What Is Modal Fabric? Sustainability, Benefits & Everything You Need to Know

Sep 2, 2026Fabrics & Certifications0 comments

Over recent years, as we’ve become more aware and interested in the fabrics that make our clothes, you may have noticed a lot of new types of materials being talked about. Especially within the sustainable fashion world where materials are constantly battling to be named the most sustainable. One such fabric that you may have heard about is modal, but what do we actually know about it?

You may have spotted modal in your favourite activewear brand’s new collection, or even in the sheets and pillowcases of a bedding brand, and it has rapidly increased in popularity within sustainable brands. Known for its silky-smooth texture and being incredibly lightweight, modal has the versatility brands crave, and a sustainable accreditation to go with it only makes it more desirable. But it’s worth having a more in-depth look at modal to determine what the true sustainability factors are, and what is simply greenwashing.

When we’re deciding if an item of clothing is sustainable or not, we need to know what fabric it’s made of, what goes into making that fabric, and whether it’s been produced ethically. Being informed on the facts behind our fabrics helps us make better decisions when we shop, so let’s get to know modal a bit better! (cover image: jjwinks)

Modal is a soft, lightweight fabric made from cellulose, usually sourced from beech trees. It belongs to the rayon family of regenerated fibers, meaning it starts with a natural, plant-based material but goes through significant chemical processing to become fabric. Known for its silky feel, breathability, and beautiful drape, modal is commonly used for underwear, pajamas, loungewear, and everyday basics.

While modal is often marketed as a natural or eco-friendly fabric, it’s more accurate to call it a regenerated or semi-synthetic fiber. How sustainable it is depends largely on where the wood comes from, how the fiber is manufactured, and how responsibly the chemicals used during production are managed.

Modal was first developed in Japan in 1951 but was then produced by an Austrian company called Lenzing Fibers (now Lenzing) in 1964. The fabric belongs to the “rayon” family and is considered an upgrade to the fabric “viscose”. Originally, modal was developed in order to refine viscose by imitating the properties of cotton.

Modal is known as a semi-natural fiber, as the original source it is made from is beech trees (sometimes pine or eucalyptus), but the process of turning the wood pulp into yarn requires chemicals.

an illustration on how modal fabric is made

The process of creating modal requires the harvesting of beech trees, which are then turned into small chips and then purified to extract their cellulose content. This cellulose is formed into sheets and immersed in vats of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide before being broken down again and forced through a ‘spinneret’ to create fibers. These fibers are then woven together to make the modal fabric, which can be used on its own or in a textile blend with other materials like cotton.

In 1977, Lenzing invented a process of bleaching the wood pulp in a more environmentally friendly way. Today, Lenzing’s modal is made of wood pulp sourced from beech trees which are harvested in sustainable forests under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC).

image: Sewport

Modal isn’t quite natural, but it isn’t fully synthetic either. It’s considered a regenerated or semi-synthetic fiber because it begins with plant-based cellulose (usually from beech trees) but requires chemical processing to turn that cellulose into a wearable fiber.

So, while modal comes from a natural source, the finished fabric is different from truly natural fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, or wool. This distinction is important, especially since modal is often marketed simply as a “natural” or plant-based fabric.

Modal is best known for its soft, smooth, almost silky feel. It tends to be lighter and more fluid than cotton, with a beautiful drape and a bit of natural stretch. It’s also breathable and good at absorbing moisture, which is why you’ll often find it in underwear, pajamas, T-shirts, and loungewear.

One of the biggest appeals of modal is that it tends to stay soft even after repeated washing, making it especially comfortable for clothing worn close to the skin.

Yes, modal is generally considered a breathable fabric. Its smooth, lightweight fibers allow air to circulate and can absorb moisture, helping it feel cool and comfortable against the skin. This is one reason modal is so commonly used for underwear, pajamas, loungewear, and warm-weather basics.

