What Is Modal? Properties, Look and Use in Clothing

Modal is a man-made fiber made from cellulose, which is often obtained from beech wood. The fabric feels smooth and soft and drapes fluidly. That is why modal is found in many shirts, long-sleeve shirts, dresses and knitwear, often blended with other fibers.

On the label, modal often appears in blends, and many people wonder what exactly modal is and how it differs from viscose. This guide explains the fiber and shows which looks you can put together with soft, flowing items.

What is modal?

Like viscose, modal is made from cellulose, the building block of plants. The cellulose often comes from beech wood, is chemically dissolved and then spun into fine threads. Modal is a further development of viscose: the manufacturing process is modified, and the fiber is often described as particularly soft.

So modal is not a natural fiber like cotton and not a plastic like polyester. The raw material comes from plants, but the fiber is made in an industrial process. That is why it is called a cellulose or regenerated fiber.

What are the properties of modal?

These properties are generally attributed to modal:

• Soft, smooth feel. Modal feels supple, and many people find it even softer than viscose.
• Fluid drape. The fabric hangs loosely and moves with you.
• Light on the skin. Modal is often described as light and pleasant, which is why it often appears in shirts and long-sleeve tops.
• Takes dye well. Modal takes color well, so solid shades and patterns look clear on the fabric.
• Blends well. Manufacturers like to combine modal with cotton, viscose or elastane.

How a single item feels also depends on the yarn, the knit and the blend. What counts is always the material information on the item.

Modal, viscose or cotton: what is the difference?

Modal and viscose are both cellulose fibers from wood and feel similarly smooth. Viscose is the classic version, modal the further development. What makes viscose what it is, is explained in the guide What is viscose?

Cotton, on the other hand, is a natural fiber that comes from the cotton plant. Cotton fabrics usually have a firmer, grippier character, while modal is often described as softer and smoother. The third cellulose fiber, lyocell, is made in a different solvent process, more in the guide What is lyocell? You can find an overview of other materials in the fabric guide for women’s fashion.

Which clothing contains modal?

Modal is mostly found in items that should feel soft and fall loosely: T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, tops, dresses, jersey pants and knitwear. It is usually not used alone but in a blend, for example with cotton, viscose or elastane.

Which items in the shop have a similar look?

For the following items, the material information says viscose, not modal. Viscose is closely related to modal, so the items here serve as examples of cellulose fibers in blends. The details come from the material information on the item.

Long-sleeve shirt. The leopard long-sleeve shirt in burgundy has a subtle leopard pattern, a round neckline and long sleeves. According to the material information, it is made of 75% viscose, 10% cashmere, 9% polyamide and 6% elastane. You can find more in the long-sleeve shirts.

Long-sleeve top. The polka dot long-sleeve top in black and white has a feminine dot pattern and a slightly sheer look, and the material information is also 75% viscose, 10% cashmere, 9% polyamide and 6% elastane. Ideas for styling are in the guide How to style a long-sleeve top for women.

Knitwear. The cardigan in taupe is a chunky knit with a zigzag structure, an open V-neck and wide balloon sleeves, and it is made of 50% polyamide and 50% viscose. There is a selection in the cardigans and knitted jackets.

What does modal in a blend mean?

Manufacturers like to blend modal with other fibers. Elastane adds stretch to the fabric, cotton a firmer character, polyamide more stability. What matters is the percentage: with a high share of modal, modal defines the character of the fabric, and with a small share it only complements the other fibers.

You can find the percentage under “Material” on the item. It also says whether a fiber is in the outer fabric or only in the lining.

How do you style soft, flowing items?

Three approaches with items from the shop:

• Shirt under knitwear. You wear the leopard long-sleeve shirt in burgundy under the cardigan in taupe, with dark pants in black or gray. Burgundy and taupe stay warm and calm.
• Pattern on its own. You wear the polka dot long-sleeve top on its own with jeans or a skirt. Because it is slightly sheer, you can wear a top underneath.
• Tone on tone. The cardigan in taupe goes with cream, white and black. A plain basic top goes well with it.

Matching items in the shop: basic tops and tops.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of fabric is modal?

Modal is a man-made fiber made from cellulose, which is often obtained from beech wood. The fabric feels smooth and soft and drapes fluidly.

What is the difference between modal and viscose?

Both are cellulose fibers from wood. Modal is a further development of viscose with a modified manufacturing process and is often described as even softer.

Is modal a natural or a synthetic fiber?

Neither in the strict sense. The raw material cellulose comes from plants, but the fiber is made industrially. That is why it is called a cellulose or regenerated fiber.

Which wood is modal made from?

Beech wood is often used. Cellulose is obtained from the wood, and the fibers are then made from it.

Why is modal blended with other fibers?

Elastane makes the fabric stretchy, and cotton gives it a firmer character. The percentage in the material information shows how strongly modal shapes the fabric.