What Is Micro Modal​?

Micro Modal is a premium, eco-friendly fabric derived from beechwood or hardwood tree pulp. Renowned for its luxurious softness and lightweight feel, it is often featured in high-comfort clothing such as underwear, activewear, and loungewear. Its unique properties make it a standout choice for those seeking both performance and sustainability in their garments.

Source and Sustainability

Micro Modal is not only about comfort but also about caring for the planet. Here’s why:

Feature Details
Source Made from cellulose fibers found in sustainably harvested beechwood or hardwood trees.
Eco-Friendly Production Uses significantly less water and land compared to cotton.

By choosing Micro Modal, manufacturers reduce their environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Softness and Comfort

If softness is a priority, Micro Modal delivers like no other fabric. It is often compared to silk but is far easier to maintain.

Feature Details
Texture Silky smooth and gentle on the skin, perfect for close-fitting garments.
Application Ideal for items like underwear, loungewear, and sportswear, where comfort is key.

Micro Modal’s softness elevates the everyday clothing experience, offering unparalleled comfort.

Breathability and Moisture Control

Micro Modal excels in keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable, making it a top choice for active lifestyles:

Feature Details
Breathability Highly breathable, promoting airflow and helping regulate body temperature.
Moisture-Wicking Effectively absorbs and releases moisture, keeping you dry during workouts or humid days.

This makes Micro Modal particularly well-suited for underwear and activewear, where moisture control is a must.

Durability and Easy Care

Despite its luxurious feel, Micro Modal is built to last. It’s designed to maintain its look and feel even after repeated use:

Feature Details
Durability Retains its shape, color, and softness after numerous washes.
Resists Pilling and Shrinking Keeps clothes looking fresh and new for a long time.

Micro Modal combines elegance with practicality, making it an excellent long-term investment for your wardrobe.

Skin-Friendly and Hypoallergenic

People with sensitive skin often struggle to find fabrics that are both comfortable and non-irritating. Micro Modal solves that problem:

Feature Details
Hypoallergenic Gentle on sensitive skin, minimizing irritation and discomfort.
Skin-Friendly Smooth fibers provide a soothing touch against the skin.

This makes Micro Modal a safe and pleasant choice for everyone, including those with allergies or skin sensitivities.

Temperature Regulation and Odor Resistance

Micro Modal offers more than just comfort—it also keeps you fresh and odor-free:

Feature Details
Temperature Regulation Keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, adapting to your body’s needs.
Odor Resistance Its natural anti-odor properties prevent unpleasant smells, perfect for activewear.

These features enhance the fabric’s appeal for both casual wear and high-performance clothing.

Care Tips

To maintain the luxurious feel of Micro Modal, follow these simple care instructions:

Care Step Details
Washing Use cool water and a mild detergent on a gentle cycle.
Avoid Bleach Do not use chlorine bleach, as it can damage the fabric.
Drying Line dry to preserve softness and extend the fabric’s lifespan.

Proper care ensures your Micro Modal garments remain as soft and durable as the day you bought them.

Fabric Source

Micro Modal is created from cellulose extracted from hardwood trees, with a focus on sustainability and quality.

Characteristic Details
Source Trees Beechwood and oak trees, chosen for their high cellulose content and durability.
Cellulose Extraction Process Wood is chipped into small pieces and treated chemically to separate cellulose from other components.
Distinctive Feature The hardwood-derived cellulose produces softer, more durable fibers compared to cotton or traditional rayon.

This process ensures that Micro Modal maintains its premium feel while being environmentally responsible.

Sustainable Forest Management

The production of Micro Modal is rooted in sustainable practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Aspect Details
Forest Harvesting Trees are sourced from sustainably managed forests to reduce ecological harm.
Producer Commitment Lenzing AG, the exclusive producer of Micro Modal, follows strict sustainability protocols.
Environmental Benefits Lower water and land usage compared to cotton, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

By prioritizing sustainability, Micro Modal production supports environmental conservation while delivering a high-quality product.

