Micro Modal is a high-quality, eco-friendly fabric made from beechwood or hardwood tree pulp. Known for its soft, lightweight feel, provides excellent comfort and performance. Here are some reasons why it’s popular in clothing, especially for items like underwear, sportswear, and loungewear.
Source and Sustainability
Micro Modal comes from cellulose in beechwood or hardwood trees, which are sustainably harvested.Its production uses less water and land than cotton, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Softness and Comfort
Micro Modal is very soft, often compared to silk but easier to care for. Its smooth texture feels gentle on the skin, making it ideal for close-fitting garments that offer exceptional comfort.
Breathability and Moisture Control
- Highly breathable, Micro Modal supports airflow to regulate body temperature.
- It’s moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and cool, which is especially beneficial in activewear and underwear.
Durability and Easy Care
- Micro Modal is durable and keeps its shape and color after many washes.
- It resists pilling and shrinking, helping clothes look new longer.
Skin-Friendly and Hypoallergenic
- Hypoallergenic, Micro Modal is a great choice for sensitive skin, offering comfort without irritation.
Temperature Regulation and Odor Resistance
- Micro Modal supports temperature control, making it comfortable in both warm and cool settings.
- Its natural anti-odor qualities help prevent odor buildup, which is especially useful for activewear.
Care Tips
- To keep Micro Modal at its best, wash in cool water with mild detergent on a gentle cycle.
- Avoid chlorine bleach, and line dry to maintain softness and longevity.
Fabric Source
MicroModal fabric is made from sustainably sourced beechwood pulp, primarily from hardwood trees like beech and oak. This sustainable sourcing sets MicroModal apart from other fibers. The cellulose for MicroModal is extracted by chipping the wood and soaking it in a chemical solution to separate the cellulose from the rest of the wood.
Sustainable Forest Management
- The wood used in MicroModal production comes from sustainably managed forests, reducing environmental impact.
- Lenzing AG, the sole producer of MicroModal, ensures that trees are harvested in ways that protect ecosystems.
Hardwood Trees: Beech and Oak
- Beech and oak are the main hardwood trees used, and their pulp produces fabric that is soft and durable.
- This use of hardwood trees makes MicroModal different from other rayon fibers and natural fibers like cotton.
Production Process
The production of Micro Modal involves several key steps to create high-quality, ultra-soft fibers. These steps include harvesting raw materials, chemically processing cellulose, and spinning fine fibers. Here is a breakdown of the process:
Harvesting and Chipping
Hardwood trees like birch or oak are harvested and chipped into small pieces, about the size of a postage stamp.
Cellulose Extraction
- The wood chips are chemically treated to extract cellulose, separating it from the other components of the wood.
Cellulose Processing
- The extracted cellulose is flattened into large, white sheets. These sheets are treated with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) at lower concentrations than in traditional viscose rayon production, making the process more eco-friendly.
Breaking into Crumbs
- After treatment with caustic soda, the cellulose sheets are broken into small pieces, called crumbs. These crumbs are soaked in carbon disulfide, transforming the cellulose into sodium cellulose xanthate.
Formation of Syrupy Solution
- The sodium cellulose xanthate is dissolved in another caustic soda bath to create a thick, syrupy solution, which is essential for fiber formation.
Spinneret Process
- This solution is forced through a spinneret, a device with many tiny holes. For Micro Modal, the holes are smaller than those used for regular modal, resulting in finer, softer fibers.
Fiber Treatment
- The fibers are treated with sulfuric acid, stretched, and turned into yarn. The yarn is washed, bleached, rinsed, dried, and then loaded onto spools for further processing.
Yarn Preparation
- Before weaving, the yarn may be treated for properties such as pre-shrinking, fire resistance, or wrinkle resistance, improving the fabric’s durability and performance.
Environmental Considerations
- Micro Modal production is more eco-friendly than viscose rayon production because it uses lower concentrations of caustic soda. However, the use of carbon disulfide, a toxic substance, presents environmental and health risks, making controlled handling crucial.
Properties of Micro Modal
Softness
- Micromodal fabric feels exceptionally soft, like silk on the skin. It’s often described as twice as soft as cotton, making it a great choice for sensitive skin and luxury clothing.
Resistance to Shrinkage
- This fabric resists shrinking well, keeping its shape and structure even after many washes, which ensures long-lasting quality.
Moisture-Wicking and Breathability
- Micromodal wicks moisture efficiently and has good breathability. It regulates temperature and handles moisture well, making it ideal for underwear, sportswear, and bedding.
- Compared to cotton, micromodal is better at managing moisture and breathability, which adds to its comfort.
Heat Retention
- With low heat retention, micromodal is suitable for warm weather or those seeking a cooling fabric.
Stretchability
- This fabric stretches and flexes easily, enhancing comfort and making it suitable for activewear and fitted clothing.
Durability and Resistance to Pilling
- Although thinner than traditional modal, micromodal is still durable and resists pilling, maintaining a smooth surface over time.
Fading and Wrinkling Resistance
- The fabric resists fading, wrinkling, and losing its shape, keeping garments looking fresh and neat over time.
Water Absorbency
- Micromodal is 50% more absorbent than cotton, which helps manage sweat and moisture, especially in activewear and loungewear.
Antibacterial Properties
- Micromodal has antibacterial qualities, keeping clothes hygienic and fresh, which is useful for underwear, bed sheets, and items needing lasting cleanliness.
Thread Count Variations
- Micromodal fabric can have thread counts between 300-400, balancing softness and durability across various uses. “`
Softness and Comfort
Micro Modal is known for its luxurious softness and outstanding comfort, making it a top choice for clothing that feels gentle on the skin. Here’s why Micro Modal stands out in terms of softness and comfort:
Superior Softness
- 3x Softer than Cotton: Micro Modal is three times softer than cotton, offering a level of softness that goes beyond regular modal fabrics.
- Silky Feel: Its texture is often compared to silk due to its smooth, silky touch, but it’s easier to care for, making it a practical option for daily wear.
Comfort Features
- Great for Close-to-Skin Garments: The softness of Micro Modal makes it perfect for underwear, sleepwear, and loungewear, where comfort is key.
- Thermal Regulation: The fabric provides thermal regulation, adjusting to body temperature to keep you comfortable in both warm and cool weather.
- Breathable and Moisture-Wicking: Micro Modal is highly breathable, allowing air flow and moisture-wicking, which helps keep you cool and dry.
- Anti-Odour Properties: The fabric’s anti-odour technology reduces odour buildup by preventing heat and moisture from staying trapped, keeping clothes fresh for longer.
Long-Lasting Softness
- Durability: Despite its softness, Micro Modal is durable and retains its shape and feel even after many washes, ensuring it stays comfortable and soft over time.
Breathability and Moisture-Wicking
Micro modal is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for warm weather clothing and activewear.
Breathability
- The fine microfiber in micro modal lets air circulate easily, helping to avoid heat and moisture buildup.
- This airflow keeps clothing made from micro modal cool and fresh, even in high temperatures or during intense activity.
Moisture-Wicking
- Micro modal absorbs moisture from the skin and moves it to the fabric’s surface, where it quickly evaporates.
- This feature keeps the wearer dry and comfortable, preventing the discomfort of damp fabric sticking to the skin.
Airflow and Heat Retention
- With its breathable structure and low heat retention, micro modal doesn’t trap heat, making it suitable for various activities and climates.
Comparison to Other Fabrics
- Micro modal is about 50% more absorbent than cotton, greatly enhancing its moisture-wicking ability.
- This high absorbency helps reduce skin irritation from sweat, making it a popular choice for activewear and undergarments.
Practical Applications
- With its breathability and moisture-wicking features, micro modal is widely used in sportswear, underwear, loungewear, and other garments where comfort and dryness are essential.
Durability
Micro modal fabric stands out for its remarkable durability, allowing clothes to maintain their quality over time.
Retains Shape and Color
- Micro modal keeps its shape and color even after many washes, resisting fading and preserving a fresh look.
Shrinkage-Resistant
- Unlike regular cotton, micro modal resists shrinkage so that clothes keep their original size and fit after multiple washes.
Fade Resistance
- With fade-resistant properties, micro modal holds onto its color and shine, making it ideal for long-lasting wear.
High Durability Rating
- Micro modal has a durability rating of 9/10, showing strong resistance to wear. This fabric resists pilling and keeps its softness and structure even with frequent washing.
Low Pilling
- Micro modal fibers are less likely to pill or form bubbles, which helps clothes stay smooth and last longer, even with heavy use.
Chemical Resistance
- While micro modal is resistant to different washing conditions, it’s best to wash it in cooler water with mild detergent. Avoid chlorine bleach to preserve the fabric’s strength and durability.
Long-Lasting Fabric
- Seen as a valuable investment piece, micro modal fabric is made to last, providing consistent quality and comfort from the first to the fiftieth wear.
Environmental Impact of Micro Modal
Micro Modal is an eco-friendly fabric that offers several advantages over traditional materials like cotton and synthetic fibers.
Water Consumption
Micro Modal uses much less water than cotton. It requires only 1/20th of the water needed for cotton production, which significantly reduces its overall carbon footprint.
Biodegradability
Micro Modal is fully biodegradable. Unlike synthetic fibers such as polyester, which can take hundreds of years to break down, Micro Modal can decompose in industrial, home, soil, and even marine environments, making it a more sustainable option.
Chemical Use
The production of Micro Modal involves chemicals like carbon disulfide, caustic soda, and sulfuric acid. However, many manufacturers, especially those producing TENCEL™ Modal, use a closed-loop system. This system recycles chemicals during production, preventing harmful substances from being released into the environment and reducing their health impacts.
Sustainable Sourcing
Micro Modal, particularly TENCEL™ Modal, is made from wood cellulose sourced from sustainably managed forests, mainly in Austria and neighboring countries. This ensures that the wood comes from renewable resources and does not contribute to deforestation, promoting responsible forestry practices.
