Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber made from the regenerated cellulose of beech trees. It is often marketed as an environmentally friendly alternative to cotton.
But what is the real truth about Modal? Is it really better for the environment, or is this just more fashion industry greenwashing?
Below, I answer all your questions about modal. We'll examine the manufacturing process, how modal compares to other fabrics, whether it is truly sustainable, the health benefits, and how to care for modal garments.
Contents
Modal is a type of rayon, a semi-synthetic fabric made from the wood pulp of beech trees.
Modal was first developed in Japan in the early 1950s by the company Asahi Kasei. It was designed as a stronger, softer successor to viscose rayon, and later commercialized by the Austrian company Lenzing AG in the 1960s.
It is also known as "high wet modulus rayon," but (unsurprisingly) it is more commonly known as modal rayon, or just modal.
Modal fabric has the same durability as cotton, but it's lighter. It's breathable like silk, wrinkle-resistant like polyester, and extremely soft like viscose rayon. It consists mostly of cellulose and lignin and has a very high absorbency.
Modal fibers are often blended with cotton or other materials to impart special qualities to the fabric, such as stretchiness or colorfastness for improved washability.
The manufacturing process for modal is different and more complex than that of similar fabrics.
The manufacturing process for modal involves the following steps.
The complex manufacturing process is one of the reasons why modal is expensive compared to similar fabrics.
Modal fabric is more expensive because its production process is more complex than cotton or polyester. It relies on sustainably harvested beech wood and specialized technology, rather than mass-produced raw materials.
Here’s a simple list of the main reasons modal costs more.
Modal may cost more than synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, but it's also a more sustainable option.
Modal is ranked among the most environmentally favorable fibers ("Life Cycle Assessment of man-made cellulose fibres," Shen / Patel, 2010).
However, its overall impact depends on how the wood is sourced and whether the manufacturing process uses closed-loop systems that safely recover chemicals. Certified modal (like Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Modal) is considered sustainable, while uncertified modal may not be.
Genuine TENCEL modal carries FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certifications. These labels confirm that the beechwood pulp is sourced from certified, sustainably managed forests.
Lenzing uses a spin-dyeing process, which doesn't waste water and uses very little dye. By reducing the amount of dye used, less energy is required to treat the dyed fabric.
Yes, modal is biodegradable because it is made from plant-based cellulose that can break down naturally under composting or landfill conditions.
However, the modal production process does involve several chemicals that can be toxic.
The type and quantity of chemicals used depend on the individual manufacturer. In general, Lenzing modal is considered to be the most environmentally friendly.
Yes, modal is generally healthy to wear because it is soft, breathable, absorbent, and derived from natural cellulose.
However, its safety depends on production standards. Modal that is OEKO-TEX or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified is free from harmful chemicals. But uncertified modal may contain residues from dyes or processing.
Modal's health benefits are that it's soft and smooth against the skin, absorbs moisture, and keeps your body cool and dry. The material is also very breathable, allowing perspiration to evaporate quickly.
However, modal is not perfect, and some people experience negative effects from chemically treated modal.
Some people experience an allergic reaction when they first wear modal. The most common symptoms are itching, redness, and rashes.
There’s no clinical study that shows the modal fiber itself is a common allergen. Most documented reactions are associated with chemical additives, dye residues, finishing agents, and treatments.
Choosing GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified modal is the best way to prevent a reaction because these labels certify that the fabric is chemical-free.
In addition, the smooth surface of modal fabric does have some drawbacks. When you sweat, the material quickly absorbs the moisture, and it can take a long time to dry out.
The best way to eliminate this problem is to increase airflow on your skin by removing layers of clothing or opening the vent on your car during a hot summer day.
Several eco-friendly clothing brands use modal, and it is becoming increasingly popular throughout the textile and apparel industry.
You can buy a variety of modal clothes, including t-shirts, shirts, pants, dresses, socks, underwear, pajamas, bed sheets, and more.
Be aware, though, that there are different textile manufacturers making modal, and not all follow the same manufacturing processes. That's why we recommend you buy eco-friendly clothing to minimize the environmental impact of your wardrobe.
Here are a few of my favorite sustainable brands that stock product lines made from modal.
Check out their ranges to get some great ideas of how modal can be used in affordable, sustainable fashion.
So now we know a little about what modal fabric is, but how does it compare to other textiles? Is it really the eco-friendly alternative it's purported to be?
The following table compares the key attributes of modal to those of other sustainable fabrics, and to those of nylon (which is not sustainable).
