What Is TENCEL™ Fabric? A Guide to TENCEL™ Lyocell & Modal

If you’ve been shopping for sustainable clothing for a while, you’ve probably come across the name TENCEL™, and you may have even seen it used interchangeably with lyocell. But there’s an important distinction: TENCEL™ isn’t actually the name of one specific fabric.

TENCEL™ is a trademarked brand of regenerated cellulose fibers made by Austrian textile company Lenzing. The TENCEL™ brand includes TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers, which are made from wood-based cellulose but differ in how they’re produced and how they perform.

So, while TENCEL™ Lyocell is lyocell, not all lyocell is TENCEL™. Think of TENCEL™ as the brand and lyocell as the fiber type.

In this guide, we’re breaking down what TENCEL™ actually means, the different types of TENCEL™ fibers you may find on clothing labels, how they’re made, and whether they’re a more sustainable choice for your wardrobe.

What Is TENCEL™?

TENCEL™ is a brand name created by Austrian textile company Lenzing for a range of regenerated cellulose fibers made primarily from responsibly sourced wood pulp. You’ll often hear TENCEL™ used as though it’s a type of fabric itself, but it’s actually an umbrella brand that now includes several different fibers and technologies.

The two you’re most likely to find in clothing are TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal. Both begin with plant-based cellulose (typically sourced from trees) which is processed and transformed into soft, wearable fibers. Because of this manufacturing step, TENCEL™ fibers are considered regenerated (or semi-synthetic) fibers, rather than purely natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or hemp.

We appreciate TENCEL™ because Lenzing places an emphasis on responsible wood sourcing and more carefully managed production processes. However, not every garment labeled lyocell or modal is TENCEL™. TENCEL™ specifically refers to fibers produced by Lenzing, which makes that little trademark symbol worth paying attention to when you’re shopping.

Is TENCEL™ a Fabric or a Brand?

TENCEL™ is a brand, not a specific type of fabric. It’s the trademarked name used by Lenzing for a collection of regenerated cellulose fibers, including TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal. This distinction can be a little confusing because you’ll often see clothing described simply as “TENCEL.” A more accurate way to think about it is that lyocell and modal are types of fibers, while TENCEL™ is the brand name behind certain versions of those fibers. And not all lyocell or modal is TENCEL™. Other manufacturers can produce these fibers, too, so seeing the TENCEL™ name tells you the fiber comes specifically from Lenzing and follows its sourcing and production standards.

What Is TENCEL™ Made From?

TENCEL™ fibers are made from wood-based cellulose, the natural material that gives plants and trees their structure. Lenzing sources wood for its TENCEL™ fibers from responsibly managed or certified forests and plantations, with common sources including eucalyptus, beech, spruce, birch, and pine, depending on the type of fiber.

The wood is turned into pulp, and the cellulose is then dissolved and regenerated into soft fibers that can be spun into yarn and made into fabric. This is why TENCEL™ starts with a plant-based raw material but isn’t considered a purely natural fiber like linen, hemp, or cotton; it requires chemical processing to transform wood pulp into a wearable textile.

The exact process also depends on what you’re buying. TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal are both wood-based, but they’re produced using different manufacturing processes, which we’ll get into more below.

What Types of TENCEL™ Fibers Are There?

TENCEL™ isn’t limited to just one fiber. While you may see the name used broadly on clothing labels, the two main TENCEL™ fibers you’ll come across are TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal. Both are made from wood-based cellulose, but they’re produced differently and have slightly different characteristics.

TENCEL™ Lyocell

TENCEL™ Lyocell is probably the fiber most people associate with the TENCEL™ name. It’s made by dissolving wood pulp and regenerating the cellulose into fibers using a closed-loop production process that recovers and reuses more than 99.8% of the solvent. The finished fiber is known for being soft, breathable, moisture-managing, and smooth against the skin, making it especially popular for dresses, basics, underwear, bedding, and activewear. It’s important to remember that TENCEL™ Lyocell is one type of lyocell; not all lyocell is TENCEL™. We’ll dive much deeper into lyocell and how it’s made in our complete lyocell guide.

TENCEL™ Modal

TENCEL™ Modal is another regenerated cellulose fiber from Lenzing, made primarily from beech wood. Modal is especially loved for its incredibly soft, lightweight feel and ability to maintain that softness through repeated washing. You’ll often find it in underwear, pajamas, loungewear, T-shirts, and other pieces designed to feel soft against your skin. Like lyocell, modal is a fiber category produced by different manufacturers; TENCEL™ Modal specifically refers to modal made by Lenzing according to its production and sourcing standards.

TENCEL™ Lyocell vs. TENCEL™ Modal

TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal are both regenerated cellulose fibers made from wood pulp, and both are known for their softness and comfort. However, they aren’t exactly the same.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced using Lenzing’s closed-loop lyocell process, which recovers and reuses more than 99.8% of the solvent used. It tends to have a smooth, breathable feel with good moisture management and can be used for everything from flowy dresses and denim to bedding and activewear.

