Nowadays, we see Tencel ™ Lyocell fabric everywhere, including clothing, bedding, towels, and other items. What fabric is this, how is it made, and is it biodegradable? Sustainable? Eco-friendly? Let us find out what Tencel TM Lyocell VS Cotton can offer.
Lyocell and cotton are two popular fabrics. Each fabric offers different advantages and disadvantages in texture, breathability, sustainability, and cost.
Compare their qualities to decide which is best for you.
Lyocell fabric: how is it made?
Lyocell is ethically harvested using eucalyptus wood. Wood pulp is dissolved in chemicals to form a paste, then it is drilled into tiny holes to form fibers. The fiber is then spun into yarn to make clothes.
Its eco-friendly, soft-feeling, and breathable qualities make it a popular fabric choice for clothing and home furnishings. They’re prized for breathability, durability, and softness.
Cotton fabric: how is it made?
It feels good to wear cotton clothing. Do you know how that was made? The cotton plant is grown using toxic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers. It also uses a lot of water. The harvested crop (cotton bolls) needs to be de-seeded to be spun into yarn first to make clothes.
Tencel ™ Lyocell VS Cotton Below is the list of differences.
| CATEGORY | TENCEL ™ LYOCELL | COTTON |
| Where does it come from? | It comes from cellulose extracted from eucalyptus wood pulp. | Cotton is derived directly from the fibers of the cotton plant. |
| Production | Wood pulp is treated with recyclable solvents to form a paste. Then it is drilled into tiny holes to form fibers. Then the fibers were spun into yarn to make clothes and home furnishings. The whole production process involves fewer chemicals and less water. | The growing cotton plant utilizes many toxic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers. They are released into water sources such as rivers, aquifers, and groundwater. Harvested cotton is then spun into yarn to make fabric. |
| Is it natural or synthetic? | It is derived from wood pulp and chemically treated to get a finished product. So, it is called semi-synthetic. | It is natural. Derived from the cotton plant. |
| Cooling | It is best to regulate body temperature. | It is good at absorbing sweat and regulating body temperature. But not as good as Tencel™ |
| Aesthetics | Smooth and silky feeling. | Matte finish. |
| Breathable | It is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. | It is also breathable and moisture-absorbing. |
| Gentle on the skin | Hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. And it is naturally antibacterial. | It is also non-irritant and comfortable on the skin. |
| Shrinking capacity | Tencel ™ fabric can shrink from 3 to 5% on the first wash then it will withstand shrinking. | Even cotton fabric will shrink after the first wash. |
| Biodegradable | Tencel ™ lyocell is certified biodegradable and compostable. | Cotton fabric will biodegrade naturally over time. |
| Maintenance | It needs a delicate wash cycle with low-temperature water. | Cotton fabric is easy to wash, not delicate, and withstand high temperatures to a regular wash cycle. |
| Eco-friendly | Tencel ™ fabric uses less energy, water, and chemicals. Produced in the closed-loop production process. | The production of cotton needs pesticides and fertilizers. Not good for the planet. |
| Cost | Expensive. | Less expensive than Lyocell. |
| Durable | Regarding durability, lyocell fabric excels compared to cotton in terms of resistance to wrinkling, fading, and shrinking. It is also lightweight and strong. | Cotton is strong and durable. Withstand well in a hot water washing cycle. |
Is Tencel ™ lyocell better than cotton?
Tencel ™ is better than cotton because it is sustainably sourced from forests, and the production process takes fewer chemicals and less water compared to cotton, making it better than cotton.
What is the Tencel ™ modal?
Tencel modal fibers are made from beech tree wood pulp; they are gentle on the skin, lightweight as a feather, very soft, and retain vibrant colors.
What is Tencel ™ x Refibra™?
This technology helps recycle old fabrics that may end up in landfills. Cotton scraps added to the wood pulp during the production process get new life. Help in the circulation of textiles and the economy.
What is the difference between cotton sheets and Tencel ™ sheets?
| Properties | Tencel™ Sheets | Cotton Sheets |
| Price | The price is higher. | The price is less compared to Tencel™. |
| Softness | Very soft and silky feeling. | It will get softer over time. |
| Breathable | It is breathable and lightweight, making it preferred for people who sweat more. | People who want a warm and cozy feeling can opt for cotton sheets. |
| Washing | Need extra delicate care. | There is no need for extra care. |
| Sustainable | Great for eco-conscious people | Not sustainable and eco-friendly. |
Tencel ™ Lyocell VS Cotton which is better?
If you’re looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly option for clothing, then Tencel™ is the best option for you. It is made of wood pulp from sustainably sourced forests.
This fabric is more breathable, durable, soft, and silky.
Who makes Tencel ™?
Lenzing AG, an Austrian company, is the owner of Tencel™ and Refibra™.
Is Tencel breathable like cotton?
Yes, Tencel is more breathable and moisture-wicking.
Is Tencel sustainable?
Yes, Tencel is sourced sustainably from forests.
Am Jeenath is an engineer in biotech with a diploma in clinical research. I am the mother of a son. And I love helping people live sustainably. I educate people on sustainable living and share sustainability tips, ideas, brands, and DIYs.