Hardwood Trees: Beech and Oak

The use of beech and oak hardwoods in Micro Modal production gives the fabric its signature characteristics of softness, strength, and durability.

Hardwood Benefits Details
Softness Beechwood pulp creates ultra-soft fibers, ideal for close-fitting garments like loungewear and underwear.
Durability Oak pulp adds strength, ensuring long-lasting performance even with frequent use.
Comparison to Other Fibers Unlike cotton or synthetic rayon, hardwood-derived fibers are both luxurious and resilient.

These hardwoods ensure that Micro Modal garments are not only comfortable but also highly durable, making them a reliable choice for everyday wear.

Production Process

The creation of Micro Modal involves a series of intricate steps that ensure the fibers are ultra-soft and durable. Below is a detailed breakdown of each stage, presented in an easy-to-follow format:

Step Description
Harvesting & Chipping Hardwood trees like birch or oak are carefully harvested and chipped into small pieces, roughly the size of a postage stamp, to prepare for processing.
Cellulose Extraction The wood chips undergo chemical treatment to extract cellulose, which is separated from the rest of the wood’s components.
Cellulose Processing The extracted cellulose is pressed into large, white sheets and treated with a low concentration of caustic soda, making the process eco-friendly.
Breaking into Crumbs The treated cellulose sheets are broken into small pieces known as “crumbs.” These crumbs are soaked in carbon disulfide, forming sodium cellulose xanthate.
Syrupy Solution Formation The sodium cellulose xanthate is dissolved in another caustic soda bath, creating a thick, syrup-like solution essential for spinning fibers.
Spinneret Process The syrupy solution is forced through a spinneret, a device with tiny holes. For Micro Modal, these holes are smaller, producing finer, softer fibers.
Fiber Treatment The fibers are treated with sulfuric acid, stretched, and processed into yarn. The yarn is thoroughly washed, bleached, rinsed, dried, and spooled.
Yarn Preparation Before being woven, the yarn may receive additional treatments (e.g., pre-shrinking, fire resistance, wrinkle resistance) to enhance durability.

Environmental Considerations

Micro Modal production is often regarded as more eco-friendly than traditional viscose rayon manufacturing due to its reduced use of caustic soda. However, the process still involves carbon disulfide, a hazardous chemical that poses environmental and health risks. To mitigate these concerns, strict handling and disposal measures are vital during production.

At Fexwear, we prioritize sustainability and are committed to promoting eco-conscious practices in textile manufacturing. Micro Modal represents a step forward, blending luxury with a more mindful approach to environmental impact.

Properties of Micro Modal

Micro Modal is an exceptional fabric known for its premium qualities, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. Below is an in-depth exploration of its key features and why it stands out in the textile world.

Softness

Micro Modal sets a gold standard for softness. Its silky-smooth texture feels like a second skin, providing unmatched comfort. Often regarded as twice as soft as cotton, it’s particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to indulge in high-end, luxurious clothing.

Resistance to Shrinkage

Unlike many fabrics that lose their fit after washing, Micro Modal resists shrinkage remarkably well. Its ability to retain its shape and structure through multiple washes ensures a consistently polished and long-lasting appearance.

Moisture-Wicking and Breathability

One of Micro Modal’s standout features is its superior moisture-wicking ability. It not only absorbs moisture effectively but also allows for excellent airflow, making it ideal for garments like underwear, sportswear, and bedding. Compared to cotton, it excels in regulating moisture and breathability, offering a more comfortable and dry experience.

Heat Retention

Micro Modal’s low heat retention makes it a perfect choice for warmer climates or for those who prefer a cooling fabric. Its lightweight and breathable properties ensure you stay comfortable even in rising temperatures.

Stretchability

This fabric is highly elastic, allowing it to stretch and adapt to your movements without losing its form. Its flexibility makes it a go-to material for activewear and fitted garments, where comfort and adaptability are key.

Durability and Resistance to Pilling

Despite being lightweight and thinner than traditional modal, Micro Modal is impressively durable. It resists pilling, which helps maintain a smooth, high-quality surface even with frequent use.