TENCEL™ Modal (pictured above), on the other hand, is made primarily from beech wood and is especially known for its soft, lightweight, flexible feel. You’ll frequently find it in underwear, pajamas, T-shirts, and loungewear, where softness and drape are especially important.

Neither is necessarily “better” across the board. TENCEL™ Lyocell is often our preference when looking for a versatile, lower-impact regenerated fiber, while TENCEL™ Modal can be a lovely option when you want something exceptionally soft and comfortable.

TENCEL™ vs. Lyocell: What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest misconceptions about TENCEL™ is that it’s simply another name for lyocell. Lyocell is a type of fiber, while TENCEL™ is a brand name owned by Lenzing.

Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, and it can be produced by different textile manufacturers. TENCEL™ Lyocell is Lenzing’s branded version of lyocell, made using responsibly sourced wood and the company’s closed-loop production process.

So, while TENCEL™ Lyocell is lyocell, not all lyocell is TENCEL™ Lyocell. This distinction is especially helpful when shopping. A label that simply says “lyocell” tells you what type of fiber is in the garment, but it doesn’t necessarily tell you who produced it or how the wood was sourced and processed. Seeing TENCEL™ Lyocell gives you more information about the fiber’s origin and the standards behind its production.

TENCEL™ vs. Viscose/Rayon

TENCEL™ and viscose (also commonly called rayon) belong to the same broader family of regenerated cellulose fibers. They typically begin with plant-based cellulose from wood pulp, which is chemically processed and regenerated into fibers that can be spun into fabric. The biggest differences come down to how those fibers are made, how chemicals are managed, and how the raw materials are sourced.

Conventional viscose production can be chemically intensive and may create environmental and worker-safety concerns when chemicals and wastewater aren’t properly managed. The sustainability of viscose can vary considerably depending on the manufacturer and its production practices.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is generally the option we prefer. Lenzing uses responsibly sourced wood and a closed-loop process that recovers and reuses more than 99.8% of the solvent used to make the fiber. TENCEL™ Modal is also produced with Lenzing’s sourcing and environmental standards, although its manufacturing process differs from lyocell.

Is TENCEL™ Sustainable?

TENCEL™ is generally considered a more sustainable choice within the regenerated cellulose fiber category, particularly when compared with conventional viscose or fossil-fuel-based synthetics. But, as with most fabrics, we don’t think it’s helpful to label any material as perfectly sustainable. One of TENCEL™’s biggest advantages is its raw material. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal are made from wood sourced from certified or controlled sources, including those meeting FSC® or PEFC standards. 

The production process matters, too. TENCEL™ Lyocell is made using a closed-loop system that recovers and reuses more than 99.8% of the solvent, helping reduce chemical waste during fiber production. TENCEL™ Modal uses a different, modified viscose process, so it shouldn’t be assumed to have exactly the same environmental benefits as Lyocell. 

We tend to view TENCEL™ Lyocell as one of the better semi-synthetic options available, especially when the alternative is conventional viscose, polyester, or nylon. Still, the TENCEL™ label doesn’t automatically make an entire garment sustainable. Blended fibers, dyes and finishes, manufacturing practices, durability, and how often you’ll actually wear the piece all matter, too. For us, TENCEL™ is a great example of why sustainable fashion is rarely black and white; it’s about choosing better materials and better processes where we can, rather than searching for one “perfect” fabric.

Is TENCEL™ a Natural Fiber?

Not exactly. While TENCEL™ fibers start with a natural, plant-based material (wood pulp) they aren’t considered natural fibers in the same way as cotton, linen, hemp, or wool. Instead, TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal are classified as regenerated cellulose fibers, also referred to as semi-synthetic fibers. The cellulose naturally found in wood is extracted, dissolved, and then regenerated into a new fiber through a manufacturing process.

This puts TENCEL™ somewhere between natural and fully synthetic fibers. Unlike polyester or nylon, which are typically made from fossil fuels, TENCEL™ begins with renewable plant-based cellulose. However, it still requires significant processing before becoming the soft fiber you find in clothing. For us, this distinction is important. We generally prioritize natural fibers, but TENCEL™ (particularly TENCEL™ Lyocell) can be a great alternative when you want the softness, drape, or moisture management of a regenerated fiber.

Is TENCEL™ Biodegradable?

Yes, TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers can biodegrade under certain conditions because they’re made from wood-based cellulose rather than fossil-fuel-based plastic. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a garment labeled TENCEL™ is completely biodegradable. Many pieces are blended with polyester, nylon, or elastane, which are synthetic fibers that won’t biodegrade in the same way. Dyes, finishes, trims, and other components can also affect what happens to a garment at the end of its life.

