Tencel™ vs Modal Fabrics: Softness Meets Sustainability in Modern Apparel

Summary

Tencel vs Modal highlights how two sustainable fibres are shaping modern fashion. Tencel stands out for premium feel, structure, and low environmental impact, while Modal delivers ultra-soft comfort at a lower cost. Choosing the right fabric depends on sustainability goals, garment purpose, and target customers.

Introduction:

In an industry where trends change every season, one major shift has stayed constant. Customers want clothes that feel good and do good. Today, more than 70 percent of global shoppers prefer apparel made from eco-friendly fabrics, and this shift has triggered a massive rise in sustainable fibres.

This is exactly where the global conversation around Tencel vs Modal has accelerated. Studies show that Lyocell production is growing nearly 15 percent year-on-year, making it one of the fastest-growing sustainable fibres. At the same time, over 40 percent of premium innerwear and loungewear brands now rely on Modal for its buttery softness and breathability.

Tencel is now widely used in dresses, premium shirts, activewear, kids wear and luxury women's wear, thanks to its elegant drape and cool, smooth touch. Modal dominates categories like underwear, T-shirts, leggings, pyjamas and soft lounge sets, where comfort is everything.

With brands and retailers prioritizing sustainability, comfort and performance, these two fibres have become essential in modern apparel collections. Let us explore their evolution, how they reshaped the fashion industry and why every clothing brand is talking about them today.

The Evolution of Tencel and Modal Fabrics

How Modal Entered the Fashion Industry

Modal was introduced in the 1960s by Lenzing as an upgraded, stronger and softer alternative to viscose. It solved major viscose issues like shrinkage and weak wet strength, offering a smoother, more durable fibre. At a time when cotton held over 70 percent of the global apparel market, Modal stood out as a luxurious, breathable option.

By the 1990s, its silky softness made it a favorite for intimate wear, premium basics and loungewear. Today, over 40 percent of global premium innerwear brands use Modal blends because it stays soft, retains colour and maintains shape even after many washes.

The Rise of Tencel in the Sustainability Revolution

Tencel Lyocell is a more recent innovation. It gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s when sustainability became a global priority. Lenzing introduced Tencel using a closed-loop production system that recovers 99.8 percent of solvents, instantly positioning it as one of the cleanest man-made cellulosic fibres.

With brands committing to eco-friendly materials, Lyocell demand surged. The fibre has been growing at 8 to 12 percent annually, and global production is projected to reach nearly 1 million tonnes by 2030. Today, Tencel is widely used in premium womenswear, athleisure, luxury basics and home textiles due to its smooth drape, breathability and low environmental impact.

Tencel vs Modal: What Makes These Fabrics Stand Out

Both Tencel and Modal come from sustainable wood sources like eucalyptus and beech trees. Both offer exceptional softness and biodegradability. But their characteristics differ.

Key Features of Tencel

• Smooth and luxurious surface

• High tensile strength, even when wet

• Excellent moisture absorption and quick drying

• Naturally breathable and hypoallergenic

• Superior sustainability due to its closed-loop process

• Elegant, structured drape ideal for premium fashion and womenswear

Tencel performs exceptionally well in dresses, shirts, athleisure, womenswear, bedding and high-end basics.

Key Features of Modal

• Ultra soft and flexible

• Naturally silky with a fluid drape

• Breathable and comfortable for everyday wear

• Highly resistant to shrinkage, wrinkles and fading

• Great for intimate wear, loungewear and premium basics

• More cost-effective than Tencel

Modal is commonly seen in underwear, T-shirts, leggings, sleepwear and soft activewear essentials.

Both fibres are fully biodegradable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions, especially when sourced from Lenzing.

Tencel vs Modal: Which Fabric Is More Sustainable

Sustainability is the top selection criteria for modern fashion brands and textile buyers. When comparing Tencel vs Modal in terms of environmental impact, Tencel Lyocell is clearly more sustainable.

Here’s why:

• The Tencel Lyocell closed-loop system recovers more than 99.8 percent of solvents.

• It uses at least 50 percent less water compared to cotton and conventional viscose.

• It has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the man-made cellulose fibre category.

• It carries certifications including EU Ecolabel, FSC and PEFC.

Lenzing Modal is also eco-friendly, especially when produced with renewable energy and certified wood. However, its process is not as efficient as the Lyocell closed-loop method, and solvent recovery rates are lower.

If your brand wants the cleanest, lowest-impact, and most future-ready fibre, Tencel Lyocell is the more sustainable choice.

Tencel™ vs Modal: Complete Comparison Table

Criteria	Tencel™	Modal
Raw Material Source	Eucalyptus wood from controlled, certified forests	Beechwood trees that naturally regenerate
Production Process	Closed-loop system recycling 99.8% of solvents	Modified viscose process; partially closed-loop depending on the manufacturer
Environmental Impact	Extremely low-impact; requires 10–20× less water than cotton; EU Ecolabel certified	Eco-friendly, especially Lenzing Modal™, but varies by producer
Softness & Hand Feel	Silky, cool, smooth; luxury-level softness	Ultra-soft, smooth, retains softness after many washes
Strength & Durability	High strength in both wet and dry states	Durable but slightly weaker when wet
Moisture Management	Absorbs moisture 50% better than cotton; excellent wicking	Very good moisture absorption; ideal for underwear & sleepwear
Breathability & Thermoregulation	Highly breathable with natural cooling	Breathable but slightly warmer due to denser weave
Biodegradability	Fully biodegradable & compostable	Biodegradable depending on treatments and finishes
Dyeing & Color Retention	Excellent dye uptake; long-lasting, rich colors	Outstanding color vibrancy; resists fading even after 50+ washes
Cost & Market Position	Premium, higher-priced	Premium but more affordable than Tencel™
Comfort & Wearability	Fluid drape, luxurious feel, hypoallergenic	Everyday comfort; soft and gentle on skin
Common Clothing Applications	Dresses, luxury loungewear, activewear, shirts, bedding, kidswear	Underwear, T-shirts, leggings, nightwear, athleisure essentials
Longevity After Washes	Maintains shape, drape, and resists pilling	Retains softness; may pill when blended with low-quality fibers
Sustainability Certifications	EU Ecolabel, FSC, PEFC, USDA Biobased	FSC, PEFC (for Lenzing Modal™)

Why NoName is the Best Sustainable Clothing Manufacturer in India for Tencel and Modal Apparel

NoName has earned its place as one of India’s most trusted sustainable clothing manufacturers. The company works extensively with Tencel and Modal fibres. NoName uses sustainable raw materials, modern dyeing technology and internationally compliant production practices.

Brands choose NoName because it offers high precision tailoring, rapid sampling, competitive pricing and expert guidance for developing eco-friendly apparel collections.

Whether you want to launch a Tencel womenswear range, a Modal loungewear line or a fully custom sustainable capsule, NoName can bring your vision to life.

One Key Criteria When Choosing Between Tencel and Modal

The most important criteria to consider is the purpose of your clothing line. If you want premium garments with elegance and structure, choose Tencel. If you need ultra-soft, flexible and budget-friendly apparel for daily wear, choose Modal. Making this decision will help your brand design collections that perform well and delight customers.

Conclusion

Tencel and Modal have changed the game for sustainable fashion. They offer modern softness, breathable comfort and responsible production. Tencel is the more sustainable and premium fibre. Modal is the more affordable and ultra-soft option. Both fabrics help brands create clothing that customers love to wear.

As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable expectation, choosing the right fabric can set your brand apart. The future of modern apparel is rooted in fibres that blend softness with responsibility, and Tencel vs Modal is at the heart of this conversation.

If you want to create high-quality Tencel or Modal collections with India’s best sustainable clothing manufacturer, partner with NoName. From design to production, NoName helps brands build premium and eco-friendly apparel that sells.

Get in touch today and start your next sustainable fashion collection.

WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508

Email: hello@nonameglobal.com

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About the Author

This blog is written by Shraddha Srivastava, a fashion expert and industry observer known for breaking down complex trends into practical, actionable insights. With a strong understanding of garment manufacturing, retail, consumer psychology, and brand strategy, she also brings hands-on knowledge of apparel import–export processes, global compliance, and cross-border sourcing. Shraddha helps fashion brands navigate sourcing, imports, and market expansion, making growth simple, scalable, and data-driven.