Fading and Wrinkling Resistance

Micro Modal is designed to endure. It resists fading and wrinkling better than many fabrics, ensuring your garments remain vibrant, smooth, and fresh-looking over time.

Water Absorbency

The fabric is about 50% more absorbent than cotton, making it an excellent choice for managing sweat or moisture. This property is especially valuable in activewear, loungewear, and other moisture-prone clothing.

Antibacterial Properties

Micro Modal also boasts antibacterial qualities, which help keep garments fresh and hygienic. This makes it particularly suitable for items like underwear, bed linens, and clothing that require added cleanliness.

Thread Count Variations

With thread counts typically ranging from 300 to 400, Micro Modal balances softness and strength. This versatility allows it to be used effectively across a wide range of applications, from delicate loungewear to durable everyday clothing.

Softness and Comfort

Micro Modal is celebrated for its luxurious softness and unparalleled comfort, making it a favorite for garments designed to be worn close to the skin. Below, we explore why Micro Modal stands out in terms of its soft and comforting properties.

Superior Softness

Micro Modal delivers an exceptional level of softness that surpasses expectations. Whether you’re lounging at home or heading out, this fabric ensures a luxurious feel against your skin.

Feature Description
3x Softer than Cotton Micro Modal is three times softer than cotton, offering a plush texture that feels significantly more luxurious than traditional fabrics.
Silky Feel The fabric is often compared to silk for its smoothness and silky touch. Unlike silk, however, it is low-maintenance and perfect for everyday wear.

Comfort Features

Micro Modal isn’t just soft—it’s designed for all-around comfort. Its unique properties make it ideal for garments that prioritize coziness and practicality.

  • Perfect for Skin-Touch Garments: The unmatched softness of Micro Modal makes it an excellent choice for underwear, sleepwear, and loungewear, where comfort is non-negotiable.
  • Thermal Regulation: Micro Modal adapts to your body temperature, keeping you cool in warm weather and warm in cooler conditions, making it a versatile fabric for all seasons.
  • Breathability and Moisture-Wicking: Thanks to its breathable structure, Micro Modal allows air to flow freely and efficiently wicks moisture away from your body, keeping you fresh and dry.
  • Anti-Odor Properties: The fabric actively prevents the buildup of heat and moisture, reducing odors and keeping garments fresh for longer periods.

Long-Lasting Softness

One of the most impressive qualities of Micro Modal is its ability to maintain its luxurious softness over time.

Quality Details
Durability Despite its delicate feel, Micro Modal is incredibly durable, retaining its softness and structure even after multiple washes.
Shape Retention The fabric holds its shape well, ensuring that garments look and feel like new even after extended use.

Breathability and Moisture-Wicking

Micro Modal is a standout fabric when it comes to keeping you cool, fresh, and dry. Its breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it an excellent choice for activewear, warm-weather clothing, and garments designed for comfort. Below, we break down its key advantages.

Breathability

The structure of Micro Modal is crafted for maximum airflow, ensuring comfort even in challenging conditions.

Feature Description
Air Circulation The fine microfibers in Micro Modal allow air to pass through easily, preventing heat and moisture buildup.
Stay Cool This enhanced airflow keeps garments cool and fresh, even during high temperatures or intense physical activity.

Moisture-Wicking

Micro Modal excels at managing moisture, ensuring that the wearer stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

  • Quick Absorption: The fabric pulls moisture away from the skin, efficiently absorbing sweat and preventing dampness from clinging to the body.
  • Fast Evaporation: Once absorbed, the moisture is moved to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates quickly, leaving the wearer feeling dry and at ease.

Airflow and Heat Retention

Micro Modal is designed to keep you comfortable across a variety of climates and activities.

Property Benefit
Breathable Structure Encourages constant airflow, ensuring that clothing doesn’t trap heat.
Low Heat Retention Ideal for hot weather or high-energy activities, as it avoids overheating and keeps the wearer feeling refreshed.

