Understanding Modal Fabric: The Star of the Rayon Family
Autor: Grace Pan
Fecha: 2 de julio de 2025
Table of Contents
In the world of fabrics, few materials balance comfort, elegance, and practicality as gracefully as Modal. Often described as the “star” of the rayon family, this fabric offers a silky softness and breathability that makes it highly valued across fashion, particularly in our scarf collection, hijabs, loungewear, and summer staples. Yet to appreciate why Modal shines, I would like to introduce what it is, where it comes from, and how it fits within the rayon family in this article.
¿Qué es Modal?
El modal es un tejido semisintético fabricado a partir de la pulpa del haya, diseñado para proporcionar una suavidad, transpirabilidad y durabilidad excepcionales. Técnicamente, pertenece a la familia del rayón, lo que significa que se fabrica regenerando la celulosa extraída de las plantas para convertirla en fibras aptas para la hilatura.
Lo que hace único al modal es su proceso de refinado, que mejora la resistencia de sus fibras incluso cuando están húmedas, resiste el encogimiento y mantiene su acabado suave y sedoso lavado tras lavado. El tejido ofrece una bonita caída, se siente fresco en contacto con la piel y absorbe bien la humedad, por lo que es muy adecuado para prendas de verano y climas húmedos.
¿Qué es la familia Rayón?
The rayon family includes fibres made from regenerated cellulose, meaning they originate from natural materials like wood pulp but are processed using chemical methods to create textile fibres. This precise engineering aligns with standards similar to our own Docsun Design Pattern specifications for quality textiles.
Los principales miembros de la familia del rayón son:
Rayón viscosa: El tipo más común, conocido por su caída similar a la seda y su asequibilidad, pero menos duradero cuando se moja.
Modal: Un rayón de alto módulo de mojado fabricado a partir de árboles de haya, que ofrece una mayor durabilidad, suavidad y transpirabilidad.
Lyocell (incluido Tencel): Un rayón producido mediante un sistema de circuito cerrado más respetuoso con el medio ambiente, conocido por sus propiedades de evacuación de la humedad y sus beneficios medioambientales.
Cupro: Un rayón fino y sedoso derivado del linter de algodón, a menudo utilizado en forros y bufandas de lujo.
La familia del rayón tiende un puente entre las fibras totalmente naturales, como el algodón y el lino, y las totalmente sintéticas, como el poliéster y el nailon, combinando el origen vegetal con la ingeniería para mejorar la funcionalidad.
Los tejidos de rayón, especialmente el modal y el lyocell, suelen considerarse más ecológicos que los sintéticos porque utilizan recursos renovables y se biodegradan con el tiempo. However, conventional viscose production can lead to water pollution and deforestation if materials are not sustainably sourced, making responsible production—a value we uphold at Docsun Home and Living—a key factor in rayon’s environmental story.
En cambio, las fibras sintéticas contribuyen en gran medida a la contaminación por microplásticos y dependen de insumos no renovables derivados del petróleo, por lo que su impacto ambiental persiste a lo largo de su ciclo de vida.
Por qué el modal es una estrella en la familia del rayón
Aunque toda la familia del rayón ofrece suavidad y confort a base de plantas, el modal destaca por varias razones:
- ✨ Exceptional Softness: Modal is smoother than cotton and silk-like, making it luxurious against the skin.
- ✨ Breathability and Moisture Management: It absorbs moisture 50% more efficiently than cotton, allowing for better comfort in heat and humidity.
- ✨ Strength and Durability: Unlike traditional viscose, Modal maintains its strength when wet, making it easy to care for without losing its shape.
- ✨ Colour Retention: This fabric holds dye exceptionally well, ensuring vibrant colours that do not fade easily over time—perfect for custom printing.
- ✨ Eco-Potential: Modal uses beech trees, which require less water than cotton, and the production process often recycles water and chemicals in more advanced facilities.
Estas cualidades hacen del modal un tejido práctico, duradero y agradable para los sentidos, que encaja perfectamente en la vida de los consumidores que desean lujo y funcionalidad en su ropa diaria.
¿Qué productos son adecuados para Modal?
Thanks to its softness, drape, and breathability, Modal is highly versatile. You can see many examples of its application in our scarf custom cases. Here are some examples I found among the UK high street brands in 2025 which the fabric is particularly suitable for:
🧣 Scarves and Hijabs: Modal’s lightweight, airy drape makes it perfect for layered styles without heaviness, and its softness ensures comfort for daily wear. It holds pleats and folds well while allowing airflow, making it ideal for warm climates.
👗 Summer Dresses and Blouses: Modal’s moisture-wicking properties and breathable structure provide comfort and elegance, making it excellent for travel wardrobes and daily summer staples.
🩳 Loungewear and Sleepwear: The fabric’s softness and temperature-regulating qualities ensure cozy yet cool comfort for pyjamas, robes, and relaxed at-home sets. At Docsun Home and Living, we specialize in blending Modal with premium silk to create the ultimate luxury sleepwear experience.
🩲 Undergarments: Modal is often used for underwear and base layers, providing softness and moisture management throughout the day.
🧸 Baby Clothing: Due to its hypoallergenic properties and gentle touch, Modal is increasingly used in baby onesies and blankets.
En un mundo que avanza hacia opciones de moda conscientes, el modal ofrece un convincente equilibrio entre sensación de lujo, comodidad y practicidad. Aunque no está totalmente exento de preocupaciones medioambientales, el modal sigue siendo una alternativa superior dentro de la familia del rayón, especialmente cuando se obtiene de forma responsable, y ofrece ventajas significativas sobre los sintéticos basados en combustibles fósiles para quienes buscan prendas transpirables, suaves y versátiles.
Experience the Docsun Difference
Inspired by the exceptional qualities of Modal, our team has developed a premium line of men’s and women’s underwear that blends this incredible fabric with our signature Mulberry silk. This combination enhances softness, durability, and comfort. Explore our collection by clicking the images below.
If you are interested in incorporating Modal or silk blends into your product line, feel free to contact us to discuss your needs. You can also send us your designs for consultation, or learn more Quiénes somos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Modal fabric made of?
Modal is a semi-synthetic fabric made from the pulp of beech trees. It is engineered to be more durable, softer, and breathable than standard viscose.
Is Modal fabric eco-friendly?
Modal is generally considered more eco-friendly than synthetics because it uses renewable beech tree pulp and requires less water than cotton. Responsible sourcing is key to its environmental benefits.
Why is Modal used in scarves and hijabs?
Modal is ideal for scarves and hijabs because it is lightweight, breathable, resists shrinkage, and drapes beautifully without slipping, providing comfort in both humid and cool climates.
