Get to Know Modal

Have you met modal before?
Oh, hi! Nice to meet you!

Modal fabric is a semi-synthetic product that comes from beech tree pulp. Technically, it’s a form of rayon (another plant-based option!), but with more flexibility and durability.

Originally invented in Japan in the 1950s, today, most modal fabric today is produced by Lenzing AG in Austria. Once the small fibers are created from the trees, they’re woven together to convert that pulp into a usable textile. The goal is to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible.

In honor of the fabulous Fa24 Odeeh Sequin Skirt we share why this material is sustainable style incarnate.

Modal Fabric FTW
  1. Incredible breathability When you use fabric to absorb moisture, cotton tends to be the item of choice. However, modal boosts the absorbency rate up 50%. Since the material comes from beechwood pulp, you’ll find that its natural properties encourage a lot of breathability, ie: keeps you sweat-free and cool.
  2. Sustainably grown As we said, modal is made from beech trees— which is grown sustainably. The yield of fibers from this process produces up to ten times more content than what can be taken from the typical cotton field. It also takes much less water to produce the fibers for use, as cotton requires up to 20 times more than the beech trees to produce a crop.
  3. Washes easily Modal doesn’t require whitening agents or fabric softener, PLUS! you can even use a shorter washing cycle because of the nature of this material— which means you’re saving water and energy with every load of laundry you do. That makes this material one of the most eco-friendly options that is available today.
  4. Soft and smooth If you’ve ever slept in silk or satin sheets, then you know what it feels like to wear modal fabric. The texture is very smooth, providing a natural softness that is almost beyond compare, and doesn’t get scratchy feeling after washing, like you can sometimes get with cotton. 
  5. Color integrity Modal fabric can be woven or knit, which is why it tends to drape well while featuring a lustrous, smooth finish. And… Because it has such an excellent absorbency rate, the fibers tend to take and hold dyes used to create colors for clothing exceptionally well. This also impacts washing, it being rare for modal to bleed.
Do Note
  • If you have allergies to other trees, pollen, or sap, then you may want to avoid wearing modal fabric until you know for certain that you won’t react to it.
  • Despite its strength, modal fabric is prone to issues with pilling and stretching. So you’ll want to follow the washing instructions (usually hand-wash or dry clean) to avoid significant changes to the structure of the material. 

Despite these cons, we believe modal leans toward the positive side of things, and are excited Odeeh is using this material in beautiful, innovative ways.