From everyday apparel to next-to-skin intimates, our portfolio of three TENCEL™ Modal fibers was developed with versatility in mind – doing the work in both woven and knitted fabrics while blending easily with a range of other fibers.
At first touch, the feeling of softness stands out – retained in garments even long into wear life and after multiple washes. With the shared characteristic of superior comfort, all our TENCEL™ Modal fibers are gentle on the skin, smooth to the touch, while holding a naturally dry feel. That staying power comes down to the fiber itself, its structure and tenacity. It works even in lighter-weight fabrics. That is why it’s ideal for performance apparel.
This fall, the spotlight is on three key fibers:
TENCEL™ Modal: the original, known for long-lasting softness, moisture management and versatility, equally at home in apparel and home textiles.
TENCEL™ Modal – Micro: a finer fiber used for lighter fabrics with an even softer touch and a feather-like feel, making it ideal for intimate wear and delicate next-to-skin products.
And, at the premium end, TENCEL™ Modal – Micro Air: our ultra-fine fiber, ideal for lightweight fabrics that offer a near-weightless, second-skin sensation for unparalleled comfort.
For more insights, we sat down with our Product Manager Susanne Badke for a Q&A:
The TENCEL™ Modal portfolio includes several fiber variants. Could you explain the key differences between them and the needs they are designed to address?
The TENCEL™ Modal portfolio has been developed to meet a wide range of consumer and brand needs, from everyday comfort to premium next-to-skin experiences. Standard TENCEL™ Modal fibers are known for their long-lasting softness, moisture management and versatility across apparel and home textile applications. TENCEL™ Modal – Micro features finer fibers that enable lighter fabrics with enhanced softness, making it particularly suitable for intimate wear and delicate next-to-skin products.
At the premium end of the portfolio, TENCEL™ Modal – Micro Air is the finest fiber within the TENCEL™ Modal family. Its ultra-fine fiber enables exceptionally lightweight fabrics with a near-weightless, second-skin feel and elevated comfort for premium intimate apparel and everyday essentials.
What are the defining characteristics of TENCEL™ Modal fibers, and what makes them particularly relevant for today's textile industry?
TENCEL™ Modal fibers combine carefully sourced, natural raw material wood1, long-lasting softness, moisture management and high comfort in a versatile fiber solution. Derived from controlled or certified wood sources, TENCEL™ Modal fibers are engineered to deliver long-lasting softness and reliable performance, helping fabrics retain their comfortable feel even after repeated washing and drying. In today's textile industry, where consumers increasingly seek both comfort and transparency, TENCEL™ Modal fibers offer a compelling combination of performance, resource-efficient production and traceability.
How do TENCEL™ Modal fibers help create lightweight fabrics while maintaining durability and comfort?
The fiber structure and tenacity of TENCEL™ Modal fibers allow manufacturers to create fabrics that are both soft and durable. Even lighter-weight constructions can maintain the strength required for everyday wear. The finer fiber variants, such as TENCEL™ Modal – Micro and TENCEL™ Modal – Micro Air, enable the creation of lighter and more delicate fabrics without sacrificing the long-lasting softness, moisture management and wearing comfort associated with the Modal family. This balance of lightness and durability makes them particularly suitable for products worn close to the skin and frequently washed.
Why is traceability becoming increasingly important for brands and consumers, and how does Lenzing address this within the TENCEL™ Modal portfolio?
Consumers increasingly want to understand the origin of the products they purchase, while brands seek credible ways to demonstrate product authenticity and responsible sourcing1. Traceability helps build trust by providing visibility throughout the supply chain. Within the TENCEL™ Modal portfolio, Lenzing supports transparency through fiber identification and tracing technology that enable fibers to be identified throughout the value chain. In addition, Lenzing's traceability solution helps brands verify fiber origin and strengthen confidence in their sourcing practices.
How does responsible wood sourcing1 support the quality and performance story of TENCEL™ Modal fibers?
Responsible sourcing1 is a fundamental part of the TENCEL™ Modal story. The fibers are derived from wood sourced from controlled or certified forests, including FSC®- and PEFC-certified sources. This approach helps protect forest ecosystems and supports long-term resource availability. At the same time, it provides a reliable raw material base for fiber production, supporting a stable and reliable supply of raw materials for fiber production. Responsible sourcing1 therefore strengthens the sustainability credentials of TENCEL™ Modal, while supporting the reliability and consistency that customers expect.
As a multi-talented over-performer, TENCEL™ Modal portfolio carries the promise of all of our TENCEL™ Modal fibers: are certified with the widely recognized EU Ecolabel for textile products in recognition of high environmental standards throughout their life cycle2 – and fully traceable with visibility throughout the entire supply chain. A feel-good feeling that goes beyond its wear.
1 The wood used as raw material for all TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers is sourced from certified or controlled wood sources, following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy. For its highly responsible sourcing practices helping to protect ancient and endangered forests, Lenzing has been recognized as one of the best performing companies globally in Canopy’s Hot Button Report 2023.
2 EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001).