| Fabric | Modal | Lyocell (TENCEL™) | Cotton | Viscose Rayon | Nylon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Beech wood cellulose | Eucalyptus/beech wood cellulose | Cotton plant (natural fiber) | Wood pulp cellulose | Petrochemicals (synthetic) |
| Production process | Similar to viscose but with extra stretching and treatment | Closed-loop solvent spinning | Spun from natural fibers (high water, pesticide use in conventional farming) | Chemical-heavy viscose process | Melt spinning from petroleum-derived polymers |
| Environmental impact | Moderate – more eco-friendly than viscose, less than lyocell | Low – closed-loop, >99% solvent recovery, less water use | High – water-, land-, and pesticide-intensive (unless organic) | High – chemical pollution, high energy & water use | High – fossil fuel use, microplastic shedding, non-biodegradable |
| Softness & comfort | Very soft, smooth, breathable | Very soft, breathable, slightly stronger than modal | Soft, breathable, comfortable | Soft but weaker than modal/lyocell | Smooth, durable, but less breathable |
| Moisture absorption | ~50% more than cotton | High – excellent moisture management | Good (natural absorbency) | Moderate (less than modal/lyocell) | Low (hydrophobic, traps sweat) |
| Durability | Strong, resists shrinking and pilling | Stronger than modal, good wrinkle resistance | Moderate (can weaken with repeated washes) | Weaker, loses strength when wet | Very strong, abrasion-resistant |
| Biodegradability | Yes, if untreated | Yes | Yes | Yes | No – persists in the environment |
| Cost | Premium (cheaper than lyocell) | Premium (usually most expensive) | Low–moderate (widely available) | Low–moderate | Low–moderate |
Modal and lyocell are both plant-based cellulose fibers, often sourced from beech or eucalyptus wood, but they differ in how they are made and their environmental impact.
Modal is produced through a process similar to viscose with added steps that make the fibers stronger, softer, and more absorbent. Its sustainability depends on whether it’s made in certified closed-loop systems.
Lyocell is made using a closed-loop process that recycles over 99% of its non-toxic solvent. As a result, it has a lower chemical footprint and is considered the more eco-friendly choice.
Both fabrics are soft, breathable, and durable. But lyocell typically offers better wrinkle resistance and moisture management, and it is usually priced higher than modal due to its cleaner production process.
Modal is considered to be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to both conventional and organic cotton.
Modal production uses significantly less water, which is one of the main environmental issues with cotton production. Traditional cotton also uses pesticides.
Cotton is a natural fabric and is cheaper to buy, but modal is lighter, more durable, more absorbent, and (providing it's Lenzing modal and not made in China) more eco-friendly too.
The modal production process is very similar to the one used to create viscose rayon. However, the production of viscose rayon fabrics uses more chemicals; therefore, modal is the more eco-friendly option of the two.
Modal is stretched longer than viscose rayon, and dyed before being put into a spinneret to be spun into yarns.
This special treatment makes modal stronger and more durable than viscose. It also makes it shrink-resistant and easier to shape when wet.
Nylon is a fully synthetic fabric, whereas modal is semi-synthetic. Nylon is not biodegradable (although it can be recycled) and is made from fossil fuels.
Therefore, modal is a far more eco-friendly choice than nylon.
Both modal and nylon are soft, light fabrics that are commonly used in sportswear and underwear. However, modal is more absorbent.
Modal does not usually require any special care. Here's how to wash, dry, and iron any textile made from modal.
Washing modal fabrics is extremely easy. When you have to wash your modal dress shirt or any other type of clothing made from this fabric, just follow these simple steps.
You don’t need to use harsh detergents or bleach on garments made of modal. This fabric doesn't shrink and doesn't require special treatment.
To wash semi-synthetic modal fabrics, use lukewarm water and place the clothes in the washing machine. For best results, and to save electricity and water, choose a lower temperature for your machine's cycle.
Avoid using fabric softener to preserve the quality of your garment. You can add a couple of tennis balls, or follow our other tips for drying clothes naturally without softener.
Also, it is best to wash modal fabrics separately from other types of clothing if you want them to remain as good as new for a longer time.
You can line-dry your garments or use a clothes hanger indoors. Do not tumble dry, it's bad for the modal fibers as well as for the environment.
Most spun-dyed modal fabric will not need to be ironed. In the unlikely event that you end up with creases, you should iron on the lowest heat. A hot iron can melt modal fibers, so proceed with care.
Modal fibers are very unlikely to shrink. Especially if you follow the care instructions above and wash in cold water.
Modal compares very favourably to others in terms of comfort. Here's an idea of how it feels to wear.
Modal fabric has a soft, slightly brushed surface on one side and is smooth on the other.
100% modal fabrics outperform other regenerated cellulose fibers (like cotton, viscose, bamboo) in terms of comfort ("Study of mechanical and comfort properties of modal with cotton and regenerated fibers blended woven fabrics," Latif et al, 2018).
This fabric feels great next to the skin because it is so gentle with a beautiful drape and shine.
The best way to experience this luxurious feeling is to run your hands over a piece of Modal or try on some Modal clothing.
Modal is a good choice for hot summer days. It is a very breathable fabric, which makes it ideal for warm weather or for sports and athletic wear.
Modal is great for light and comfortable underwear (as long as you're not allergic, of course). But it doesn't retain heat well, so it is not good for thermal or winter underwear.
Modal is commonly considered to be one of the most sustainable fabrics available today, but it is not without its drawbacks.
Modal production uses trees, which need to be replaced once harvested. It uses fewer harmful chemicals than other fabrics, but it does still use some - including sodium hydroxide. Not all modal fibers are made equally, so you are relying on the textile producer to ensure that the manufacturing process is done in the most eco-friendly way.
Assuming this is the case, modal has many uses as a strong, breathable material that doesn't stretch or crease, and that holds dye easily.
Although some people are unfortunately allergic, the majority will find it to be very pleasant to wear, especially in summertime.