So, if biodegradability is important to you, look for clothing made from 100% TENCEL™ or TENCEL™ blended with natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or hemp; and always check the full fiber-content label rather than relying on the TENCEL™ name alone.

It’s one reason we tend to prefer TENCEL™ over many petroleum-based synthetics: while it’s still a processed, regenerated fiber, its cellulose-based origins can offer a better end-of-life story when the fabric is appropriately made and disposed of.

Is TENCEL™ Non-Toxic?

TENCEL™ is generally considered a lower-concern textile choice, particularly compared with many conventional synthetics and some more chemically intensive regenerated fibers. However, we’re careful with the term “non-toxic,” since no fiber name alone can tell you everything about the finished fabric.

TENCEL™ fibers begin with wood-based cellulose, and TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced using a closed-loop process that recovers and reuses more than 99.8% of the solvent used during production. This helps limit chemical releases and waste compared with conventional viscose manufacturing.

But the fiber is only part of the story. Dyes, finishes, wrinkle-resistant treatments, water-repellent coatings, and other chemicals can be added later when the fiber is turned into finished fabric and clothing. A garment can also blend TENCEL™ with polyester, nylon, or elastane.

If avoiding potentially harmful substances is a priority, we recommend looking for TENCEL™ garments that also carry certifications such as OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which tests the finished textile for a range of harmful substances. So, while we wouldn’t automatically call every TENCEL™ garment “non-toxic,” TENCEL™ (especially Lyocell) can be a good option for shoppers looking for a plant-derived, regenerated fiber with greater transparency around how it’s produced.

Pros & Cons of TENCEL™

Like any textile, TENCEL™ has both benefits and drawbacks. We consider it one of the better regenerated fiber options, particularly TENCEL™ Lyocell, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect; or that every garment containing TENCEL™ is automatically sustainable.

Pros of TENCEL™

• Made from wood-based cellulose rather than fossil-fuel-based plastic.
• Soft and smooth against the skin.
• Breathable and moisture-managing, making it comfortable in warmer weather.
• TENCEL™ Lyocell uses a closed-loop process that recovers and reuses more than 99.8% of its solvent.
• Wood comes from certified or controlled sources, giving shoppers more sourcing transparency.
• Cellulose fibers can biodegrade under appropriate conditions, particularly when they aren’t blended with synthetics.
• Versatile, with TENCEL™ used in everything from dresses and denim to underwear, pajamas, and bedding.

Cons of TENCEL™

• It isn’t a natural fiber. Wood pulp must undergo chemical processing to become wearable fiber.
• TENCEL™ can be more expensive than conventional viscose and some synthetic fabrics.
• Blends can change the sustainability picture. TENCEL™ is frequently mixed with polyester, nylon, or elastane.
• The fiber doesn’t tell you everything about the finished garment. Dyes, finishes, manufacturing conditions, durability, and overall brand practices still matter.

Overall, we’re fans of TENCEL™ (especially TENCEL™ Lyocell) when a natural fiber isn’t the best fit for a particular garment. We’d still choose organic cotton, linen, hemp, or responsibly sourced wool for many everyday pieces, but TENCEL™ can be a useful middle ground between natural fibers and conventional synthetics.

How to Care for TENCEL™ Clothing

TENCEL™ clothing can last for years with the right care, and gentler washing is usually better for both the fabric and the environment. Since care instructions can vary depending on the garment, its construction, and whether the TENCEL™ is blended with other fibers, always check the label first.

In general, we recommend washing TENCEL™ clothing in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and harsh stain treatments, which can be tough on the fibers. Washing less frequently when possible can also help your clothing last longer.

When it comes to drying, air drying is our preferred option. Lay delicate pieces flat or hang them to dry, depending on the garment. If the care label allows machine drying, stick with a low-heat setting, since excessive heat can contribute to shrinkage or damage over time. And one of the best things you can do? Simply take care of what you already own. Even a lower-impact fiber becomes more sustainable when we keep our clothing in our closets (and in use) for as long as possible.

Our Favorite Brands Using TENCEL™

TENCEL™ has become a popular choice among more sustainably minded clothing brands, especially for pieces where softness, breathability, and beautiful drape are important. You’ll find TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal in everything from everyday basics and dresses to denim, underwear, pajamas, and activewear.

When shopping, we recommend looking beyond the word “TENCEL™” alone. We also consider the rest of the garment’s fiber content, how well it’s made, where it’s produced, and how transparent the brand is about its supply chain. A TENCEL™ blend containing a large percentage of polyester, for example, wouldn’t be quite as appealing to us as a garment made primarily from TENCEL™ and natural fibers.

Some of our favorite brands incorporating TENCEL™ into their collections include: Toad&Co, tentree, Patagonia, Reformation, Organic Basics.