Modal Fabric for Fashion: Soft, Safe, and Eco-Friendly
How is it Made | Benefits | Harmful Chemicals | Negatives | Important Certifications | Improving | Products | FAQ
What is Modal Fabric?
Modal fabric is a type of sustainable textile made from cellulose fibers derived from beech trees. It is known for its softness, drapability, and moisture-wicking properties. The production of modal fabric is environmentally friendly and its natural characteristics make it a popular choice for a wide range of clothing and bedding items such as tencel sheets and modal cotton shirts.
Modal fabric is a type of rayon fabric made from the fibers of the beech tree. It is considered a semi-synthetic fabric because it is made from a natural cellulose source but processed chemically to turn it into fibers.
How is Modal Fabric Made?
Modal fabric is made from the fibers of the beech tree. The process of making modal fabric starts by breaking down the cellulose in the beech wood chips to create a solution of cellulose fibers. These fibers are then spun into yarn, which can be woven or knitted into fabric.
The fabric is then treated with various chemicals and finishes to give it softness, drape, and other desired characteristics. The final product is a soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric that is often used in clothing such as underwear, loungewear and bedding.
Steps involved in making modal fabric:
Obtaining beech wood chips
Breaking down the cellulose in the wood chips to create a solution of cellulose fibers
Spinning the cellulose fibers into yarn
Weaving or knitting the yarn into fabric
Treating the fabric with chemicals and finishes to improve its properties such as softness, drape, moisture-wicking, and others
The final product is a soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric that is often used in clothing such as underwear, loungewear and bedding.
Modal fabric is also considered a more sustainable option than traditional synthetic fabrics such as polyester. It is made from a natural cellulose source and the production process is less resource-intensive than that of synthetic fabrics.
Benefits of Modal Fabric?
Modal fabric offers a number of benefits, including:
Softness: Modal fibers are extremely soft, making modal fabric one of the softest fabrics available. This makes it ideal for clothing that will be worn close to the skin, such as underwear, loungewear and bedding.
Moisture-wicking: Modal fabric is highly absorbent, which means that it can quickly wick moisture away from the skin. This makes it a great choice for clothing that needs to keep the wearer dry and comfortable, such as athletic wear and activewear.
Durability: Modal fabric is strong and long-lasting, which means that it will hold up well to repeated wear and washing.
Breathability: Modal fabric is lightweight and breathable, which means that it allows air to circulate easily, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.
Versatility: Modal fabric can be used for a wide range of clothing and textiles, such as T-shirts, dresses, loungewear, bedding, and more.
Eco-friendly: Modal is made from the fibers of the beech tree, which is a sustainable resource, and the production process uses less water and energy compared to cotton.
One of the main benefits of modal fabric is its softness. It is considered one of the softest fabrics available, and is often compared to silk or cashmere in terms of its feel. This makes it ideal for use in clothing and other textile products such as bedding, underwear and loungewear.
Modal fabric is also very absorbent, which makes it great for moisture-wicking. This means that it can pull moisture away from the skin and release it into the air, which helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable. This property makes it a great choice for activewear, workout clothes and summer clothing.
Modal fabric is also highly durable and resistant to shrinkage and wrinkles. This makes it easy to care for, and it can retain its shape and color even after multiple washes.
Are Harmful Chemicals used in making it?
Modal fabric is made from the cellulose fibers of the beech tree, which are processed using a range of chemicals. Some of the chemicals that may be used in the production of modal fabric include:
Sodium hydroxide: This chemical is used to dissolve the cellulose fibers from the beech wood chips, it is also known as caustic soda, it can be harmful if ingested or if it comes in contact with the skin.
Carbon disulfide: This chemical is used as a solvent to dissolve the cellulose fibers, it's toxic, flammable and can be harmful to the environment.
Sulfuric acid: This chemical is used to neutralize the sodium hydroxide and remove impurities from the cellulose fibers. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and if ingested or inhaled it can be fatal.
Formaldehyde: This chemical is used as a finishing agent, to improve fabric's resistance to shrinkage, wrinkling and fading. It can be harmful if inhaled, and has been linked to cancer, allergies, and other health problems.
Dyes: Dyes are used to color the fabric, some of the dyes are toxic, and can be harmful to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly.
Negatives of Modal Fabric?
One of the main negatives of modal fabric is that it is not as strong as some other fabrics. It is more prone to tearing and snagging than cotton or polyester. This means it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty clothing or items that will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear.
Modal fabric is also considered a semi-synthetic fabric because it is made from a natural cellulose source but processed chemically to turn it into fibers. The chemical process of producing modal is not as eco-friendly as other natural fibers, and it also requires large amounts of water to produce.
Another negative of modal fabric is that it is relatively expensive compared to other natural fibers such as cotton. This can make it more expensive for consumers to buy modal products.
Important Certifications
Modal fabric is a type of rayon fabric that is made from the fibers of beech trees. There are several certifications that are relevant to modal fabric, including:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification: This certification tests for harmful substances in textiles and ensures that modal fabric is free from harmful chemicals and safe for human use.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification: This certification verifies the use of recycled materials in the production of modal fabric, and ensures that the fabric production process meets strict environmental and social responsibility standards.
