What is the difference between Lyocell and modal?

Both are regenerated cellulosic fibres. Modal is typically made from beech and is exceptionally soft with good stretch and drape; Lyocell (from eucalyptus, via a closed-loop process) is a little stronger and more eco-efficient. Both feel silky and are often blended with cotton.

Lyocell (Tencel) & Modal Shirting: The Sustainable Soft Fabric

Q: What is Lyocell fabric?

Lyocell is a regenerated cellulosic fibre made from wood pulp, usually eucalyptus, dissolved in a non-toxic solvent that is recycled in a closed loop. It produces a soft, smooth, breathable and biodegradable fabric, widely used for premium, drapey shirting.

Q: What is the difference between Lyocell and Tencel?

Tencel is a brand name. TENCEL is the trademarked Lyocell (and modal) made by the Austrian producer Lenzing. So all Tencel is Lyocell, but not all Lyocell is Tencel — Tencel simply denotes Lenzing's certified, traceable version.

Q: Is Lyocell more sustainable than cotton?

Generally yes on water and chemicals: Lyocell uses far less water than conventional cotton and a closed-loop solvent process that recovers most of the solvent, and the wood is often from certified forests. It is also biodegradable. Sustainability still depends on sourcing and finishing, so look for certifications.

In short: Lyocell and modal are botanic fibres made from wood pulp — silky-soft, breathable, drapey and biodegradable. Tencel is simply Lenzing's branded, certified version of these fibres. They are among the most sustainable mainstream shirting fibres and are prized for a fluid, luxurious hand, often blended with cotton for the best of both.

What these fibres actually are

Lyocell and modal are regenerated cellulosic fibres — natural cellulose from wood pulp that is dissolved and re-formed into yarn. Lyocell is usually made from eucalyptus using a closed-loop solvent process that recovers the great majority of the solvent for reuse. Modal is typically made from beech and is engineered for extreme softness and drape. Both sit between natural and synthetic: plant- derived, but manufactured.

Lyocell vs Tencel — clearing up the name

People use them interchangeably, but Tencel is a brand. TENCEL is the trademarked Lyocell and modal produced by Lenzing, with traceability and certification behind it. So "Tencel" on a label means Lenzing-made Lyocell or modal; generic "Lyocell" can come from any producer.

Why they feel so good

Silky softness: a smooth fibre surface gives a hand-feel close to silk.
Drape: fluid and graceful, ideal for relaxed, elegant shirts.
Breathable & moisture-managing: absorbs moisture well, comfortable in warm weather.
Colour: takes dye richly for deep, vivid shades.
Gentle on skin: smooth fibres suit sensitive skin.

The sustainability story

This is a genuine selling point for a modern brand. Compared with conventional cotton, Lyocell typically uses far less water, its closed-loop process reclaims most of the solvent, the wood is often from certified, responsibly managed forests, and the fibre is biodegradable. As always, the claim is only as strong as the sourcing and finishing — which is why certifications (and brands like Tencel that carry them) matter.

How it compares to cotton

	Lyocell / Tencel	Modal	Cotton
Hand-feel	Silky, smooth	Very soft	Soft, natural
Drape	Fluid	Fluid	Crisper
Strength	High (esp. when wet)	Good	Good
Sustainability	Strong (closed-loop)	Good	Variable
Best for	Premium, eco, drapey shirts	Soft relaxed shirts	All-round

Many of the best shirts use a cotton-Lyocell blend: cotton's body and structure with Lyocell's softness, drape and sustainability edge.

Care

Wash gently and cool, avoid harsh wringing, and dry in shade. These fibres are strong but the luxurious surface lasts longest with a soft touch.

Where D BADAMI fits

D BADAMI weaves Lyocell (Tencel) and modal shirting — pure and in cotton blends — in prints, plains and checks, certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1, GOTS, GRS and more, supporting brands building a sustainability-led range. See the range or order wholesale.

FAQ

What is Lyocell fabric?

A regenerated cellulosic fibre made from wood pulp (usually eucalyptus) via a closed-loop solvent process — soft, breathable and biodegradable.

What is the difference between Lyocell and Tencel?

Tencel is a brand: it is Lenzing's trademarked, certified Lyocell (and modal). All Tencel is Lyocell, not all Lyocell is Tencel.

Is Lyocell more sustainable than cotton?

Generally yes on water and chemicals, thanks to a closed-loop process and certified wood, and it is biodegradable — though sourcing and finishing still matter.

Lyocell vs modal?

Both are cellulosic and silky; modal (beech) is exceptionally soft and stretchy, Lyocell (eucalyptus) is a little stronger and more eco-efficient.