TENCEL™ Modal 101: Why Our Fabric Feels Like a Second Skin?
What is TENCEL™ Modal?
TENCEL™ Modal is a premium, eco-friendly fabric made from the fibers of beech trees. It’s known for being incredibly soft, breathable, and durable, making it one of the best materials for loungewear and sleepwear.
The fibers are produced through a sustainable process that uses less water and energy than most other fabrics, making it gentle on the skin and the planet.
TENCEL™ Modal v. Modal
I used to think TENCEL™ Modal and Modal were the same thing. While both are really soft and breathable, there is a difference. TENCEL™ Modal is a higher-quality, finer version made with extra fine, silky-smooth fibers that feel buttery soft on your skin.
Lenzing, the company behind TENCEL™, maintains strict production standards to ensure consistent fiber quality. This results in a luxuriously smooth feel that lasts through repeated washing.
Both fabrics are soft, but TENCEL™ Modal is even more comfortable due to its finer fibers, gentle feel, and long-lasting smoothness.
Fabric Comparison:
TENCEL™ Modal vs. Other Common Fabrics
When creating BCozyLuxe, I tested several fabrics, TENCEL™ Modal, Modal, Bamboo, Silk, Cotton, and Polyester, to find the one that truly captured what cozy should feel like. Each fabric has its own strengths, but not all offer the same comfort, durability, or sustainability.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
TENCEL™ Modal: Made from sustainably sourced beech trees, it’s buttery soft, breathable, and gentle on your skin. It keeps its smooth feel even after many washes and is produced through an eco-friendly process.
Modal: It's soft and comfortable, similar to TENCEL™ Modal, but not made with the same sustainable standards.
Bamboo: Naturally soft and breathable, bamboo fabric helps with temperature control, but the chemicals used to process the material make it less environmentally friendly.
Silk: Luxurious and smooth, silk feels amazing on the skin, but it’s delicate, requires special care, and can be expensive to produce.
Cotton: A natural and breathable favorite, cotton is soft and versatile but can lose its smooth texture over time and uses a lot of water to produce.
Polyester: Durable and wrinkle-resistant, but it’s a synthetic fabric made from plastic fibers, meaning it’s less breathable and not environmentally friendly.
Different Types of TENCEL™ Modal Textures
While all TENCEL™ Modal fabrics share the same buttery softness and breathability, they can be made with different finishes or textures depending on how the fibers are woven or knitted. These finishes affect how the fabric looks, stretches, and feels on your skin.
Here are some of the most common:
-
Ribbed TENCEL™ Modal: Has subtle vertical lines and extra stretch. It feels cozy and form-fitting, perfect for lounge or sleepwears.
-
Jersey TENCEL™ Modal: Smooth, lightweight, and super soft with a little natural stretch. This is the most common type for pajamas and tees.
-
Interlock TENCEL™ Modal: Thicker and smoother on both sides, offering a bit more warmth and structure. Great for cooler months.
-
Satin or Brushed TENCEL™ Modal: Has a silky or slightly fuzzy finish for an ultra-luxurious feel.
-
Blended TENCEL™ Modal: Often mixed with cotton, spandex, or lyocell for added stretch or durability.
What's the perfect GSM for pajamas?
GSM (grams per square meter) measures a fabric’s weight and thickness. For TENCEL™ Modal, a higher GSM means a smoother, thicker, and more luxurious feel.
-
Lower GSM (below 180): Very lightweight and airy, but less durable
-
Mid GSM (180–200): Soft, breathable, and ideal for warm weather
-
Higher GSM (220+): Thicker, cozier, and perfect for cooler nights
All BCozyLuxe pajamas are made with fabrics over 200 GSM, giving them the perfect balance of softness, structure, and year-round comfort.
