Fabric Breakdown: Viscose, Cupro, Modal, Lyocell

When it comes to sustainable fashion, semi-synthetic, regenerative cellulosic fabrics are gaining attention for their versatility and eco-friendly properties. These fabrics are derived from plant materials, which are broken down in a chemical bath before the cellulose fibers are spun into yarn and woven into fabric. This category includes a variety of textiles like rayon, viscose, and modal and TENCEL all of which share similar qualities—softness, breathability, and a fluid drape—yet differ slightly in their production process and hand feel. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices when selecting fabrics for your wardrobe.

The first piece on the rack is made from viscose, also known as rayon, which serves as the foundation for this entire family of fabrics. Viscose is derived from plant pulp, typically wood, that is broken down, dissolved in a chemical solution, and then reconstituted into fibers before being spun into yarn. The result is a fabric known for its fluid drape, soft texture, and breathability, making it a popular choice in fashion. While Viscose mimics the luxurious feel of silk, it remains more affordable and versatile, perfect for creating elegant, flowing silhouettes.

Cupro is made from the waste from cotton production. Producers take what's called cotton linters, which is the leftover material that's not going into the cotton fabric, and they put it into an emulsifying solution, spin it up, and you get cupro. It is a closed loop system where 99% of the chemical and water is recycled in the production of the fabric, making it more energy efficient and water efficient than regular cotton production. This adds a little bit of a silky feel to the Cupro fabric and it drapes beautifully.

Modal is similar to viscose but known for being softer, stronger, and more breathable. It is typically made by using distracted beech tree pulp, processed in a way that makes it more durable and resistant to shrinking or pilling.

TENCEL isn’t a fabric itself—it’s a brand name owned by the Lenzing company in Austria, which produces both Modal and Lyocell. Lyocell, first introduced in 1972, was the first semi-synthetic fabric to use a closed-loop system, recycling both chemicals and water for a more sustainable process. If a shirt is labeled TENCEL, it could be Lyocell or Modal, but either way, you’re getting a soft, breathable, and eco-friendly fabric—perfect for summer wear.