What's the Difference? Understanding the Various Types of Modal Fabric

Modal is a familiar fabric to many, and it's particularly popular among men for underwear. However, when it comes to discussing its specific advantages and disadvantages, it becomes less well-known. Therefore, the author will provide a detailed explanation of Modal to assist readers in future purchases.

Modal, also known as Modal fiber, is classified as a cellulose fiber, just like viscose. It is a pure man-made fiber.

 

Types of Modal

 

Type	Raw Material
Modal	Beech
Lenzing Modal	Beech
Tencel Modal	Beech+Eucalyptus
Micro Modal	Beech

 

1. Modal

Modal is a regenerated cellulose fiber typically spun from wood pulp derived from shrubs, classified as a man-made fiber.

It features soft comfort, excellent moisture absorption, and becomes softer with each wash, commonly used in underwear, outerwear, sportswear, and home textiles. Modal is often blended with other fibers to enhance its inherent lack of crispness.

‌2. Lenzing Modal

Lenzing Modal is a patented product manufactured by Austria's Lenzing AG. Derived from European beech wood, it represents a premium grade of modal fiber. Beyond standard modal advantages, it offers superior breathability, antibacterial odor control, enhanced wet strength, and dimensional stability.Lenzing Modal is favored for performance-critical applications like sleepwear, athletic apparel, casual wear, and lace.

‌3. Tencel Modal

Tencel is another premium regenerated cellulose fiber produced by Lenzing, classified as a Lyocell fiber distinct from Modal. Tencel Modal is typically a blend of Modal and Tencel, combining Tencel's silky luster and high strength with Modal's soft comfort, while offering superior breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

‌4. Micro Modal‌

Superfine Modal refers to modal fabrics woven with finer yarn counts (e.g., 60s, 100s, 120s). Its finer fibers result in lighter, softer fabrics with superior breathability. Microfiber is finer than silk, possessing a silky sheen and texture, so MicroModal fabric looks and feels similar to silk.

The Difference Between Modal and Lenzing Modal

Lenzing Modal is produced by Lenzing AG of Austria. It utilizes premium beech wood pulp as raw material and is manufactured through a closed-loop eco-friendly production process with over 99% solvent recovery. The production process generates minimal pollution and complies with stringent EU environmental standards.

While standard modal also uses beech wood as raw material, numerous manufacturers employ varying pulpwood species, fiber specifications, and environmental standards. Some products may fall short of Lenzing Modal in production techniques and environmental performance.

 

The Difference Between Lenzing Modal and Micro Modal

 

Ultra-fine Modal is an upgraded version of Lenzing Modal, featuring finer fiber diameters (down to 0.8 denier) and higher yarn counts (e.g., 225 Nm). It enables the weaving of ultra-lightweight fabrics weighing under 100 grams per square meter, offering a “second-skin” feel that combines the lustrous sheen of silk with exceptional moisture absorption and breathability. While standard Lenzing Modal is also soft and comfortable, its fibers are relatively thicker.

Ultra-fine modal is produced using more advanced eco-friendly technology, with the entire process from beechwood raw material to fiber under strict control. It is the only fiber to receive the EU's “European Flower” eco-label. While Lenzing modal also uses beechwood as its raw material, ultra-fine modal enhances performance by increasing the fiber's surface area through a layered structur

 

Conclusion

 

Overall, Lenzing Modal outperforms standard modal in both quality and performance. Tencel Modal combines the advantages of Tencel and modal, while ultra-fine modal prioritizes fabric delicacy and comfort. Selection should be based on specific requirements and intended use.