Bamboo viscose or modal, what is the difference

Short answer: Short answer: Both are regenerated fibres made from wood pulp. Modal is made from beech, bamboo viscose from bamboo. They feel similarly soft, but modal is slightly stronger wet and handles harder washing.

Same family, different raw material

Modal and bamboo viscose are made in almost the same way, dissolving wood pulp and spinning it into new fibres. The difference lies mainly in the plant and in finer details of the process, not the method itself. See bamboo clothing for women.

Strength when wet

Modal is often treated so the fibres hold together better when wet, making modal a bit more robust in the wash. Bamboo viscose can be more delicate when wet and should therefore be handled a little more gently in the machine.

The feel against the skin

Both fibres feel smooth and cool to the touch, and most people cannot tell the difference on plain t-shirt fabric in a blind test. See bamboo t-shirt for women.

Colour uptake and durability

Both fibre types take dye well, giving clear, even colours without streaking. Modal often holds colour slightly better through repeated washing, though the difference is rarely visible after a few washes with normal home use.

Breathability and moisture transport

Modal and bamboo viscose both move moisture well away from the skin, which makes them popular for underwear and bedding. The exact amount of moisture absorbed varies slightly between the two, but the difference is rarely noticeable day to day.

Raw material and production

Both fibres come from fast growing plants, but the chemical process that turns them into textile needs energy and water in several steps regardless of the raw material. Choose a brand that is open about its production and its suppliers if that matters to you as a buyer.

Price and availability

Modal and bamboo viscose are typically close in price, since the production is quite similar. The supply of bamboo viscose has grown considerably in recent years, making it easier to find in ordinary shops.

What to choose

If you are hard on your clothes in the wash, modal can be the safer choice. If you want the softest option against the skin day to day, bamboo viscose is usually the favourite. See bamboo underwear for women.

In short about the two

Modal and bamboo viscose are more closely related than most people think, and both are good alternatives to cotton. Choose based on what matters most to you, strength in the wash or softness on the skin.

Frequently asked questions

Are modal and bamboo viscose the same?

No, but they are related. Both are regenerated cellulose fibres made from wood or plants, produced with a very similar chemical process in the factory.