Item guides

TENCEL, Lyocell or Modal? A 6-Step Clothing Label Check

TENCEL™ is a fiber brand, not a single generic material. Learn how to distinguish lyocell from modal and compare actual blend percentages and care labels when shopping.

6 min read2026-10-28

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01

What you need

The garment's fiber-content label
Product details and care instructions
Another garment label for comparison, optional

02

How to

1. Start with the actual fiber label, rather than the headline on a shopping page. TENCEL™ is Lenzing's branded fiber family, which includes TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal. The brand name alone does not tell you which one is in the garment.
2. Read 'lyocell' as a generic fiber name. The US Federal Trade Commission has approved lyocell as a fiber-content label term, while TENCEL is a trademark used to identify branded fiber. Do not treat a brand name and a generic fiber name as interchangeable.
3. Read 'modal' separately. Lenzing describes both lyocell and modal as regenerated cellulosic fibers originating from wood, but lyocell uses a solvent-recovery production process while modal uses a modified viscose process. They are related, not identical, fiber types.
4. Compare the actual percentages. A label saying 60% lyocell and 40% cotton does not mean a 100% lyocell product. Use the full listed composition when comparing garments, even if a single prominent fiber brand appears on a hang tag.
5. Think about the finished garment as well as the fiber. Lenzing highlights softness and moisture management for TENCEL™ Lyocell and lasting softness for TENCEL™ Modal, but fabric construction, blending and thickness can change how clothing feels. Try it on when possible.
6. Read the finished garment's care label before washing. The name of the fiber alone does not establish whether a particular item is machine-washable or tumble-dry safe. Also distinguish environmental claims about fiber production from claims about the entire finished garment.

One more tip

Do not assume that a garment consists entirely of a certain fiber because its product name mentions TENCEL. Check the generic fiber names, the complete composition percentages and the garment-specific care instructions.

Sources and media

OriginalOriginal guidance on fiber names and trademarksOriginal publisher: U.S. Federal Trade Commission

OriginalOfficial TENCEL fiber types and production processesOriginal publisher: TENCEL by Lenzing

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