Get To Know Your Sustainable Fabrics: What Is TENCEL™️ Fiber?

What is TENCEL™️?

TENCEL™️ is a super-soft, comfortable, and durable branded fabric that you can find in a few different APD styles! Did we mention it’s also sustainable (duh 💁🏻‍♀️)?  Typically sourced from eucalyptus trees 🌳, TENCEL™️ can come from multiple different types of wood pulp, which is controlled or certified sourced natural raw material wood 🪵. The wood is then processed into a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber. This production process has been carefully refined to ensure resource efficiency and peak sustainability… need we say more? We will. TENCEL™️ is breathable, high-quality, pilling-resistant, hypoallergenic, and temperature regulated, making it the perfect fabric for clothing. TENCEL™️ is also often used for bedding since it’s so breathable and keeps you ultra-cool. We love a versatile fabric!

What are the different types of TENCEL™️?

TENCEL™️ has two main variations - Lyocell and Modal. Sometimes TENCEL™️ is also blended with other fabric variations to keep down costs.

TENCEL™️ Lyocell

Lyocell is the most sustainable version of TENCEL™️. The toxic manufacturing chemicals used in rayon are replaced with a non-toxic solvent to create the Lyocell. Not only is the solvent non-toxic, 99% of it is recaptured and used again. Lyocell is made with sustainable eucalyptus wood. They already had us at non-toxic, but its circular production method is what really sealed the deal!

TENCEL™️ Modal

Though not as chemical-free as Lyocell (you win some you lose some), the Modal variation of TENCEL™️ provides more resistance and durability. This variation is great for clothing because it makes the clothes machine-washable and shrink-resistant. How convenient! In turn they last longer making them just as sustainable, just in a different way.

TENCEL™️ Blend

The one downside to TENCEL™️ is that it can be a bit pricey, so it is often blended with other fabrics. This brings down the price while still reaping many of the fabrics important benefits. It is often mixed with less expensive fabrics like cotton or polyester. We believe sustainable products should be accessible to all price points, and we LOVE a brand that believes the same 🖤!

Why TENCEL™️?

There are many reasons to love TENCEL™️, from its super-soft look to its breathable comfortability. Our favorite part? How sustainable it is, and the fact that it allows us to not have to sacrifice aesthetics or comfort for the sake of sustainability. It’s truly a win-win situation 🏆!  

Where Can I Find TENCEL™️ products?

TENCEL™️ products can be found on Tencel.com, where they showcase collaborations with brands like Carhartt and Joao Maraschin. You can also find them by simply googling TENCEL™️ products or TENCEL™️ clothing! And (not to be biased) you can find some of the best TENCEL™️ clothing right here! Keep scrolling to see our APD TENCEL™️ favs! These pieces are truly buttery-soft, super comfortable, and ultra-stylish.

Why Are Sustainable Fashion Fabrics So Important?

As we mentioned in our last blog, the fast-fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally, significantly impacting our water, soil, and air quality. By using fabrics that are made sustainably, we can help solve that problem and ensure a better world and better future for fashion. Plus, using durable fabrics ensures that your clothes last longer and don't end up sitting in a landfill! Let's put an end to the  overconsumption trend for good ❌🚮!