Keep in mind that breathability can change when modal is blended with synthetic fibers like polyester. If breathability is a priority, look for 100% modal or modal blended with natural fibers like organic cotton.

a beech tree which is used to create modal fabric

While there are unsustainable fiber producers, not all modal is created equal. Lenzing currently produces the most sustainable modal called TENCEL Modal®. They operate under a global certification system and have developed environmental processes for their modal, which are not currently commercially available to others. Lenzing’s technologies are less-toxic and have a high rate of recovery for process ingredients, meaning fewer chemicals end up being wasted. They also source their trees from PEFC or FSC accredited forests which have sustainably managed beech tree plantations. The environmental footprint of TENCEL Modal® is carbon-neutral, requires much less land per tonne than cotton fibers, and requires 10-20 times less water than cotton does.

To be clear, Tencel is a brand name that produces certain types of modal and lyocell. Check out our guide to Tencel and some of our favorite brands that use it!

Micromodal is a more recent version of modal that is even more lightweight and soft, rivaling even the highest quality of silk. In addition, it is considered to be more environmentally friendly than modal as it is highly homogenous, with only one company currently producing micromodal. Micromodal also requires far lesser concentrations of caustic soda during the processing of the fiber.

Closed loop production. This means any chemical used once in the process is not discarded in the environment, and is instead reused. The only small amount that is discharged is also non-hazardous. Many rayon manufacturers have started to use “chemical scrubbers” or machines to trap the chemicals before they make their way into the ecosystem, further reducing harm.
Sustainably-sourced wood. Sustainable modal should be made of wood pulp sourced from beech trees which are harvested in sustainable forests.
Low water consumption. Modal requires a surprisingly low consumption of water during its production. Compared to cotton, its water consumption is about 20 times less. This means the Modal’s carbon footprint is also much less than other fabrics.
Biodegradable status. Although semi-synthetic, modal fiber is completely biodegradable. The production chemicals that are used are also biodegradable.

There has been confusion over whether or not modal could be classed as a sustainable material. At a basic level, modal is made from trees which would suggest that, if sourced from sustainably-managed forests, it would be an eco-friendly material. However, the chemicals and processes involved to turn the wood chips into fibers have caused people to question it’s sustainability accreditations.

Forests

The main raw material for producing modal is wood from beech and softwood trees. However, due to the rise in popularity of modal, we’ve seen an increase in unregulated production, which has added to the global issue of deforestation. In a report by Canopy Planet, several producers of modal were sourcing trees from ancient or endangered forests. The Rainforest Action Network even ran a global campaign called ‘Out of Fashion’ to pressure fashion brands away from their use of unsustainable modal, rayon and viscose.

As with any material created from trees, there needs to be external audits carried out and certifications awarded to suppliers and brands who are following the appropriate guidelines to ensure sustainability. It can be incredibly difficult to trace back materials to their original source, so transparent supply chains are also crucial in sustainable modal production.

Chemicals

Another common objection to modal is the use of several chemicals involved in processing the fiber. Modal requires many toxic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and carbon disulfide. The latter is a well-known neurotoxin that can enter the water or air through the processing of modal if it’s not manufactured in a closed-loop process. This then affects wildlife, aquatic life and humans, who can experience critical medical problems ranging from liver damage, blindness and even death.

Yes, modal can be biodegradable under the right conditions because it’s made primarily from plant-based cellulose rather than fossil-fuel-derived plastic. Unlike synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon, the modal fiber itself can eventually break down in the environment.

However, that doesn’t mean every modal garment is automatically biodegradable. Dyes, chemical finishes, and synthetic fibers blended with modal (such as polyester or elastane) can affect how the finished garment breaks down. If biodegradability is important to you, look for 100% modal or modal blended with natural fibers and minimal added treatments.

Modal can be a relatively low-concern fabric to wear, but calling all modal “non-toxic” is a little too simplistic. While it starts with plant-based cellulose, chemicals are required to dissolve the wood pulp and turn it into fiber. How responsibly those chemicals are handled depends on the manufacturer and production process.