Comparison to Other Fabrics

When compared to traditional fabrics like cotton, Micro Modal offers significant advantages in moisture management and comfort.

Fabric Moisture Absorbency Breathability Skin Comfort
Micro Modal 50% more absorbent Excellent Reduces irritation by managing sweat effectively, making it ideal for activewear.
Cotton Moderate Good Can become damp and heavy, leading to potential discomfort during high activity.

Practical Applications

The unique combination of breathability and moisture-wicking makes Micro Modal a versatile fabric used in a wide range of garments:

  • Sportswear: Keeps athletes dry and comfortable, even during intense workouts.
  • Underwear: Perfect for close-to-skin garments, as it prevents sweat buildup and skin irritation.
  • Loungewear: Offers all-day comfort for relaxing at home, especially in warmer weather.
  • Everyday Essentials: Suitable for t-shirts, tank tops, and other staples where freshness and dryness are priorities.

Durability

Micro Modal is often praised for its exceptional durability, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting garments that maintain their quality over time. Here’s a detailed look at why Micro Modal stands out in terms of durability.

Retains Shape and Color

Micro Modal garments are designed to keep looking fresh and new, even after repeated use.

Feature Description
Shape Retention Micro Modal resists stretching and deformation, ensuring garments keep their original fit and structure.
Fade Resistance The fabric holds onto its vibrant colors, resisting fading even after numerous washes.
Shrinkage Resistance Unlike cotton, Micro Modal is shrink-resistant, so clothes maintain their original size and fit.

High Durability Rating

Micro Modal is a fabric that balances softness with strength, maintaining its premium feel over time.

Durability Aspect Benefit
Durability Rating Scoring 9/10, Micro Modal provides excellent resistance to wear and tear, even with frequent washing.
Low Pilling Micro Modal fibers are engineered to resist pilling, preventing the formation of fuzz or bubbles.
Long-Term Softness The fabric stays soft and smooth, retaining its luxurious feel throughout its lifespan.

Chemical Resistance

Micro Modal is naturally resistant to many washing conditions, but proper care ensures even longer-lasting performance.

  • Washing Tips: Use cooler water and mild detergents to protect the fabric.
  • Avoid Chlorine Bleach: Chlorine bleach can weaken the fibers, so it’s best avoided to preserve the fabric’s integrity.

Long-Lasting Fabric

Micro Modal is more than just durable—it’s an investment in quality and longevity.

Key Benefit Details
Sustainable Longevity Designed to last for years, Micro Modal ensures consistent comfort and appearance, wash after wash.
Smooth Finish The fabric’s low pilling and fade-resistant properties help garments maintain their polished, professional look.

Environmental Impact of Micro Modal

Micro Modal is not only a luxurious fabric but also a more sustainable alternative to traditional materials like cotton and synthetic fibers. Its production process and eco-friendly properties make it a standout choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Below, we explore its environmental benefits and compare its impact to other materials.

Water Consumption

Micro Modal dramatically reduces water usage, making it a much more eco-friendly option compared to cotton.

Material Water Requirement Environmental Benefit
Micro Modal Requires only 1/20th of the water needed for cotton production. Significantly lowers water consumption and carbon footprint.
Cotton Extremely water-intensive, requiring large-scale irrigation. Puts pressure on global freshwater resources.

Biodegradability

Micro Modal is fully biodegradable, offering a sustainable end-of-life solution for garments.

Fiber Type Biodegradability
Micro Modal Decomposes in various environments, including industrial, home, soil, and marine settings.
Synthetic Fibers Takes hundreds of years to break down, contributing to long-term pollution.

This ability to break down naturally ensures that Micro Modal does not contribute to the growing problem of textile waste.

Chemical Use

Although the production of Micro Modal involves chemicals, advancements in manufacturing have significantly reduced their environmental impact.

  • Closed-Loop Systems: Many manufacturers, especially those producing TENCEL™ Modal, utilize closed-loop processes that recycle chemicals like carbon disulfide, caustic soda, and sulfuric acid.
  • Reduced Emissions: These systems prevent harmful substances from being released into the environment, minimizing both pollution and health risks.

