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What is modal material?
Modal rayon fabric, also known as high wet modulus rayon (HWM) rayon, was first developed in Japan in 1951 as an alternative to silk.
Modal is very similar to rayon. However, it's also more solid, more breathable, and capable of carrying more moisture.
Modal is a "semi-synthetic" material that is often combined with other fibers to create soft and durable fabrics. Its silky smooth feel makes it one of the more luxurious vegan materials, often found in clothing from high-priced eco-friendly clothing brands.
What does modal material feel like? Like a comfortable, breathable, soft hug.
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How is it produced?
The production method of Modal is similar to that of Rayon, but without additional waste of resources and production of pollutants.
It uses legally obtained beech trees. After tedious processing procedures, the wood chips are converted into cellulose and become fabric.
First, sheets are formed from extracted cellulose.
Pre-treat the flakes by soaking them in sodium hydroxide. Unlike viscose rayon, this process produces only trace amounts of sodium hydroxide, which means less toxic waste.
Oozing the cellulose flakes will break them down into crumb-sized pieces. Soaking them in carbon disulfide produces an orange substance called sodium cellulose xanthate.
This is the reason why modal transcends synthetic fabrics and is considered a semi-synthetic fabric.
The cellulose sodium xanthate is again soaked in sodium hydroxide. It is then moved through a spinneret to create fibers. The final step is to soak it in sulfuric acid and then, after processing, it turns into yarn!
Once bleached, washed and dried, modal is ready to become a favorite piece of clothing or new underwear!
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Modal material characteristics
One of the best attributes of modal is its ultra-comfortable feel. It's soft, lightweight, flexible and breathable.
Like silk, it does not wrinkle easily, does not shrink, and has good toughness.
It offers perfect ductility and has a long service life.
Even better, it’s not prone to pilling when worn for long periods of time.
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What is modal used for?
Modal is more durable than cotton and can withstand repeated washing and drying, making it an ideal material for eco-friendly clothing.
It's comfortable and fade-resistant, making it perfect for organic bras and fair trade fast fashion.
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Modal is a recyclable material
Modal is mainly produced in countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan, but there are no strict production standards like the Austrian Lenzing company.
In some parts of the world, modal fabrics are produced to government standards that are more lax than in others. Given the extensive use of chemicals in production, this may not be conducive to material recycling, and the labor conditions for employed workers are also relatively harsh.
In fact, the model supply chain is linked to logging in tropical rainforest areas – which is expected to be tripled by 2025 compared to today.
While beech pulp produces most modal fabrics, rainforest pulp is also used. While Lenzing uses reclaimed wood to make Modal, many other manufacturers do not.
Every year, our clothes come from more than 120 million trees that are cut down. Modal production is environmentally friendly, which means it is a more ideal clothing material.
However, to ensure one of the best materials on modal, it should come from a trustworthy manufacturer that uses recycled materials.
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Advantages and disadvantages of materials
One of the greatest advantages of Modal fiber is that it has been certified as biodegradable and compostable in household, soil, industrial and marine conditions.
Its growth is more recyclable than that of cotton, and its yield is 10 times that of cotton. Water consumption has also been reduced by 20 times!
Save water, too, when you wear those new organic modal pajamas. This material does not require extensive washing and does not require bleach or fabric softener.
Modalde's properties are comfortable and durable, and the garment will be able to withstand stretching and long-term wear.
When it comes to modal fiber disadvantages, they include allergic reactions, discoloration, and lack of insulation.
For us, the first disadvantage of Modal is that, unless it is Lenzing Modal, you have no guarantee that the underlying wood pulp comes from sustainably managed forests, or that the process is friendly to workers and the environment.
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How to maintain modal material?
Modal can be thrown in the washing machine, but it is best to wash it by hand. It is also better to avoid damage to clothes or underwear.
For reusable lingerie or delicate items, be sure to use a laundry bag.
If you must use a dryer, use low to medium-high heat. Modal can also be ironed, but for temperature and related restrictions, please refer to the information on the washing label.
It is also recommended not to use chemical detergents, but if you need to use bleach, use a chlorine-free, oxygen-containing bleach.
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Reflections on fast fashion and the environment
Not all clothing is made with kindness.
"Transactions between fashion companies are becoming more and more frequent and rapid. They exploit the loopholes of the system, the ignorance of consumers, and the lack of professional skills for women in developing countries to achieve their goals. The entire fashion industry model has collapsed. It not only sacrifices the global environment , even at the cost of exploitation, harm and human life. Fair trade and sustainable fashion can empower poor people to resist and pursue social and environmental justice, while also improving the economy and stabilizing society."
Therefore, when you are looking for a new shirt or a pair of pajamas, it is recommended to first find out whether the brand is environmentally friendly. Modal clothing can be one of the most ideal choices for consumers.
BYO's Classic series is made of modal material. The cost is higher than pure cotton and nylon underwear, but it can reduce pollution, be friendly to the environment, and provide a better wearing experience. I believe that many men have not experienced the fit and breathability of Modal, so I recommend it to those who want comfort.
