durable alternative. Modal is also 50% more absorbable than cotton, too.
10. WHICH BRANDS USE MODAL FABRIC?
Many brands have responded to the demand for more eco-friendly clothing. Some are using modal fabric to achieve their sustainability aims.
Chances are, if you’re looking for ethical underwear or ethical lingerie, you’ll find several brands that use modal fabric. Just like you’ll find several brands who offer a line of Tencel clothing.
When it comes to t-shirts and sustainable men’s clothing, you’ll also see many brands who use models wearing modal (try saying that 5 times fast!).
FINAL THOUGHTS ON MODAL FABRIC SUSTAINABILITY
Modal fabric is a popular eco-friendly textile for a reason.
It exceeds the sustainability of many other types of fabric. It combines low resource requirements with other benefits like breathability, durability, and comfort.
Supporting a brand that uses modal fabric allows you to tick a box for the type of world you want. You can support a company that uses modal fabric and can even find many who only use Lenzing modal.
However, not all modal is created equally.
When you’re looking for a new shirt or pair of PJs, look for a transparent brand that supports sustainably grown beech trees, not deforestation.
Know anyone who could use a little schooling on sustainable fabrics? Share this knowledge bite so we can all support a more sustainable fashion industry.
Am new in fabrics world, thanks to modal !
I bought a t shirt, and the moment i wore it, i liked the feeling of it on my skin.. so soft and cool. I then started to search about this fabric, getting to know more. This article is so useful and fruitful of information, I’m happy that i found your page.. cheers!
My main concern about modal rayon would be shrinking. I’ve not had very good luck with rayon garments, they have been a waste of good money because of them shrinking 😬
So glad to hear about Modal. I’m impressed with Lenzings’ ethics and processes. I have some Modal pj’s and they feel wonderful! They have all the attributes listed above. I don’t know yet who made the cloth, but I will be looking into that, as well as the clothing sources referenced in this article. Thank you, Lenzing, for what you are doing for planet Earth!
I’ve recently bought a modal nightie to try to combat hot and cold ight sweats. I had a nightie especially for menopausal women before, but I found a thin cotton nightie was better, but didn’t wick moisture, and I wanted a fabric more sustainable than cotton. The modal nightie is the best! I am not waking up in the night and it’s sooo comfy! I love this fabric.
Great to hear Carol!
I’m buying a scarf that’s 90% modal and it says dry clean only. This article says it’s not good for the fabric to dry clean. I’m totally confused.
That is confusing! Would recommend sticking to the manufacturer’s instructions Julia!
Would have liked to know the names of brands that use Lenzing Modal.
Thanks for the feedback Janita, we’ll look to include a list when we next refresh the article. In the meantime, we feature tons of brands on our site that use modal, suggest using our search function to take a look 🙂
I thought I knew about fabrics but was stumped on Modal!! This information is excellent tells you all you need to know thank you.