Bamboo viscose against modal in practice
Short answer: Modal is a type of viscose made so the fibre becomes stronger and shrinks less. In the hand the two feel almost the same, and the difference only shows after many washes. That makes modal most useful in clothes you wash often.
Modal is a kind of viscose
Modal belongs to the same family as bamboo viscose. Both are regenerated cellulose, but modal is made so the fibre becomes stronger and shrinks less. The fabric does not feel noticeably different, yet it behaves differently over time. So the choice between them is mostly about how often the piece will be washed and worn.
What is different
Modal is stronger when wet and holds its shape better after many washes. Ordinary viscose loses a little more shape over time, especially at necklines, where the fabric is stretched each time you pull the garment on and off. It is not dramatic, but it is the difference people notice most when comparing two old pieces.
Where you notice it
You notice it after twenty to thirty washes. Before that the two are almost impossible to tell apart by touch, so the first few weeks say nothing about which holds up better. It is a slow difference, and you need to wear the piece long enough to see it. Judge it over the long run and with some patience.
Is modal softer
The two sit close in softness. Modal is often slightly smoother, but that is a fine detail, and many could not name the difference blindfolded. So do not choose modal because you think it is far softer. Choose it because you want a garment that keeps its shape.
Does modal shrink less
Yes, modal shrinks less than ordinary viscose. That makes it easier to live with if your clothes go in the machine often. Still follow the care label and avoid too much heat, because heat usually does the most damage to shape and size, whichever type of viscose the fabric is made from.
Underwear and t-shirts first
Underwear and t-shirts are washed after nearly every wear, so that is where modal makes the biggest difference. A t-shirt neckline is stretched again and again, and a piece that keeps its shape looks cared for longer. One example of clothing worn often is our bamboo sleepwear for women.
Where viscose still fits
Viscose suits clothes that are washed rarely. A piece you wear only on special occasions or a few times a month does not go through enough washes for the difference to show. Here price and the feel in the hand can decide more. Have a look at our bamboo loungewear for women too.
How to choose
Modal in clothes washed often, viscose in clothes washed rarely. Look at the composition label and the fit first, since they count most. If you want to see products with FSC certification, take a look at our FSC certified products, where you can read for yourself what is stated on each item.
Frequently asked questions
Is modal the same as viscose
Closely related, but made so the fibre becomes stronger and holds its shape better. Both are regenerated cellulose, and in the hand they are hard to tell apart, especially in a new piece that has not been washed many times.
Does modal feel softer
They sit close together. Modal is often slightly smoother, but the difference is small and many will not notice it. The choice should depend more on durability and how often you wash than on which fibre is softest.
Does modal shrink less
Yes, less than ordinary viscose. That makes modal a little easier in clothes that are washed often, but the care label still applies, and too much heat can change the shape of both types.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
