What Is Modal Fabric?

Currently, with the popularity and increasing needs of clothing and garment products, people are not only interested in design, style, or color but also in the quality of the material. Therefore, acknowledging the best and most suitable fabrics is always a top priority. Today, we are going to introduce to you a very popular fabric in the fashion and garment industries, modal fabric.

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Definition of Modal Fabric

Modal is one of the most popular materials that is applied in the manufacture of fashion and bedding products all over the world. It is a semi-synthetic fabric produced from recycled cellulose, rooted in the pulp of beech trees. It is also a form of rayon, which is also another plant-based material, however, the modal fabric is more durable and flexible. The biological material foundation makes this material extremely safe for your skin because the beech tree is resistant to organisms such as insects. Therefore, the use of insecticides for these trees is not necessary. 

Modal fabric has the characteristics of being soft, elastic, and absorbent. Significantly, antibacterial properties that are unique to this fabric. Currently, the modal fabric is commonly used to produce clothes, underwear, pillows, bedsheets, etc. It is considered to be a luxurious textile, as the soft feel, natural origin, and high cost (compared to cotton or viscose). 

The manufacturing of modal fabric

The manufacturing process of modal fabric is said to be relatively simple, derived from natural raw materials. Therefore, the procedure is more eco-friendly. In addition, since beech trees do not need too much water, therefore, we can save 10-20 times the amount of water,  compared to other fabrics like cotton.

Simply said, the production of modal fabrics includes these steps:

• Step 1: The cellulose of the beech tree pulp is first treated in chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, which in turn classify modal fabric as semi-synthetic. The mixture then turns into a yellow, high viscosity liquid like honey.
• Step 2: From the separated liquid, people use the heat that breaks the topology of cellulose to create a type of mud that has zero impurity.
• Step 3: The mixture is pushed through tiny holes into the chemical tank to harden into fine fibers.
• Step 4: Rinse and bleach the fibers into modal fibers. Now we have the final product of modal fabric.

What is Modal Fabric Used For?

Like other fabrics, the modal fabric is used to manufacture various products such as casual wear clothing, underwear, and bedding. Because of its outstanding properties like shrinkage resistance, air permeability, high durability, and elasticity, the modal fabric is favored by many designers and clothing manufacturers. 

Especially in the production of underwear, modal fabric helps the wearer to always feel comfortable and cool all day long, with the feature of anti-bacteria in the private area. In addition, the softness of the modal fabric makes it a popular type in the manufacture of clothing. In addition, men’s clothing often uses this type of fabric and adds a little cotton to create stiffness and strength for the shirt. Many famous brands of bedding nowadays also apply modal fabric in their designs. This semi-synthetic material is loved by consumers because it is especially safe, so modal bedding sets are always among the top choices. 

Characteristics of Modal Fabric

Stretchy

Since the modal fabric is rooted in liquid fibers, they have good elasticity. Because of the stretchy characteristic, many clothing manufacturers use modal fabric to make clothing items such as t-shirts, athletic wear, etc. However, the movement and interactions you have when wearing modal fabric clothes will cause the fabric to stretch on its own.

Breathable

The excellent ventilation of modal fabric is something to talk about. All clothing products made from modal fabric do not retain heat or make you feel uncomfortable whether you use them in winter or summer. Modal fabric is about 25% more absorbent than cotton. Thanks to this feature, the modal fabric has the ability to cool the body faster and absorb sweat better. Therefore, it is a great type of fabric for sportswear, underwear, and everyday’s clothing.

Anti-Bacteria

The oak tree and the beech tree – the materials that are used to make the modal fabric are highly resistant to insects and bacteria. Therefore, this type of fabric is not prone to dust and harmful bacteria. It is safe for your health wearing clothes made from modal fabric.

Don’t Shrink or Crease

This is probably the most prominent advantage of modal fabric. Unlike cotton, which usually creases and shrinks after every wash, the modal fabric is extremely anti-wrinkle. After each washing time, this fabric remains flat and soft. Moreover, cellulose has a very strong chemical bond, so it is stable when exposed to water and temperature. Meanwhile, the modal fabric is derived mainly from the substance so they have high durability and good elasticity. The bonding ability of modal fabric is very solid, so routine cleaning or regular use cannot cause loss of quality or changes in shape.

Modal Fabric and the Environment

With the tendency to use products originating from nature and friendly with the environment, the modal fabric is becoming more and more popular. Modal fabric is derived from beech trees, not from industrial chemicals like other fabrics. Therefore, the modal fabric is considered as a material of natural origin and friendly with the environment. Moreover, during the manufacturing process of modal fabric, the number of chemicals used is not large. And this material does not contain harmful chemicals, so it does not affect the ecosystem.