What is lyocell made of and how does it become yarn
Short answer: What is lyocell made of? The answer is wood cellulose, which is dissolved, pressed through fine nozzles and spun into long threads. The thread can then become yarn, knit and fabric. Here is the process step by step and what it means for the clothes you buy.
What is lyocell made of
What is lyocell made of, put simply? It is cellulose, which typically comes from wood pulp and is cleaned until only plant fibres remain. The cellulose is the starting point, and it is the production afterwards that gives the fibre its smooth and soft character in the finished clothing.
Lyocell and bamboo are not the same
Lyocell is sometimes confused with bamboo, but the two fibres are not alike. Bamboo in clothing is viscose from bamboo, and it is made in a different way from lyocell. To see how soft fibres feel in practice, look at our bamboo underwear for women. Always read the label to identify the fibre.
From wood to pulp
First the wood is chipped and cooked into a pulp, where the cellulose is separated from the rest. The pulp is cleaned and dried into sheets that go on to the factory. This gives a raw material that can be dissolved again. Which wood is used can vary, and it is not always stated on the label.
Dissolving and spinning
The cellulose is dissolved in a solvent so that it becomes a thick, clear liquid. The liquid is pressed through tiny holes in a spinneret, and thin threads form and harden in a bath. Many producers use a closed system where the solvent is reused, but how well that works depends on the individual factory.
From fibre to yarn
The thin threads are gathered and then spun into yarn, which can be knitted or woven into fabric. The yarn can be used alone or blended with other fibres, such as cotton or elastane if the fabric should stretch a little. What has been blended in can only be seen on the label, so check it before you buy.
What it means for underwear
Because the fibre is smooth, lyocell is often used in fabric that should sit softly against the skin. The fibre alone does not decide whether underwear fits, though. Cut, elastic and size matter just as much, whether you choose lyocell or bamboo panties. Try until you find a fit that feels calm all day.
Caring for lyocell and other soft fibres
Wash lyocell according to the label and choose a gentle temperature. A mild detergent is enough, and you can skip fabric softener. Avoid high heat in the tumble dryer and let the clothes air dry so the yarn does not wear. Turn the pieces inside out so that the surface stays smooth for longer.
How to read the label
The label tells you which fibres the garment is made of, and it is the only place where you can be sure. Lyocell may appear as lyocell or under brand names, and bamboo appears as viscose. When it gets cooler, you can combine soft layers, for example with a women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt on top.
Frequently asked questions
What is lyocell made of
Lyocell is made of cellulose, which typically comes from wood. The cellulose is dissolved and pressed through fine nozzles, and the thin threads are then spun into yarn that can be knitted or woven into fabric.
Is lyocell a natural material
Lyocell is made from a natural raw material, but the fibre is produced in a process and is therefore called regenerated. The same goes for viscose, so read the label if you want to know more.
How does lyocell become yarn
After the cellulose is dissolved, it is pressed through a nozzle and forms threads in a bath. The threads are gathered and spun into yarn, which can then be blended with other fibres.