It’s also important to look beyond the fiber itself. Dyes, finishes, and other treatments used on the finished fabric can introduce additional chemicals. If this is a priority for you, look for modal from transparent manufacturers and certifications like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which tests finished textiles for a range of harmful substances.

Modal has become popular for everything from underwear to pajamas, and it’s easy to understand why. Some of its biggest benefits include:

Softness: Modal has an incredibly smooth, silky feel that’s comfortable against the skin.
Breathability: It’s lightweight and breathable, making it a nice option for warm weather and everyday basics.
Moisture absorption: Modal absorbs moisture well, which can help keep clothing feeling comfortable.
Beautiful drape: Its fluid feel makes it especially well-suited for dresses, tops, loungewear, and pajamas.
Long-lasting softness: Modal tends to maintain its soft feel through repeated washing.
Plant-based origin: Unlike polyester and nylon, modal is made from cellulose rather than fossil-fuel-derived plastic.
Potentially lower-impact options: When wood is responsibly sourced and manufacturing uses more efficient chemical-recovery systems, modal can be a better choice than conventionally produced rayon.

Of course, not all modal is created equally. The sourcing and manufacturing process matter, which is why we prefer modal from transparent, responsible producers whenever possible. (image: encircled)

While modal has plenty of benefits, there are a few downsides worth considering:

Chemical processing: Modal starts with plant-based cellulose, but it requires chemical processing to turn wood pulp into wearable fibers.
Not a natural fiber: Despite its plant-based origins, modal is a regenerated or semi-synthetic fiber—not a natural fiber like cotton, linen, or hemp.
Production varies: The environmental impact can differ significantly depending on how the wood is sourced and how chemicals, water, and energy are managed during manufacturing.
Transparency can be limited: Some brands simply list “modal” on the fabric tag without telling you where or how the fiber was produced.
Often blended with synthetics: Modal is frequently mixed with polyester, nylon, or elastane, which can reduce biodegradability and introduce plastic-based fibers into the garment.
Can require more delicate care: Some modal garments may be more prone to stretching, pilling, or losing their shape depending on the fabric construction and blend.

For us, modal isn’t necessarily a fabric to avoid, but we prefer natural fibers first and look for responsibly produced modal when choosing a regenerated fiber.

TENCEL™ Modal is a branded type of modal fiber made by Lenzing, an Austrian textile manufacturer known for its regenerated cellulose fibers. Like conventional modal, it’s made from wood-based cellulose, but Lenzing produces TENCEL™ Modal using responsibly sourced wood and processes designed to reduce environmental impact.

It’s known for being incredibly soft, breathable, lightweight, and smooth, making it especially popular for underwear, pajamas, basics, and loungewear. While TENCEL™ Modal is still a regenerated or semi-synthetic fiber, we generally prefer it over generic modal because there’s greater transparency around its sourcing and production.

Modal and cotton can both be soft, breathable choices, but they’re very different fibers. Cotton is a natural fiber harvested directly from the cotton plant, while modal is a regenerated or semi-synthetic fiber made by chemically processing wood-based cellulose.

Modal tends to feel silkier, drape more fluidly, and absorb moisture well, while cotton generally has a more natural, structured feel. From a sustainability perspective, we typically prioritize organic cotton, particularly GOTS-certified options, but responsibly produced modal (especially TENCEL™ Modal) can be a good alternative when you want something especially soft and lightweight.

Ultimately, we’d choose based on the garment, how the fiber was produced, and how long you expect to wear it rather than assuming one is always the more sustainable choice.

Modal and viscose are both regenerated cellulose fibers in the rayon family, meaning they start with plant-based cellulose that is chemically processed into wearable fibers. The biggest difference comes down to how they’re typically produced and how the finished fabrics perform.

