What Is Modal Fabric?

Modal fabric is a soft and smooth textile, widely used in clothing and home products. If you enjoy clothes or sheets that feel silky and gentle against your skin, you have probably felt modal before. Modal is actually a type of rayon-a fabric made from processed plant material-but it stands out for being even softer and stronger than regular rayon. People like modal because it’s comfortable, absorbs moisture well, and dries faster than cotton. It is also often promoted as a more environmentally friendly option compared to fully synthetic materials such as polyester and as being more hard-wearing than cotton.

Modal is made from the cellulose of beech trees, blending the natural qualities of wood with special processing to produce a fabric known for its strength, breathability, and ability to keep colors bright. Below, you’ll learn more about what makes modal fabric unique, how it’s made, its different types, and the main benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind when choosing modal products.

How is Modal Fabric Defined?

Modal is known as a second-generation regenerated cellulosic fiber. This means it starts with a natural material (the cellulose from beech wood), but part of its transformation into fabric is done through chemical processing. It’s called “semi-synthetic” because of this combination: it’s not completely natural like cotton, but not entirely man-made like polyester.

The process used to produce modal changes the structure of the cellulose to create longer fibers. This gives modal its softness, similar to silk, while also making it more durable, more breathable, and better at managing moisture. These features are why modal is so popular in a range of products from underwear and sportswear to high-end sheets and bedding.

Is Modal a Type of Rayon?

Yes, it is! Modal is a kind of rayon, sometimes called high-wet-modulus (HWM) rayon. Rayon is a general term for fibers made by turning plant cellulose (like wood pulp) into threads. The best-known kind is viscose, and modal is an improved version of it. Both start as wood pulp, but modal’s manufacturing process makes a stronger fiber, especially once it’s wet.

Because of its increased strength, modal is less likely to shrink or lose shape in the wash compared to standard rayon. Modal was first developed in Japan in 1951 as a more durable alternative to regular rayon, and it builds on the properties of early rayons, which were designed to mimic silk.

How is Modal Fabric Made?

Modal is produced by turning beech wood into a soft, sturdy textile through a combination of mechanical and chemical steps. This process helps make modal fabric comfortable, long-lasting, and good for a variety of uses.

What Raw Materials Are Used in Modal Production?

The main material used to make modal is cellulose from beech trees. Beech trees are valued because they grow quickly, need less water than cotton, and absorb carbon dioxide from the air. Some modal is also made using eucalyptus trees that grow even faster. Most modal comes from beech wood grown in responsibly managed European forests, such as those certified by the PEFC. Chemicals are used in the transformation process, so the way these are managed affects how eco-friendly modal fabric is overall.

Steps in the Modal Manufacturing Process

1. Beech trees are cut and chipped into small pieces.
2. The wood chips are processed to extract the cellulose.
3. The cellulose is pressed into sheets and then soaked in sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)-but in lower amounts than used for traditional rayon.
4. The sheets are broken up, soaked in carbon disulfide, and transformed into sodium cellulose xanthate.
5. This mixture is dissolved in caustic soda again to make a thick liquid.
6. The liquid is pushed through tiny holes in a spinneret, forming threads.
7. The threads are solidified in a bath of sulfuric acid, stretched to strengthen them, and turned into yarn.
8. The yarn is washed, bleached, rinsed, dried, and finally wound onto spools, ready for fabric production.

These steps result in a fabric that’s soft, strong, and easy to care for.

Types of Modal Fabric

Though “modal” is often used as a single term, there are actually different types. The main difference comes down to how fine the fibers are, which changes the texture and feel. It’s also useful to see how modal compares to other fabrics made from wood pulp.

Standard Modal vs. MicroModal

The two main types are “standard modal” and “MicroModal.” MicroModal uses finer fibers, which makes the fabric even softer and lighter. MicroModal has a closer weave, so it feels even more smooth and luxurious-almost like a second skin. It’s the top choice for premium underwear, high-quality bedding, and clothing meant to feel extra soft.

How Does Modal Compare to Other Rayon Fabrics?

Compared to classic viscose rayon, modal is stronger, keeps its shape better, and is less likely to shrink. Lyocell (or TENCEL™ Lyocell) is seen as even more eco-friendly due to a cleaner chemical process. All of these share the base ingredient of wood cellulose.

Properties of Modal Fabric

Modal isn’t just soft to touch-it has several qualities that make it useful for many products:

• Extremely smooth and soft-often compared to silk.
• Strong and long-lasting-holds up to lots of wear and washing.
• Absorbs moisture well and dries quickly
• Breathable-keeps you cool and comfortable.
• Maintains color-doesn’t fade easily with washing.
• Holds its shape-doesn’t stretch out or shrink easily.

How Does Modal Feel?

Modal is loved for its softness and smooth texture. Many people say it’s even softer than cotton, sometimes twice as soft, and it feels light and silky. The softness lasts over time, as long as you care for the fabric.

Is Modal Durable?

Don’t be fooled by how soft it feels-modal is tough. The way it’s woven and the length of its fibers help prevent pilling (small balls of fiber on the surface) and keeps the fabric looking new for longer. Modal doesn’t shrink much and can stand up to repeated washing.

