Is Tencel Clothing Sustainable?

Last Updated on September 10, 2025

You’ve probably seen TENCEL on clothing tags before. But what exactly does it mean? And is it good for the environment?

A majority of the clothing online and in malls are made using polyester, aka plastic. While I’m all for using recycled polyester in fabrics that call for it (like athleticwear), I also try to opt for natural fabrics whenever possible.

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That’s because to create virgin polyester, 70 million barrels of oil are used annually, and transforming this oil into polyester fabric releases numerous toxins into the environment.

Plus, polyester pieces shed microplastics into our waterways when washed. Approximately 500,000 polyester microfibers are released from a 6kg wash.

Lets not forget microfibers of plastic have been found in almost every part of the human body, including our feces, lungs, blood and even placentas. Reducing microplastic exposure can be as simple as utilizing natural fabrics in our clothes.

TENCEL is a brand of Lyocell and Modal fibers, both of which are quite similar, but slightly different. Here’s everything you need to know about TENCEL clothing and which sustainable brands are using it.

is tencel synthetic or natural?

TENCEL is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural wood pulp (cellulose), transformed into fiber using chemical solvents. The chemical processing is what makes Tencel semi-synthetic.

There are two kinds of TENCEL: Lyocell and Modal which have slightly different processing procedures – but both are made from cellulose.

Here’s a glimpse at them:

TENCEL Lyocell

Made with an innovative closed-loop process that results in little waste (more than 99.8% of solvent is recovered!). Wood pulp is dissolved and the solution is pumped through spinnerets to form a filament that is cut into staple fibers which are washed, dried, opened and pressed into bales.

TENCEL Modal

Similar to viscose rayon, but with less waste. Made with resource-efficient technology with high recovery rates of chemicals. Cellulose in Modal processing needs to be chemically altered before it’s dissolved, filtered, spun and cut into staple fibers.

Both TENCEL lyocell and modal fibers are sourced from controlled or certified forests meeting FSC or PEFC standards.  

is tencel a good fabric for clothing?

TENCEL is a good fabric for clothing in place of conventional cotton, silk, or virgin polyester due to its versatility.

TENCEL Lyocell is a great replacement for conventional cotton or silk because its soft to the touch. It’s also more resistant to piling than cotton.

TENCEL Modal is a great alternative to virgin polyester fabrics in activewear due to its breathable and absorbent nature.

Both TENCEL Lyocell and Modal are also a good fabric for the environment. As long as they’re not combined with synthetic fabrics (like polyester), they are certified biodegradable and compostable.

Just be mindful that modal and lyocell made outside of Lenzing AG may not be as eco-conscious, because they don’t have to meet rigorous standards. Modal or Lyocell without the TENCEL certification is likely made in factories not being transparent with their practices both socially and environmentally.

what are the disadvantages of tencel fabric? 

There aren’t many disadvantages of TENCEL fabric, but there are a few that stand out. Here are some to consider:

• Compared to cotton, TENCEL can be expensive

• Unless certified from TENCEL, it’s impossible to know if the wood needed for lyocell or modal is sustainably harvested or crafted

• It is a chemical-heavy process, but if getting from a TENCEL certified brand, it has a significantly lower environmental impact than generic modal

does tencel shrink in the dryer?

Yes, TENCEL lyocell can shrink in the dryer but you can reduce this by simply caring for it properly. Modal is less likely to shrink, but to minimize the chance, wash both lyocell and modal in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry whenever possible.  

If you must tumble dry, do it on a low heat setting and remove the items while still slightly damp to avoid over-drying.

where can I buy tencel clothing? 

There are several sustainable brands that sell TENCEL clothing. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information. 

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What are your favorite TENCEL clothing brands? List them in the comments below!

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