Modal is generally considered a modified form of rayon and is known for being softer, stronger when wet, and more resistant to shrinking than conventional viscose. It often has a smooth, silky feel and is especially popular for underwear, pajamas, and loungewear.

From a sustainability standpoint, neither fiber is automatically sustainable. Wood sourcing, chemical management, and manufacturing practices all matter. When choosing between the two, we tend to prefer modal from a transparent producer (particularly TENCEL™ Modal) over generic viscose with little information about its sourcing or production.

Modal and lyocell are both regenerated cellulose fibers in the rayon family, so they have quite a bit in common. Both begin with wood-based cellulose that is processed into soft, wearable fibers, but their manufacturing methods and finished characteristics are different.

Modal is especially soft, lightweight, and fluid, which is why you’ll often see it used for underwear, pajamas, and loungewear. Lyocell tends to be stronger and more versatile, and its production process typically uses a solvent-recovery system that recaptures and reuses most of the processing solvent.

From a sustainability perspective, we generally prefer responsibly produced lyocell, particularly TENCEL™ Lyocell, but TENCEL™ Modal can also be a good regenerated-fiber option. As always, sourcing, manufacturing, and the garment’s complete fiber blend matter.

To this day, the largest producer of modal fabric worldwide is still Lenzing, which is based in Europe but has factories all over the world, with some of their biggest modal fabric factories being in China. A variety of other companies also make modal rayon, and most of these companies are based in China, which is why China is now the world’s largest exporter of modal.

Originally, the fabric was used to create scarves as it was thought of as the perfect alternative to silk. Now modal is mostly used in underwear, nightwear, sportswear, t-shirts, and even bedding. In clothing modal is often used as an alternative to cotton or silk, as it has the same lightweight and breathable feel. Many sustainable brands have opted to use modal in their products as it’s also an eco-friendly alternative to viscose, and it can be marketed as a ‘plant-based material’.

In terms of the benefits of using modal as a fabric for clothes, the list is pretty long. Modal is stretchy, soft, breathable, water absorbent, durable, drapes well, doesn’t pill, color fast, shrink-resistant, doesn’t crease, and is biodegradable. It’s no wonder that sustainable fashion designers were keen to start using this fabric in their collections!

You’ll often see that modal is blended with other fibers like cotton and spandex for added strength. Modal is considered a luxurious textile due to both its soft feel and high cost, as it is more expensive than either cotton or viscose. For this reason it is often favoured by more high-end designers, adding to the luxury appeal of their brand.

When shopping for modal clothing, we like to look beyond the word “modal” on the fabric tag and consider who makes the fiber, where the wood comes from, and how transparent the brand is about its materials. Whenever possible, we prefer TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing or other modal fibers with clear sourcing and responsible production practices.

Some of our favorite brands using modal include

Just remember to check the full fabric composition before buying; modal is often blended with polyester, nylon, or elastane, so the fiber content can vary quite a bit from one piece to another.

Modal is generally easy to care for, but a little extra attention can help it stay soft and maintain its shape for longer. Always check the garment’s care label first, since instructions can vary depending on the fabric blend.

For most modal clothing, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid high heat, which can contribute to shrinking or damage over time. Air drying is our preferred option when possible, but if you use a dryer, choose a low-heat setting.

And remember, modal is often blended with other fibers, so the best care method will depend on the entire fabric composition, not just the modal.

If you can’t find TENCEL Modal®, there are other sustainable alternatives to look out for if you’re after something with a similar weight or feel to modal.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a more sustainable alternative to modal as it is a completely organic form of rayon. It is made using an organic solution that replaces the sodium hydroxide used in modal production.

According to the ‘Environmental Benchmark for Fibres’ from materials experts Made-By, there are several materials that are classed as more sustainable than modal. These include organic hemp, organic linen, recycled wool and recycled cotton. Depending on these fabrics’ thread count, they could be perfect alternatives to modal.

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