Sustainable Sourcing

The wood used to make Micro Modal is sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring responsible practices.

Source Sustainability Practice
Micro Modal Made from wood cellulose, often from forests in Austria and nearby regions, ensuring renewable and responsibly managed resources.
Unsustainable Cotton Regular cotton farming often leads to deforestation and soil degradation, negatively impacting ecosystems.

Land Use Efficiency

Micro Modal production is highly efficient in terms of land use.

Material Land Requirement Impact
Micro Modal Requires less land per tonne than cotton. Supports sustainable farming and reduces the strain on arable land.
Cotton Requires significant land, often competing with food crops. Contributes to deforestation and inefficient land use.

Energy and Resource Use

Micro Modal, particularly TENCEL™ Modal, is produced with greater energy efficiency and fewer resources compared to traditional cotton.

  • Carbon-Neutral Production: The process of making TENCEL™ Modal offsets carbon emissions, reducing its overall environmental footprint.
  • Efficient Resource Use: The closed-loop system ensures that water, energy, and chemicals are reused, minimizing waste.

Comparison to Cotton

When compared to cotton, Micro Modal emerges as the more sustainable choice.

Category Micro Modal Cotton
Water Usage Minimal water consumption. High water dependency, often depleting freshwater resources.
Pesticide Use No pesticides required. Heavy pesticide use harms ecosystems and human health.
Land Efficiency Requires less land per tonne, promoting sustainable land practices. Requires large land areas, often leading to habitat destruction.
Biodegradability Fully decomposable in various environments. Biodegradable but slower to break down than Micro Modal.

Brand Practices

Many eco-conscious brands have adopted TENCEL™ Modal to align with their sustainability goals. These brands ensure that the fabric is produced under strict environmental standards.

Brand Sustainability Practice
Whimsy + Row Uses TENCEL™ Modal to create stylish, eco-friendly designs.
Tamga Designs Prioritizes ethical and sustainable manufacturing with TENCEL™ Modal fabrics.
Armed Angels Combines high environmental standards with fashionable designs using TENCEL™ Modal.

Hypoallergenic Properties of Micro Modal

Micro Modal is an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Its natural composition, smooth texture, and thoughtful manufacturing process make it a fabric that prioritizes skin comfort and safety. Below, we explore why Micro Modal is a hypoallergenic standout.

Benefits for Sensitive Skin

Micro Modal’s construction and natural fibers are designed to minimize irritation and promote skin health.

Feature Benefit
Natural Fibers Made from beechwood pulp, Micro Modal has a soft, silky surface that is gentle on the skin.
Reduced Friction The tightly woven, fine fibers create a smooth texture, reducing friction and preventing skin irritation.
No Harsh Chemicals Unlike some synthetic fabrics, Micro Modal is produced without harsh chemicals, lowering the risk of allergies.

Moisture-Wicking and Breathability

Micro Modal is not just soft—it actively works to keep skin dry and comfortable, which is crucial for preventing irritation.

  • Moisture-Wicking: The fabric efficiently pulls moisture away from the skin, preventing sweat buildup that can lead to discomfort or rashes.
  • Breathable: Its ability to allow airflow helps regulate body temperature, keeping the skin cool and reducing the possibility of irritation caused by trapped heat or dampness.

Temperature Control and Odor Resistance

Micro Modal’s unique properties make it ideal for maintaining comfort and freshness throughout the day.

Property Explanation
Thermal Regulation Naturally adjusts to body temperature, keeping the skin comfortable in both warm and cool conditions.
Odor Resistance By preventing moisture buildup, the fabric limits bacterial growth, effectively controlling odors during long wear.

This combination of thermal regulation and odor resistance makes Micro Modal a great option for people who prioritize comfort and hygiene, especially in close-to-skin garments.

Comparison with Cotton

While cotton is often praised for being hypoallergenic, Micro Modal offers additional benefits that make it a superior choice for those with very sensitive skin.

