It’s safe to say that a lot of clothes sellers are not very familiar with Modal Fabric. However this is a material that is quickly growing in popularity. And you do not want to get caught by your customers not knowing anything!
Luckily for you, I come bearing gifts. I will dissect this fascinating material inside out. My only goal is to make sure that you understand it fully.
So we’ll cover everything from what exactly the material is, why we as clothing manufacturers use it, and how it’s made. You will also understand how it is placed, the different types, and the impact on the environment.
Arm yourself with the right information today. And make the best decisions to stay ahead of the market.
No more delay!
Table of Contents
What Is Modal Fabric?
Modal was invented originally in Japan in the 1950s and it is a semi-synthetic fabric. It uses pulp from Beech trees as its primary constituent in the production process.
Modal is based on rayon fabrics, which are another plant-derived textile. It is often mixed with other fibres, such as spandex and cotton. The result is a stronger fabric.
The material is attractive in the clothing industry. It is used to make products, including underwear fabric and household items. Think of the likes of towels and sheets.
Modal Fabric is currently viewed as a luxury fabric. That’s due to Modal in fabric having a soft feel and being expensive.
Why do we use Modal at JaceApparel?
At JaceApparel, we recognize that Modal is a killer fabric with great properties. Here are a few of the reasons why we use it:
- It feels two times as soft as cotton and is super gentle on your skin.
- Durable and stretchy, making excellent everyday wear, t-shirts and athletic wear.
- The material also has a beautiful drape and a silky texture. That raises its decorative appeal like other silk alternatives.
- In addition to that, the fabric resists pilling totally. Modal resists wrinkles and requires minimal ironing.
- Plus, it beats its competitors as luxury fabric. That is on top of being 50% more water absorbent than cotton.
Pro Tip: Customers love the silky texture of Modal Fabric. You should consider using ultra-soft fabric in undergarments, pajamas, and bed sheets. That will surely generate more sales.
Chuck Y., Apparel Designer
Modal Fabric Production Process
The fabric is made by spinning beech tree cellulose. However, the Modal Fabric manufacturing process involves chemicals. These include sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide and they make the fiber semi-synthetic.
Pulp is made from the cellulose of harvested beach trees. Then, they make sheets Of cellulose that are soaked in sodium hydroxide.
The sheets are then broken down into smaller pieces that are then put into carbon disulfide.
That gives you sodium cellulose xanthate which is then put in sodium hydroxide again. From here, you get a liquid solution, which is put through a spinneret.
This is a device with holes that help create the fibres. The fibres are then put in sulfuric acid, resulting in a yarn. The yarn is washed, bleached, and dried.
From spools, the yarn is now woven or knit into a tight weave to form the Modal Fabric.
Leave it to JaceApparel to handle all your clothes manufacturing. We have a global network of reliable raw material suppliers ensuring you what you need.
You also enjoy a wide selection of Fabric that includes Lyocell, Modal, Cotton, Silk and so much more. Meet customer demand with us and enjoy more repeat clients.
How Much Does Modal Fabric Cost?
Modal is generally considered luxurious and fetches a premium. So expect to pay more the same or just slightly more than cotton. It is more expensive than other types of rayon, like viscose rayon.
But it is cheaper than silk with prices generally being similar to lyocell. The blend you use in your clothes will ultimately determine the cost.
What Different Types of Rayon Competing With Modal Fabric?
There are two types of Modal Fabric:
1. Viscose rayon:
Viscose was the initial form of Modal. Many consider it a predecessor of the fabric. The process of creating viscose rayon is rather complicated. A lot of factories do not make this semi-synthetic fabric. They have transitioned to more advanced forms.
2. Lyocell:
This type is a completely organic form of rayon derivative made fully from organic cellulose. The material is made in a closed-loop production process. Almost all of the Lyocell in the world is made by Lenzing AG in Austria and their neighbouring countries.
JaceApparel uses a state-of-the-art production facility that makes quality clothes. All of our production methods use sustainable practices. And the craftsmanship is second to none.
We give you the latest branding techniques, such as DTG, heat transfer and embroidery. All that makes it easy for you to entrench a trusted brand in the market.
