TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal are both regenerated cellulose fibers, but they are made by different processes and behave differently in sleepwear. Modal comes from a modified viscose process and is known for a soft, silky feel and strength when wet, while lyocell is spun from cellulose dissolved in a recyclable organic solvent and is known for its strength and stability.
Both appear in Eberjey pieces. Our Gisele pajamas are cut from a TENCEL™ Modal knit, and our Tencel Woven separates use TENCEL™ Lyocell. Here is how the two compare.
What lyocell and modal have in common
Both are made from cellulose, the natural material that gives plants their structure, which is dissolved or processed and then spun back into fiber. That is why they are called regenerated cellulose fibers. Under U.S. textile labeling rules, lyocell falls within the rayon definition, and the term lyocell may be used for cellulose fiber made from an organic solution without chemical substitution.
How each fiber is made
Modal
The materials database of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston describes modal as a modified rayon with high tenacity and high wet modulus, which helps it hold its shape when wet while keeping a soft, silky feel.
Lyocell
Lyocell is made by dissolving cellulose directly in an organic solvent and spinning it into fiber, without forming chemical derivatives along the way. A review of the lyocell process published in the journal BioResources explains that the solvent used, NMMO, can be recovered at a rate of more than 99%, and that the process avoids carbon disulfide, a chemical used in the conventional viscose process.
How they compare
| TENCEL™ Modal | TENCEL™ Lyocell | |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber family | Regenerated cellulose | Regenerated cellulose |
| How it is made | Modified viscose process | Cellulose dissolved in an organic solvent, then spun |
| Known for | Soft, silky feel; high wet modulus | Strength, including when wet; stable dimensions in knits |
| Where Eberjey uses it | Gisele pajamas, as a stretchy knit with a touch of elastane | Tencel Woven separates, as a non-stretch woven |
| Eberjey care | 30°C/86°F mild fine wash, reduced load | Follow the care label on each piece |
How they feel and perform
Strength when wet. Both fibers hold up better when wet than regular viscose. The BioResources review notes that lyocell retains much of its strength when wet, while viscose loses about half of its tensile strength, and that modal's main difference from regular rayon is its high wet strength.
Shape and stability. In a study of single jersey knit fabrics published in the Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management at NC State University, fabrics knit from lyocell showed better dimensional stability than those knit from viscose and modal. In practice, the construction of the fabric, knit or woven, stretch or no stretch, shapes how a garment behaves as much as the fiber does.
Surface. The BioResources review notes that lyocell can fibrillate, meaning fine fibers can lift from the surface. Following the care label on each piece helps protect its finish.
Feel in Eberjey pieces. Eberjey describes Gisele's TENCEL™ Modal knit as buttery soft and breathable, with a touch of elastane for stretch. The Tencel Woven pieces are made from non-stretch TENCEL™ Lyocell, a structured woven rather than a stretchy knit.
Where Eberjey uses each fiber
- The Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Long PJ Set ($158, sizes XXS–XXL) is cut from TENCEL™ Modal fibers and a touch of elastane, verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Read more in our guide to what type of fabric TENCEL™ is.
- The Tencel Woven Relaxed Button Front Top ($128, sizes XS–XL) is made from non-stretch TENCEL™ Lyocell, verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, with natural Corozo buttons and a boxy, cropped silhouette.
- The Tencel Woven Relaxed Trouser ($148, sizes XS–XL) is the matching high-rise pant in TENCEL™ Lyocell, with a drawstring waist, tapered leg and slant pockets.
Which should you choose?
Choose a TENCEL™ Modal knit if you want soft, stretchy pajamas that move with you overnight. Choose a TENCEL™ Lyocell woven if you prefer a structured, non-stretch piece; Eberjey designed its Tencel Woven separates for staying in and heading out. For a wider comparison that includes organic cotton, see our guide to sustainable pajama fabrics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal?
Both are regenerated cellulose fibers. Modal is made by a modified viscose process and is known for a soft, silky feel and high wet strength, while lyocell is made by dissolving cellulose in an organic solvent and is known for its strength and stability.
Is TENCEL™ the same as modal?
Not exactly. TENCEL™ appears on both modal and lyocell fibers: Eberjey's Gisele pajamas are TENCEL™ Modal, while its Tencel Woven pieces are TENCEL™ Lyocell, so check the label.
Is lyocell a type of rayon?
Under U.S. textile labeling rules, lyocell falls within the rayon definition, and the term lyocell may be used for cellulose fiber spun from an organic solution without chemical substitution.
Which is softer, lyocell or modal?
Modal is widely described as soft and silky, and Eberjey describes its TENCEL™ Modal knit as buttery soft. How soft a garment feels also depends on whether the fabric is knit or woven.
How is lyocell made?
Lyocell is made by dissolving cellulose in an organic solvent called NMMO and spinning it into fiber. A review in the journal BioResources reports that more than 99% of the solvent can be recovered.
How do I wash TENCEL™ Modal pajamas?
Eberjey's care guide recommends a 30°C/86°F mild fine wash for TENCEL™ Modal, with a reduced load and little or no spinning, and turning the garment inside out before washing.
Sources
- Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute, "16 CFR § 303.7 - Generic names and definitions for manufactured fibers"
- BioResources, NC State University, "Regenerated Cellulose by the Lyocell Process, a Brief Review of the Process and Properties"
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, CAMEO, "Modal fiber"
- Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, NC State University, "Dimensional Properties of Single Jersey Knitted Fabrics Made with New and Regenerated Cellulosic Fibers"
