Lyocell
🧪 Semi-synthetic Also called Tencel.
A wood-pulp fiber made in a near-closed loop that recovers almost all its solvent.
What it's made from
Wood pulp (often eucalyptus) dissolved in a less harmful organic solvent (NMMO), over 99% of which is recovered and reused, then spun.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | High (4 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | Low (2 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | Very high (5 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | High (4 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | Medium (3 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | High (4 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | No |
| Biodegradable | Yes, under the right conditions |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
Smooth, cool and drapey; peachy when brushed.
Good for
- Shirts and dresses
- Sheets
- Denim blends
Watch for
- Tencel is a brand of lyocell (and of modal). Check which one.
- Can stiffen if dried hot.
Care
Machine wash cold, gentle. Line dry or tumble low.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Lyocell + cotton · Lyocell + linen
Compare
Guides
More semi-synthetic fabrics
rayon · bamboo · modal · cupro · acetate
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much lyocell is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →