Tencel fabric is one of the popular sustainable materials, which is created using eco-friendly production methods. This fabric is significant in terms of properties and advantages. However, it also has some disadvantages. For clothing brands that look for biodegradable materials or sustainable alternatives, Tencel is what they should use for clothing.
This blog will answer these questions: What is tencil fabric? What is it made of? What is it used for? What are its pros and cons?. It covers the maximum information and significance of Tencel fabric to help you and clothing brands out there.
What Is Tencel Material: Fabric Explained
Tencel itself is not a fabric but a brand name used for lyocell fabric. Lyocell is a variant of rayon fabric. Tencel lyocell fibers have outstanding properties of durability, absorbency, softness and more.
Clothing manufacturers blend lyocell with other materials in order to give it a fine appearance and texture.
Due to the fabric blends, it becomes easy to dye it and print on it, which results in the eye-catching vibrant colors. Tencel lyocell uses a very limited amount of toxic chemicals, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric.
Origin of Tencel Fabric
An Australian company named Lenzing AG developed the Tencel fabric. The company was renowned for its contributions and innovations in the eco-friendly textile industry. The fabric is made of the cellulose fibers of the harvested wood of different trees, including spruce, beech, and eucalyptus.
In the 1980s, lyocell was first introduced in the UK. In the 1990s the company, Lenzing, refined its making process, which was named Tencel. The process was carried out using a closed-loop production method that took place by reusing non-toxic solvents and water.
What Is Tencel Fabric Made Of?
Tencel fabric is created from the wood pulp that is harvested sustainably from the different trees, including spruce, eucalyptus, and beech. Here is a step-by-step process to make Tencel material.
- Harvest wood.
- Break down the wood into cellulose pulp.
- Dissolve the pulp by using a non-toxic natural solvent.
- Pass the resulting solution through spinnerets to create fibers.
- Dry the fibers.
- Spin the fibers into yarns.
This way, you will create Tencel fabric. It will be soft, smooth moisture-wicking, and breathable.
Types of Tencel Fabric
There are two types of Tencel material:
1. Tencel Lyocell
Tencel fabric is developed from the sustainably harvested wood pulp of a tree, often eucalyptus. It is created using the closed-loop manufacturing process. It is the most commonly used type of Tencel. It is soft, smooth, durable, breathable, biodegradable, and moisture-wicking. It is widely used in making activewear, underwear, casual wear, and household items like bedsheets.
2. Tencel Modal
Tencel modal is also developed from the sustainably sourced beechwood. However, its production process is different from Tencel Lyocell. Modal is more stretchy and silky. It is incredibly soft and comfortable. It has high color retention. It is used to make t-shirts, pajamas, undergarments, and loungewear.
Is Tencel Breathable
Yes, Tencel is naturally breathable and offers ideal moisture-wicking. Its fibers allow it to absorb moisture and pass the air perfectly, which results in keeping the skin cool and dry.
What Is Tencel Fabric Used For
Tencel fabric is versatile in terms of its uses in multiple applications. Here is a list of its uses:
- High-end fashion apparel, including t-shirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, jeans, pants, and undergarments.
- Activewear products such as gym clothing and sports apparel.
- Bedding and home textiles like bedsheets, pillowcases, mattress covers, and duvet covers.
- Baby products such as clothes, blankets, and swaddles.
What Are the Advantages of Tencel Fabric?
There are some promising benefits of Tencel:
- It is highly comfortable due to its soft texture.
- Its temperature regulation helps prevent unwanted sweats.
- It is durable and less prone to pilling.
- It is breathable, as it allows air to pass through.
- Its moisture-wicking keeps you cool and dry.
- It is easy to care for, as it is machine-washable, but follow the care instructions on the product’s label just to be on the safe side.
What Are the Disadvantages of Tencel Fabric?
Tencel comes with some disadvantages. Here are the cons:
- Tencel is an expensive fabric. It costs more than conventional fabrics like cotton or polyester due to its sustainable production process.
- It wrinkles if not blended with fibers that avoid wrinkles.
- It is not available as compared to some traditional materials.
- It absorbs moisture quickly. Where it is beneficial in the same manner, its ability to absorb liquids like oils is a headache since the liquids leave stains or marks.
Conclusion
Tencel fabric is one of the most sustainable textiles. It is actually a brand name for lyocell fabric, which is a type of rayon fabric. This material is used in producing many clothing products, including fashion apparel, baby clothes, and other household essentials like bedsheets and pillowcases.
Moreover, Tencel has two types, lyocell and modal, that are created using sustainable production methods. It has certain advantages and disadvantages that are mentioned in the above section of the blog.
FAQs
Is Tencel fabric good for summer
Yes, Tencel is a good material for summer since it is breathable and moisture-wicking.
Is Tencel fabric stretchy
Tencel offers a limited stretch. However, when it is blended with materials like spandex or polyester, it can have enhanced elasticity.
What is Tencel fabric feel like
Tencel feels gentle on skin due to its soft and smooth texture.
Is Tencel fabric expensive
Tencel’s eco-friendly production and less availability make it an expensive fabric.
What is the difference between Tencel and cotton?
Tencel features a softer texture and more breathability than cotton. On the other hand, cotton is a more durable and easily available fabric than Tencel.