How Does Modal Fabric Impact the Environment?
The chemicals used in Modal production make the products not sustainable. Carbon disulfide, in particular, is a very toxic chemical that can harm people and animals.
However, some production methods, for example, the one trademarked by Lenzing, do not harm the environment. That is how they make TENCEL Modal®.
Tencel Modal production materials and chemicals are reused. They do not dump any of the toxic chemicals.
When companies source their beach trees properly, the fabric has little environmental effects.
There are specific beech trees that are grown for Modal production. These forests thrive in northern and central Europe.
And when compared to cotton the Modal production process from 10 to 20 times less water. Therefore, the production process is somewhat environmentally friendly.
Plus, Modal is a completely biodegradable fabric, making it an eco-friendly alternative textile.
Comparison Between Modal and Other Fabrics
| Aspect | Modal | Lyocell | Viscose rayon | Cotton | Silk |
| Source Material | Primarily beech trees | Oak, birch, beech trees and eucalyptus | Wood pulp | Cotton plant | Silkworms or spiders |
| Production Process | Uses sodium hydroxide | Organic solution that replaces sodium hydroxide (N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide) | Uses sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid | Mechanical or chemical processing | Sericulture (rearing silkworms) |
| Eco-friendliness | Less eco-friendly due to chemical use | More eco-friendly, with a nearly 100% solvent recycling process | Less eco-friendly, uses harmful chemicals | Depends on farming practices; organic cotton is more eco-friendly | Moderate (depends on animal welfare and farming practices) |
| Biodegradable | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Environmental Impact | Can be harmful if chemicals are not managed properly | Lower environmental impact due to sustainable process | High environmental impact (chemical-intensive) | High water usage; organic cotton reduces impact | High resource usage; ethical concerns related to animal farming |
How To Care for Modal Clothes?
In terms of cleaning, pure Modal Can be treated like cotton. That means washing at any temperature. That includes hot hot at 60°C.
You can dry clean it or tumble dry it. When blended with other fabrics like cotton and spandex, the instructions might change. So always check the manufacturer’s instructions. And advise your customers to do the same.
Expert Tip: Always go for oxygen-based bleach when cleaning Modal Fabric. That is because chlorine will often weaken the bio-based fabric.
Efecan Karabacak, Textile Engineer
People Also Ask About Modal Fabric
1. What Is the Difference Between Modal Fabric and Viscose?
Modal Fabric does not lose its shape when wet, that is why it is called high wet modulus rayon. In contrast, a viscose rayon loses its shape when exposed to water. Although their production is almost similar, Modal goes through extra steps. Of the two, Modal is more environmentally friendly.
2. What are the disadvantages of Modal Fabric?
The fabric is more expensive than others in its class. Also, the production process involves a very toxic chemical called Carbon disulfide. When mishandled, it could harm humans and animals.
3. How is Modal Fabric disposed of or recycled?
The material is Eco-friendly in that it is biodegradable and compostable. So, Modal Fabrics can be industrially disposed of like other biodegradable materials. You can also do it at home.
4. Can Modal Fabric be dyed like natural fibres?
Yes. Modal Fabric absorbs dye easily. You can dye it with your preferred colours just like you would cotton. It absorbs dye in warm water. Actually, it uses fewer chemicals and less energy than cotton, making it eco-friendly.
What’s Next
The rise of eco-conscious consumers is driving up the demand for eco-friendly fabrics. The right manufacturer, like JaceApparel, can position you to win in this market.
They help design, source the materials, and Manufacture some of the best clothes in the world. As if that’s not enough, they upgrade your entire inventory with stellar management.
With them, consider the back-end supply chain sorted. You enjoy reliable and strategic warehousing and logistics services.
You will get your items promptly. So, establish a solid reputation and grow your revenue. Hit up JaceApparel today.
Sources:
Masterclass – Fabric Guide: What Is Modal Fabric? Understanding How Modal Is Made and Whether Modal Is an Environmentally Conscious Choice
Howstuffworks – What Is Modal Fabric and Is It Eco-friendly?