Cradle to Cradle Certified product standard: This certification assesses products across a range of sustainability criteria, including material health, renewable energy use, and water stewardship.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification: This certification ensures that the fibers used to produce the modal fabric are grown in accordance with strict organic standards, and that the fabric production process meets standards for environmental responsibility and social responsibility.
How is Modal Fabric improving?
Modal fabric production has improved in recent years in several ways, including:
Reducing water and energy usage: As companies are becoming more environmentally conscious, they are investing in new technologies to reduce the amount of water and energy used in the production of modal fabric. This not only reduces the environmental impact of the production process, but it also saves costs for the companies.
Replacing harmful chemicals: Companies are also looking for ways to replace the harmful chemicals used in the production of modal fabric with less toxic alternatives. This includes using different solvents and dyes, and also implementing sustainable production processes.
Increasing recycling and closed-loop production: Companies are starting to implement closed-loop production systems, which allow them to recycle and reuse materials and resources in the production process. This helps to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Implementing sustainable sourcing: Companies are also focusing on sourcing beech wood chips from sustainable and responsible sources, this includes using FSC ( Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood sources and implementing sustainable logging practices.
Increasing transparency: Many companies are now publishing information about their production processes, including what chemicals are used, where their raw materials come from, and how they are working to improve sustainability. This allows consumers to make more informed decisions about the products they purchase.
The production of modal fabric is becoming more sustainable and eco-friendlier as companies are investing in new technologies and processes to reduce their environmental impact. This is driven by the growing awareness of environmental issues and the increasing demand for sustainable products from consumers.
Products Using Modal Fabric?
Modal fabric is a versatile fabric that can be used for a wide range of products, including:
Underwear and loungewear: Modal's softness and moisture-wicking properties make it an excellent choice for clothing that will be worn close to the skin, such as underwear, bras, and loungewear.
Activewear: Modal's moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and durability make it a great choice for activewear such as leggings, sports bras, and workout tops.
Bedding: Modal's softness and moisture-wicking properties make it a popular choice for bed sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding items.
T-shirts, dresses and other clothing: Modal's softness and breathability make it comfortable to wear, it can be used for a variety of clothing items such as T-shirts, dresses, and blouses.
Towels and bathrobes: Modal's absorbency and softness make it a great choice for towels and bathrobes, which can quickly wick away moisture from the skin.
Home textiles: Modal's softness and durability make it suitable for home textiles such as curtains, tablecloths, and napkins.
Socks and hosiery: Modal's moisture-wicking properties make it suitable for socks and hosiery, which can keep the feet dry and comfortable.
Other products: Modal can be used for other products such as scarfs, shawls, and even musical instruments.
Alternative Fabrics to Modal
Tencel: Tencel is a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric made from wood pulp that is sourced from responsibly managed forests. Tencel is soft, breathable, and has a silky feel that makes it a popular alternative to modal for use in clothing and home textiles. Tencel is produced using an environmentally friendly closed-loop process that minimizes waste and water use.
Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is a natural and sustainable fabric that is made from the fibers of the bamboo plant. Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource that requires minimal water and pesticides to grow. Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable, and has natural antibacterial properties that make it a popular choice for clothing and home textiles.
Organic cotton: Organic cotton is a natural and sustainable fabric that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and durable, and can be used in a wide range of clothing and home textiles. Choosing organic cotton over modal can help reduce the environmental impact of your clothing.
FAQ
Is modal fabric environmentally friendly?
Modal fabric is considered to be more environmentally friendly than many other synthetic fabrics, as it is made from a renewable resource and requires less water to produce than cotton. However, the chemical processing required to create modal fabric can still have negative environmental impacts.
How does modal fabric compare to other synthetic fabrics?
Modal fabric is similar to other synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, in that it is lightweight, soft, and easy to care for. However, modal fabric has a more natural feel and texture than these other fabrics, which makes it popular for use in clothing and home textiles.
How should I care for modal fabric?
Modal fabric can be machine-washed or hand-washed with cool water and a mild detergent. It should be air-dried or dried on a low heat setting, and can be ironed on a low heat setting if desired. It is important to avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fabric.
Is modal fabric suitable for all types of clothing?
Modal fabric is often used in clothing such as underwear, sleepwear, and T-shirts, but can also be used in home textiles such as bedding and towels. While modal is a soft and durable fabric, it may not be suitable for all types of clothing or uses, as it can be prone to pilling and may not hold its shape as well as other fabrics.
Where can I find modal fabric clothing and home textiles?
Modal fabric clothing and home textiles can be found at a variety of retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Modal is a popular fabric for many sustainable and eco-friendly fashion brands, but is also available at more affordable price points.
Final Thoughts
Modal fabric is a type of rayon fabric made from the fibers of the beech tree. It is considered a semi-synthetic fabric because it is made from a natural cellulose source but processed chemically to turn it into fibers. Modal fabric is known for its softness, drapability, moisture-wicking properties, and durability.
It is also considered a more sustainable option than traditional synthetic fabrics such as polyester, but it is not as strong as some other fabrics, and it's not as eco-friendly as other natural fibers. It also requires large amounts of water to produce, and it is relatively expensive compared to other natural fibers such as cotton.