Material & Care
Wash TENCEL™ Modal at 40 °C on a gentle cycle, turned inside out, and without fabric softener. Then air dry.
That's all it takes. This is precisely the difference from many other materials and the reason why a Modal garment still looks as good as new after years.
The Three Rules
| 01 |
40 °C, gentle cycle Turned inside out. Some models and colors can withstand more. Take a look at the label beforehand. |
| 02 |
No fabric softener It coats the fibers and takes away the very softness you bought them for. |
| 03 |
Air dry instead of tumble drying Heat and movement are what age clothes fastest. |
What exactly is TENCEL™ Modal?
TENCEL™ Modal is a fiber made from beech wood. The wood comes from sustainable forestry, and the fiber is produced in Austria. It is a cellulose fiber, meaning it is neither a pure natural fiber like cotton nor a petroleum-based synthetic like polyester.
One property is crucial for care: the fiber surface is significantly smoother than that of cotton. This is why fewer pills form and why the fabric feels softer. For the same reason, however, it is sensitive to anything that settles on this surface.
Where the fiber comes from
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Raw material |
Fiber production |
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Garment manufacturing |
Biodegradability |
At what temperature should Modal be washed?
40 °C on a gentle cycle is the correct setting. Higher temperatures are not necessary because Modal absorbs moisture very well, and dirt is removed even at moderate temperatures.
Turn the items inside out beforehand. This protects the outside from rubbing against the drum and preserves the color.
Important to know
Some of our models can withstand 60 °C, but not all.
Whether an item can withstand higher temperatures depends on the model and color. Strong and printed colors are more sensitive than plain solid colors.
Therefore, check the care label on the item or the product description in the shop. It is listed there for each model individually. When in doubt, stick to 40 °C; you can never go wrong with that.
Why no fabric softener?
Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibers. For rough cotton, this can be useful as it smooths the surface. Modal is naturally smooth. The film offers no advantage here; instead, it clogs the fiber structure.
The result: the fabric absorbs less moisture and loses the very property for which it was purchased. After a few washes, Modal then feels duller instead of softer.
Modal doesn't need fabric softener. It is already soft. You just have to keep it that way.
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This helps
Delicate detergent |
This harms
Fabric softener |
Can Modal go in the dryer?
Better not. The combination of heat and mechanical movement is what ages clothes fastest. And you simply don't need it: Modal dries much faster in the air than cotton because the fiber releases moisture to the outside instead of storing it.
This saves the electricity consumption of one dryer cycle with each wash and thus the corresponding costs on your annual bill. This adds up over the lifespan of a garment.
Hang the items slightly damp and shape them. Then you usually won't need to iron at all. If you do, use a medium setting, iron from the inside out, and if in doubt, place a thin cotton cloth in between.
How often does Modal need to be washed?
Less often than many people think. Modal wicks moisture away from the skin and absorbs odors less strongly than synthetic fibers. A shirt worn for one day can be aired out overnight and worn again the next day.
This is the underestimated part of sustainable clothing: not just what it's made of, but how often it needs to go into the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Modal shrink when washed?
Not at 40 °C on a gentle cycle. Some models can also withstand 60 °C. This is stated on the care label and in the product description. If you wash an item hotter than specified there, the fabric may shrink, and this cannot be reversed.
Can I wash Modal with other laundry?
Yes, as long as the other items are also washed at 40 °C. Make sure that zippers are closed. Open fasteners and Velcro can roughen the smooth surface.
Does Modal pill?
Significantly less than cotton, because the fiber surface is smoother. It cannot be completely ruled out for any material. Rubbing against bags or belts leaves traces.
Is Modal truly biodegradable?
The fiber itself is. The composition of the finished item is crucial: if it contains conventional elastane, that portion remains. For our Cradle-to-Cradle models, we use biodegradable elastane.
Still have questions about care?
Just write to us, we will answer personally. Or visit us at Hauptplatz 38 in Frohnleiten and feel the fabric for yourself.
To LoungewearAbout the author
Ursula Matschy is a master tailor with around 25 years of experience and the founder of Lounge Cherie. She has been working with TENCEL™ Modal for years and knows the behavior of the fiber from processing.