All You Need To Know About Modal
The modal fabric is a type of semi-synthetic material commonly used in consumer textiles. It has a combination of synthetic and organic items. However, the fabric base comes from hardwood trees such as oak and birch, after which it goes into complex manufacturing procedure before it is, weaved to convert it into fiber.
Modal is wood pulp on cellulose fiber that comprises wooden chips from a European beech tree. Therefore, modal is a different variety of viscose rayon with high tenacity and helps get better finish results. Let us take you through essential details about modal fabric before investing in it.
Modal – A Revolutionary Fabric
Modal is an updated version of rayon that marks an evolution in fabric history. Since its inception towards the end of the 19th century, the manufacturing process is expensive and flammable. After the viscose rayon, the cost and safety problems are eliminated, but the manufacturing remains complex, producing huge waste.
Modal Vs Viscose Rayon
Modal rayon is in many ways similar to viscose rayon. But the manufacturing team is trying to reduce the amount of waste for manufacturing modal. Some other comparisons to choose modal over viscose are as follows:
- The manufacturing reflects in the feel of the modal to viscose-rayon
- Modal is lightweight than viscose and breathable to wear
- Modal is a popular fabric option in sportswear and bed sheets due to its high moisture absorption capacity
- Modal has high thread count and high resistance power to pilling while other fabric tends to form knots, losing the structural integrity
Other than viscose, lyocell gives more competition to modal rayon in the market. Therefore, in recent times, there has been a significant change in modal rayon production, and it requires simple steps. It is also environmentally friendly in comparison to other types of rayon fabric available in the market.
However, modal is not inherently environmentally friendly, but its manufacturing process makes it so. The high industry standards manufacturing steps make it suitable to make modal an environmentally friendly option.
Benefits of Choosing Modal Fabric over Others
Modal is a luxury fabric, and its blend with other fabrics gives a premium feeling with comfort. It has become a popular option in the fashion industry and a preferable option by designers over others. Some of its benefits to wearing the clothes are:
- Modal fabric is extremely soft to wear and touch and, therefore, a suitable option for undergarments, bed sheets, pajamas, and the like
- The stretchy texture of the fabric makes it perfect for t-shirts, athletic wear, and others, making it comfortable to wear for hours
- The modal fabric option is durable for its tight weave and fibers and so perfect for underwear and clothes of regular use and wash
- The water-absorbent capacity of the fabric makes it an excellent option to invest in than cotton and has high sweat absorption capacity making it perfect for summers
- Rayon tends to shrink with an exemption for modal rayon, which is less likely to shrink after wash
- Without many creases, it stays smooth and comfortable to wear with minimal ironing
- The modal is more regenerative plants with few chemicals included in the manufacturing process, and therefore, it is biodegradable
Tips to Maintain Modal Fabric
Modal is a washable fabric and environmentally friendly option, and therefore, it helps in shrinking the fabric. When using a dryer on the fabric, try to maintain medium to low temperature. It is not advisable to bleach the cloth, instead, use the oxygen-based item to clean it. While buying modal fabric clothes, make sure to read the labels carefully. This helps to know how to wash, which helps maintain it for a long time.
Is Modal Fabric Sustainable?
The leading manufacturers of modal are China, Pakistan, India, and Indonesia but follow some basic manufacturing standards. The manufacturing standards help to make the fabric a sustainable one and beneficial to use. As modal is biodegradable, it is a sustainable option to use. To ensure that the company delivers the best fabric, the manufacturing team should be careful about the sustainable method’s manufacturing process.
Property Details of Modal Fabric
The modal fabric gives an ultra-comfortable feeling, and it should be soft, flexible, and breathable to wear for a long time. Unlike silk, it will not shrink, and therefore, it is perfect for draping it well. Giving the perfect stretch, it is durable at the same time. So, it requires minimal maintenance and still maintains the correct form of the fabric, and is comfortable to wear for a long time.
What is the Cost of Modal Fabric?
Modal fabric is expensive in comparison to viscose rayon, almost at the same cost as that of premium quality cotton. However, the fabric is affordable than silk but more than polyester and nylon. However, the price of the fabric varies in its manufacturing method, making it environmentally friendly. So, the cost may vary slightly depending on its manufacturing process.
Modal fabric is an eco-friendly option and requires a low resource with additional benefits like durable fabric, comfortable, and breathability. However, not all modal is equal in its manufacturing process. It is better to buy the fabric from a reliable source to get the quality one. It has wide usage in different fabric and therefore, it would be a suitable investment to make you feel comfortable during summers.
