Modal Fabric Pros and Cons

Modal fabric, alternatively called HWM rayon, is a form of rayon fabric that is frequently used in commercial textiles. Due to the fact that this fabric is a blend of organic and synthetic components, it is characterized as semi-synthetic. The primary tree material used to make modal rayon is cellulose from woody plants such as birch and oak, however, this raw tree material goes through a comprehensive manufacturing process before it is transformed into a weavable fiber.

This rayon fabric reflects significant advancements in the fabric's history. The early kinds of rayon developed near the end of the nineteenth century were costly to make, and many of them were combustible. The invention of viscose rayon in the early 20th century reduced the majority of the cost and safety reservations about rayon, but the process of producing viscose rayon is overly complicated and generates a considerable quantity of waste.

Modal rayon was invented in Japan in 1951 and is pretty much equivalent to viscose rayon in many ways. Modal rayon, on the other hand, is made using a simpler process that produces less waste, and many consumers notice a substantial difference in the texture of modal rayon when compared to viscose rayon.

Modal rayon, for example, is more popular in sportswear because it is thought to be lighter and more breathable than viscose rayon. The strong moisture-wicking properties of this rayon make it a popular choice for bed linens. Modal rayon is offered in thread counts up to 300, making it a luxury bed sheet material. In comparison to cotton, modal rayon is extremely resistant to pilling, a condition in which individual textile fibers twist and create knots, disfiguring the fabric and compromising its structural integrity.

Modal Fabric Pros

Modal is a great fabric for hot weather. This material is incredibly permeable and lightweight, making it suitable for hot, sunny days when excessive perspiration may occur.

This is why modal is particularly common as underwear, as it provides all-day ease and breathability. Modal is characterized by its softness, similar to that of wool and cotton, as well as its smoothness and sheen, similar to that of silk, and its coolness to the touch.

During hot summer days, there is no finer fabric to sleep on than this one; you will feel relaxed throughout the night. Modal is well-known for its robustness and long-lasting properties. Due to its similar robust properties, it is frequently referred to as "synthetic cotton."

This is why modal is utilized in the creation of sportswear all around the world. Modal can reliably sustain the pulls and stretches of physical exertion. Modal can absorb far more moisture than the majority of other rayon materials. With the ability to absorb up to 50% more moisture than cotton, it provides an exceptionally high level of permeability, making it ideal for luxury towels or sports tank tops.

Additionally, this property enables modal to absorb colors more easily, allowing producers to use fewer dyes to obtain the same overall finish, making this property critical for maintaining a clean environment.

Modal Fabric Cons

Modal fabric is a rayon material, which means it will shrink if cleaned poorly. This is why modal materials should always be dry cleaned. If you do not have time to dry cleaning, iron your modal lightly (low heat) after each washing cycle to preserve the fundamental qualities of the modal fabric.

One of the fabric's most terrible flaws is discoloration. Some modals turn yellow when heated too much. We recommend avoiding temperatures above 40 ° C, since this will cause some varieties of modal to change color, decreasing the quality of your fabric and dye.

FAQ's

Is modal fabric toxic?

Rayon is derived from plants, but it is not environmentally beneficial due to its hazardous manufacturing and concomitant deforestation. Viscose and rayon are the same material. Modal production is less harmful, but it can still cause deforestation.

Toxic solvents are used in the production of modal, just as they are in the production of viscose rayon. Even if cellulose is made from organic renewable materials rather than petroleum-based fibers, modal synthesis can be extremely harmful and wasteful.

Is modal fabric breathable?

Because of its breathable weave, modal is ideal for athletics, base layers, t-shirts, and underwear. Modal is 50% more water-absorbing than cotton.  Unlike most other types of rayon, modal does not shrink much when washed and dried.

Is modal fabric stretchy?

The fabric holds its shape after being washed and dried by a machine, unlike some fabrics such as rayon, which shrinks or stretches when wet. Because of its stronger fibers and reduced surface friction, modal is 50% more resistant to shrinking than cotton and tends to pill less.