Feature Micro Modal Cotton
Texture Ultra-smooth, with minimal friction, making it less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Soft, but less smooth than Micro Modal, which can lead to minor irritation for sensitive skin.
Breathability Excellent airflow that regulates temperature and keeps skin dry. Good breathability, but less effective at moisture-wicking than Micro Modal.
Hypoallergenic Natural fibers and chemical-free production make it ideal for allergy-prone individuals. Hypoallergenic but may involve more chemical treatments during processing.

Care Instructions

Proper care is essential to preserve the luxurious softness, durability, and appearance of your Micro Modal garments. Follow these detailed tips to maintain their quality over time.

Washing

Washing Tips Details
Use Cold Water Wash garments in cold water to prevent shrinkage and reduce fabric wear.
Gentle Machine Cycle Choose a delicate cycle to avoid damage to the fabric’s fine fibers.
Mild Detergent Use a gentle or neutral detergent to maintain the fabric’s color and softness.

Drying

Drying Method Details
Line Dry Air-drying is the safest option to protect the fabric from heat damage.
Cool Tumble-Dry If using a dryer, select a low-heat setting to avoid shrinkage.
Prevent Wrinkles Remove garments from the dryer immediately at the end of the cycle to minimize creasing.

Additional Care Instructions

  • Bleach: Avoid chlorine bleach as it can weaken the fabric and cause discoloration.
  • Ironing: If necessary, use a pressing cloth or white cotton fabric as a barrier and set the temperature between 120-140°C.
  • Storage: Store garments in a cool, dry place. Micro Modal resists creasing, so you can fold or hang depending on the item.
  • Stain Treatment: Pre-treat stains with a store-bought stain remover or a mixture of baking soda and water before washing.
  • Hand Washing: Limit soaking time to 15 minutes to prevent dirt from re-entering the fibers.

Following these guidelines will ensure your Micro Modal garments retain their luxurious feel and appearance for years to come.

Price

Micro Modal is considered a premium fabric, and its price reflects the combination of quality, production complexity, and sustainability.

Factors Influencing Price

Category Details
Production Process Costs Made from beech tree wood pulp, the semi-synthetic process is more intricate than cotton.
Intensive Manufacturing Requires specialized methods, such as closed-loop systems that minimize water and raw material use.
Quality and Features Offers superior softness, durability, and moisture-wicking properties, comparable to luxury fabrics like Egyptian cotton.

Price Comparison

Material Approximate Cost Reason
Micro Modal 20-30% more expensive than regular modal Premium properties and eco-friendly production justify the higher cost.
Luxury Fabrics Similar to Egyptian cotton or organic fabrics Positioned as a semi-luxury textile for high-end applications.

Environmental Sustainability Impact

The higher price of Micro Modal also reflects its eco-friendly production practices.

  • Sustainable Sourcing: Made from sustainably managed forests, ensuring minimal environmental harm.
  • Closed-Loop Systems: Chemicals used in production are recycled, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Producer

Micro Modal is exclusively produced by Lenzing AG, a European company renowned for its high environmental and quality standards.

Aspect Details
Manufacturing Location Lenzing AG oversees production in EU-based facilities, ensuring consistency and sustainability.
Quality Assurance Strict sustainability guidelines and premium raw materials maintain the fabric’s superior quality.

Unique Production Process

The production of Micro Modal is a precise and eco-friendly process:

  1. Raw Material Sourcing: Wood from sustainably managed forests (usually birch or oak) is chipped to extract cellulose.
  2. Chemical Processing: The cellulose undergoes a controlled chemical process to create yarn, ensuring the fabric’s signature softness.
  3. Sustainability: A closed-loop system recycles chemicals, reducing waste and environmental impact.

At Fexwear, we believe in offering products that combine luxury, quality, and sustainability. Micro Modal is not just a fabric—it’s a commitment to premium comfort and environmental responsibility. From its unique production process to its hypoallergenic and eco-friendly properties, it’s a choice you can feel good about.

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