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The Modal Guide
It's not just a fabric
Modal is one of the softest materials you can wear next to your skin. Yet it is a relatively unknown name compared to cotton and polyester. This guide explains what Modal actually is, why it is so well suited for underwear, and what to consider when choosing it.
What is Modal?
Modal is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose derived from beechwood. The raw material is converted into yarn through a more modern and closed process than traditional viscose production, resulting in a softer, stronger, and more shape-retaining material.
Technically, Modal is a type of viscose, but with a different manufacturing process that produces a stronger, softer, and more dimensionally stable fabric. It is not a synthetic material like polyester, nor a natural material in the same sense as cotton. It sits somewhere in between, drawing the best from both worlds.
Why is Modal so well suited for underwear?
Garments worn directly against the skin have different demands than outerwear. The fabric meets your skin all day long, in every position and at every temperature. Modal has properties that make it exceptionally suited for exactly this.
Softness you notice immediately. Modal is one of the softest materials available for underwear. Its smooth fibre structure creates a sensation similar to silk against the skin, without the material feeling slippery or cold.
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Breathability.
Modal fibres are naturally porous and allow air to circulate close to the skin. This prevents the body from overheating and helps you maintain an even, comfortable temperature throughout the day.
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Moisture management.
Modal absorbs moisture effectively and draws it away from the skin. It is not as technically moisture-wicking as, for example, Cool & Dry materials, but it absorbs 50 percent more moisture than cotton and dries faster.
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Shape retention.
Modal's fibres are stronger than regular viscose and hold their shape better, wash after wash. Modal garments do not stretch out, sag, or lose their feel over time.
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Gentle on sensitive skin.
The soft surface reduces friction and lowers the risk of chafing and irritation, which is especially important for skin that has become more sensitive with age or due to hormonal changes.
How does Modal differ from cotton?
Cotton is the material most of us grew up wearing as underwear. It is familiar, natural, and works well for many people. But it has limitations that Modal handles differently.
Cotton absorbs moisture but retains it against the skin, which can feel heavy and damp in warmth or during movement. Modal absorbs just as effectively but dries faster and does not feel as wet against the body.
Modal is also noticeably softer and has a smoother surface. Where cotton can become stiff and rough after many washes, Modal retains its feel for longer. For those who value a garment that feels just as good after a hundred washes as after the first, this is a real difference.
How do you care for Modal?
Modal is relatively easy to care for, but does not tolerate high heat. Wash at 30 or 40 degrees, preferably on a gentle cycle. Avoid the tumble dryer, as heat can shorten the material's lifespan and affect its softness. Modal dries quickly at room temperature and rarely needs ironing.
Avoid bleach and harsh chemical agents. Choose a mild detergent, preferably one designed for delicate materials.
Modal and sustainability
Modal is produced from beech trees, a species that grows naturally and does not require irrigation or pesticides to the same extent as, for example, cotton farming. Beech can be harvested without felling the tree, making the raw material renewable.
The manufacturing process for Modal is more closed than for regular viscose, meaning a large proportion of the chemicals used are recovered and reused in production. This results in lower chemical emissions compared to many comparable materials.
It is not a flawless material from a sustainability perspective. Chemical processing is still required, and transport distances matter. But compared to conventional cotton and most synthetic materials, Modal has a lower environmental footprint per garment, especially when its lifespan is taken into account.
Our Modal Underwear
Frequently asked questions about Modal
Can you wear Modal underwear with sensitive skin?
Yes. Modal has a naturally smooth fibre structure that reduces friction and is gentle on skin that reacts to coarser materials. If you are allergic to chemicals in textiles, look for OEKO-TEX certified garments, which guarantees that the material has been tested free from harmful substances.
Does Modal shrink in the wash?
Modal shrinks less than cotton but is not shrink-proof. Wash cold or at 30 degrees and avoid the tumble dryer to preserve the fit.
Is Modal a natural material?
Modal is made from beechwood, which is a natural raw material, but it undergoes chemical processing to become fabric. It is classified as a semi-synthetic material, or regenerated cellulose fibres.
How long does Modal underwear last?
With proper care, Modal lasts a long time. The material's shape retention and durability are better than regular viscose, and the feel is preserved better than cotton with repeated washing.
Is Modal suitable during menopause?
Modal's moisture absorption and breathability make it a gentle choice for hot flushes and night sweats. For those seeking more active moisture management, a moisture-wicking material may be a better option, but for everyday use, Modal is one of the softest and most gentle alternatives.