These days, rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell, and Tencel are frequently blended with cotton, linen, polyester, or elastane. These fibres are closely related, but not exactly the same. They are popular because they’re soft, drapey, silky, and breathable, thereby adding a luxe and comfortable integrity to clothing. They also retain dye well and are extremely versatile and effective in blends.

In short, viscose, modal, and lyocell are all part of the rayon family. They begin as wood pulp from trees like beech, eucalyptus, bamboo, or spruce. The pulp is chemically processed into a soft fibre that can be woven or knitted into fabric. Some classify these as natural fibres because they originate from plants, while others consider them semi-synthetic because of the chemical processing involved.

Rayon

Rayon is the UMBRELLA term. It refers to fibres made from plant pulp that are chemically processed into soft textile fibres. Rayon was originally developed as an affordable alternative to silk, which is why many rayon fabrics have a fluid drape and are silky to the touch. One of rayon’s strengths is that it blends beautifully with other fibres. It softens crisp cotton, relaxes rigid linen, and adds movement and fluidity to fabrics that might otherwise feel stiff or dry. Rayon is also highly breathable and absorbent, making it especially comfortable to wear in warm and hot weather.

Viscose

Viscose is the most common and affordable type of rayon. Quality varies enormously. Superior viscose is quite luxe, like ECO VERO. Inferior viscose wrinkles, pills, shrinks, and loses its shape. Personally, I am hesitant to purchase items made of 100% viscose because of the downside. That said, I have a gorgeous blouse in 100% ECO VERO, which is a brilliantly robust viscose that launders and drapes beautifully. And viscose blended with other fibres is equally brilliant. I’m a big fan of those fabric compositions.

Modal

Modal is a softer and stronger version of rayon. Compared to viscose, modal is generally smoother, more durable, and less prone to shrinkage. It’s a great fibre for knitted fabrics. That’s why it’s a popular fibre in knitwear, loungewear, underwear, and sleepwear. It’s extra soft, comfortable against the skin, and launders well, which is an important attribute for wardrobe basics that become wardrobe workhorses.

Lyocell

Lyocell is another type of rayon, but made with a more modern manufacturing process that is considered more environmentally responsible. It’s increasingly blended with denim to create jeans that feel softer without added stretch. Wool blended with lyocell is also becoming more common because it creates fluid drape and feels especially comfortable against the skin.

Tencel

Tencel is not a separate fibre. It’s a brand name from the Austrian company Lenzing AG for their premium lyocell and modal fibres. Manufacturers often use “Tencel” and “lyocell” interchangeably, although technically Tencel is branded lyocell or modal produced to specific quality and environmental standards.

In the end, these fibres occupy an interesting middle ground between natural and synthetic fabrics (although I think of them as natural rather than synthetic). They offer softness, drape, and comfort that many people love, especially in modern relaxed silhouettes, casual attire, and fluid hot-weather dressing. Understanding the terminology simply makes it easier to decode garment labels and make informed wardrobe choices.

As always, fabric quality matters just as much as fibre content. A beautifully made rayon garment can outperform a poorly made cotton or linen one. Construction, weave, finish, and care all make a difference. And fabrics made of blended fibres can be the very best fabrics of all.