Land Use Efficiency
Micro Modal requires less land per tonne than cotton, making it a more efficient option in terms of land use. This not only lowers environmental impact but also supports more sustainable production practices.
Energy and Resource Use
The production of TENCEL™ Modal is carbon-neutral and requires fewer resources than traditional cotton. Its efficient use of resources and closed-loop production system further reduce its energy footprint and environmental impact.
Comparison to Cotton
Compared to cotton, Micro Modal is a more eco-friendly choice. Cotton production is water-intensive, uses pesticides, and requires a large amount of land. In contrast, Micro Modal has fewer environmental drawbacks, especially when sustainably sourced. While sustainably grown cotton is better than conventional cotton in terms of environmental impact, Micro Modal remains the more environmentally friendly option overall.
Brand Practices
Several brands, such as Whimsy + Row, Tamga Designs, and Armed Angels, use TENCEL™ Modal in their products. These brands ensure that the fabric is produced with high environmental standards, helping to promote sustainability in the fashion industry.
Hypoallergenic
Micro Modal fabric is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Its high-quality natural fibers and careful manufacturing help remove irritants.
Benefits for Sensitive Skin
- Natural Fibers: Micro Modal is made from beechwood pulp, giving it a soft, smooth surface that is less likely to irritate the skin.
- Reduced Irritation: The fine, tightly woven fibers create a smooth texture that reduces friction on the skin, which helps prevent irritation.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Unlike some synthetic fabrics, Micro Modal is made without harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
Moisture-Wicking and Breathability
- Moisture-Wicking: Micro Modal pulls moisture away from the skin, preventing sweat buildup and reducing irritation from dampness.
- Breathable: This fabric allows good airflow, helping regulate temperature and further reducing skin discomfort.
Temperature Control and Odor Resistance
- Thermal Regulation: Micro Modal naturally adjusts to body temperature, keeping skin comfortable in both warm and cool conditions.
- Odor Resistance: Its breathability prevents moisture buildup, limiting bacterial growth and helping control odors, which makes it suitable for long wear.
Comparison with Cotton
- Better Than Cotton: While cotton is also hypoallergenic, Micro Modal’s smoother texture and greater breathability make it a superior choice for those with very sensitive skin.
Care Instructions
To keep Micro Modal garments in top condition, follow these care tips:
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Washing: Use cold water and a gentle machine cycle for washing. A mild or neutral detergent works best to reduce fabric wear.
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Detergent: Choose gentle or neutral detergents, and avoid fabric softeners to prevent discoloration or yellowing.
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Bleach: Do not use chlorine bleach; it can damage the fabric.
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Drying: For best results, line dry garments or use a cool tumble-dry setting to avoid shrinkage. Remove items from the dryer right after the cycle ends to minimize wrinkles.
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Ironing: If ironing is needed, use a pressing cloth or a white cotton fabric as a barrier, and keep the temperature between 120-140°C.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Micro Modal resists creasing, so fold or hang depending on the garment type.
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Stain Treatment: Pre-treat stains with a stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water before washing. Follow instructions on store-bought stain removers.
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Soaking: If hand washing, limit soak time to 15 minutes to prevent dirt from re-entering the fabric.
Following these steps will help maintain the quality and comfort of your Micro Modal garments over time.
Price
Micro Modal generally costs more than cotton due to several factors:
Production Process Costs
- Semi-Synthetic Process: Micro Modal is made from beech tree wood pulp and involves a more complex chemical process than cotton, raising production costs.
- Intensive Manufacturing: Managed solely by Lenzing AG, the production uses specialized methods with fewer raw materials like water, leading to higher expenses.
Quality and Premium Properties
- High-End Features: Known for its superior softness, moisture-wicking, and durability, Micro Modal is often compared to luxury fabrics like Egyptian cotton, justifying its premium pricing.
Price Comparison
- Higher Wholesale Costs: Micro Modal can be 20-30% pricier than regular modal rayon, placing it in a similar range to semi-luxury textiles.
Market Position
- Luxury Product Pricing: Used in high-end products, Micro Modal textiles are often priced similarly to luxury fabrics, including organic and fully synthetic options.
Environmental Sustainability Impact
- Eco-Friendly Sourcing: Micro Modal is produced from managed forest wood with EU-compliant chemical handling practices, ensuring sustainability, which also affects its price.
Producer
Micro Modal fabric is produced exclusively by Lenzing AG, the only manufacturer of this ultra-soft material. The entire production process takes place within the European Union, ensuring high environmental and quality standards.
Production Location
- Micro Modal fabric is made in EU-based facilities.
- Lenzing AG oversees the entire manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality.
Quality Assurance
- As the sole producer, Lenzing AG ensures the highest quality raw materials are used.
- The manufacturing process follows strict sustainability and environmental standards.
Sustainability
- The wood used to make Micro Modal comes from sustainably managed forests, minimizing environmental impact.
Unique Production Process
- The process begins with chipping birch or oak trees to extract cellulose, which is then turned into yarn.
- This precise chemical process is controlled to maintain the fabric’s signature softness and other key qualities.