Does Modal “Breathe”?

Yes, modal lets air pass through easily, making it a comfortable choice for hot weather or athletic clothing. It also moves moisture away from your skin, helping sweat evaporate fast so you stay dry and cool.

Benefits of Modal Fabric

People choose modal for its mix of comfort and performance. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Very soft and comfortable: Feels gentle on the skin, perfect for underwear, sleepwear, and T-shirts.
• Moisture-wicking: Absorbs up to 50% more moisture than cotton and dries fast.
• Lightweight and shiny: Has a slight sheen, drapes well, and isn’t heavy.
• Keeps its shape and color: Stays looking good even after many washes-less chance of stretching or shrinking.

Drawbacks of Modal Fabric

Modal isn’t perfect. Here are a few things to consider:

Cost

Modal usually costs more than regular rayon and is about the same price as lyocell or cotton. It’s less expensive than silk but often more than polyester or other synthetics. However, its durability can mean fewer replacements over time, which might balance out the higher price.

Pilling and Shrinking

Modal is pretty resistant to pilling and shrinking-but not immune. If washed on rough cycles or in high heat, it can still show wear or shrink a bit. Use care to keep it looking new.

Heat Sensitivity

High heat from dryers or irons can damage modal, making it hard or causing it to lose its shape and softness. Air-drying or using low heat is safest. If ironing, use a low setting and a pressing cloth if you want to protect delicate items.

What Fabrics Are Like Modal?

Modal sits in the middle ground between natural and man-made fabrics, sharing features with both. Here’s how it stacks up to common alternatives:

Modal vs. Cotton

Modal vs. Lyocell and Other Rayon-Type Fibers

Modal, viscose, and lyocell (branded as TENCEL™) are all made from wood pulp but use different manufacturing processes. Modal is stronger and more stable than viscose rayon, and it usually has fewer harsh chemicals in its process. Lyocell is often considered the most eco-friendly of the bunch because the chemicals it uses are mostly recycled during manufacturing, creating less waste and less pollution. All three fabrics deliver a soft touch, good strength, and breathability, but lyocell leads in environmental performance.

What Is Modal Fabric Used For?

Thanks to its soft feel and practical features, modal is used everywhere:

• Activewear – yoga pants, sports shirts, and base layers, where breathability and quick drying are important.
• Underwear and intimate wear – for softness and flexibility.
• Sleepwear – pajamas and nightgowns that feel good against the skin.
• Bedding – sheets and duvet covers that are cool and soft.
• Casual clothing – T-shirts, blouses, dresses, and scarves.

How to Care for Modal Fabric

Modal fabric is generally easy to look after, but following a few steps will keep it at its best:

Washing

• Wash in cold water to preserve softness and color.
• Use a mild detergent and a gentle washing cycle.
• Hand washing is recommended for delicate items.
• If your modal is blended, follow the specific instructions on the label.

Drying and Ironing

• Air dry if you can; if using a dryer, stick to low heat.
• Remove from the dryer while still slightly damp to reduce wrinkles.
• Iron on low to medium heat if needed, and use a pressing cloth for added protection.
• You can also use a steamer to remove wrinkles.

Tips to Extend Modal’s Life

• Follow care labels closely.
• Avoid harsh detergents or bleach.
• Wash modal items inside out to reduce friction and prevent pilling.
• Fold or hang items carefully to prevent stretching or creasing.

Environmental Impact of Modal Fabric

Modal fabric is often seen as a more eco-friendly choice compared to fully synthetic and traditional cotton fabrics, but there are both upsides and downsides to consider.

Sustainability

• Made from fast-growing, renewable beech wood.
• Requires much less water than cotton farming.
• Doesn’t shed plastic microfibers, and is biodegradable.

However, making modal still requires chemicals to process the wood pulp into fibers. The degree to which these chemicals are recycled or managed safely varies between manufacturers.

Concerns During Production

• Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide are used; if not managed well, they can be harmful to the environment and workers.
• Only a small part of the tree is turned into fabric-the rest is often discarded.

Certifications and Labels

• Choosing certified products like TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing AG helps assure responsible sourcing and safer production.
• Look for “Lenzing Modal” on tags or check brand transparency ratings on sites like “Good on You.”

Is Modal Right for You?

Modal fabric serves many needs thanks to its comfort, toughness, breathability, and environmental benefits (when chosen from reputable sources).

Who Should Consider Modal?

• People who want soft, gentle clothing, especially those with sensitive skin.
• Athletes or anyone needing comfortable, moisture-wicking activewear.
• Those living in warm or humid climates, thanks to modal’s cooling effect.
• Anyone looking for durable, long-lasting garments that keep their shape and color.
• Shoppers seeking a more eco-friendly choice for clothes and bedding, especially if sourced from reputable producers.
• People who prefer easy-care fabrics that don’t require a lot of attention when washing or drying.

If your priorities include comfort, long-term durability, breathability, and a consideration for the environment, modal is a solid option.