FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Made from beech tree pulp using a modified viscose process. Softer than cotton, better drape than rayon, and more durable when wet.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
70/100
DurabilityTypical58
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortStrong90
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityAbove-average75
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthWeak40
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingTypical55
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EaseAbove-average70
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityTypical55
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using modal
8 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains modal. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Lululemon
13 products
Mott & Bow
10 products
Old Navy
8 products
Kith
8 products
Topo Designs
7 products
Club Monaco
7 products
Banana Republic
4 products
Nike
4 products
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing modal.
Products with modal
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains modal. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
Ridge MerinoB
Men's Treeline Flannel Overshirt
36% Tencel, 32% Modal, 36% Tencel
$160
ROAB
Lasen Thermal Merino Beanie
70% Merino Wool, 30% Modal
$65
Unbound MerinoB
Women's Lounge Hoodie + Pants
32% Merino Wool, 22% Tencel, 23% Nylon, 23% Modal
$241
Unbound MerinoB
Men's Merino Lounge Pants
32% Merino Wool, 22% Tencel, 23% Nylon, 23% Modal
$128
Unbound MerinoB
Women's Merino Lounge Pants
32% Merino Wool, 22% Tencel, 23% Nylon, 23% Modal
$128
Unbound MerinoB
Women's Merino Lounge Hoodie
32% Merino Wool, 22% Tencel, 23% Nylon, 23% Modal
$108
Club MonacoB
Long Sleeve Bowee Scoop Neck Top
8% Cotton, 39% Modal, 3% Elastane, 8% Cotton, 39% Modal, 3% Elastane, 8% Cotton
$48
Topo DesignsB
Daytripper Short Sleeve Shirt - Women's
62% Organic Cotton, 30% Modal, 8% Hemp
$89
Topo DesignsB
Daytripper Shirt Long Sleeve - Women's
62% Organic Cotton, 30% Modal, 8% Hemp
$99
Topo DesignsB
Daytripper Short Sleeve Shirt - Men's
62% Organic Cotton, 30% Modal, 8% Hemp
$89
Topo DesignsB
Daytripper Shorts - Women's
62% Organic Cotton, 30% Modal, 8% Hemp
$79
TentreeB
Pinewood T-Shirt
58% Organic Cotton, 37% Modal, 5% Spandex
$55
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from modal. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same modal feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
👕Everyday Casual
ExcellentExcellent comfort (90) and easy care (70) for daily wear
🏃Athletic Wear
GoodGood breathability (75) and moisture wicking (55) for light activity
😴Sleepwear
GoodGood comfort (90) and breathability (75) for sleeping
🩲Underwear
GoodGood breathability (75) and comfort (90) for undergarments
Detailed Use Case Scores
underwear90
sleepwear88
everyday78
Pros
- ✓ Extremely soft
- ✓ Resists pilling
- ✓ Color-fast
- ✓ Good moisture absorption
Cons
- ✗ More expensive than cotton
- ✗ Can stretch out
- ✗ Still chemically processed
- ✗ Not as durable as cotton
Better alternatives
Higher-scored semi-synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
TencelB
+12 vs Modal · 82/100
BiodegradableLenzing branded lyocell made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood pulp using a closed-loop process. Softer and more consistent than generic lyocell.
LyocellB
+10 vs Modal · 80/100
BiodegradableMade from wood pulp using a closed-loop solvent process. The most sustainable semi-synthetic fiber, with excellent drape and comfort.
MicroModalB
+8 vs Modal · 78/100
BiodegradableAn ultra-fine variant of modal made from beech tree pulp, with fibers significantly thinner than silk. Exceptionally soft and lightweight, it is the premium choice for high-end underwear and loungewear.
Care Guide
Washcold (30°C)
Cycledelicate
Detergentmild
BleachDo not bleach
Drytumble low
Ironlow
Dry Cleanoptional
SoftenerNo
Special Notes
• More durable than rayon when wet
• Retains softness after washing
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle — modal is more wash-stable than rayon
- • Tumble dry on low heat or line dry — remove promptly to prevent wrinkles
- • Iron on low heat if needed; modal is somewhat wrinkle-resistant
- • Avoid bleach — it breaks down cellulosic fibers; use oxygen-based stain removers instead
- • Avoid fabric softener — modal is already naturally soft and softener causes buildup
- • Store folded for knits and underwear; hang dresses and blouses on padded hangers
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives