Modal is a soft, breathable fibre made from beech wood. Modal fabric — or modal jersey — is the knitted fabric made from it, and it absorbs around 50% more moisture than cotton while feeling smoother and more supple. For underwear that's pleasant, with one important thing to keep in mind: modal is fragile when wet, so wash it gently.
Below you can read what modal actually is, how modal jersey differs from the raw fibre, how it compares to cotton and viscose, and where Novyre deliberately chooses a different fabric. First, the comparison at a glance.
Modal, cotton, viscose or seamless blend: the comparison
Every fabric has its strengths and weaknesses. This table sets modal alongside the three fabrics you're most likely to encounter in underwear.
| Property | Modal jersey | Cotton | Viscose | Seamless blend (Luma Contour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw material | Beech wood cellulose | Cotton plant | Wood cellulose | Nylon and elastane |
| Softness | Very soft, silky | Soft | Soft, smooth | Smooth, supple |
| Moisture absorption | ~50% more than cotton | Good, dries slowly | Good | Wicks moisture, dries fast |
| Shape retention | High | Moderate | Low, stretches when wet | Very high |
| Strength when wet | Fragile | Strong | Weak | Strong |
| Care | 30°, wash bag, do not tumble dry | Machine washable | Gentle care | 30°, wash bag |
The common thread: modal sits between natural and technical. Softer and more moisture-regulating than cotton, more shape-retentive than viscose, but less strong when wet than a synthetic seamless blend.
What is modal — and what is modal jersey?
Modal is a cellulose fibre. The raw material is beechwood: the wood is stripped of bark, chipped and dissolved through a chemical process into a cellulose pulp, which is then spun into thread. Technically this is called a regenerated fibre — natural in origin, but processed in the factory. This places modal in the same family as viscose and lyocell (TENCEL).
Fibre versus fabric
This is often where confusion creeps in. Modal is the fibre; jersey is a knitting method. Modal jersey is therefore jersey knitted from modal thread: a slightly stretchy, smooth fabric widely used for underwear, T-shirts and pyjamas. When you say 'modal', you mean the fibre. When you say 'modal jersey', you mean the fabric that ultimately touches your skin. The same thread can also be woven, but in underwear jersey is the standard because it moves with your body.
The benefits of modal fabric for underwear
Why do brands choose modal for underwear? Four properties stand out.
Soft and skin-friendly
Modal is made up of smooth, finely processed fibres. This makes the fabric silky soft and pleasant for sensitive skin: there is little friction, so less chance of irritation. Modal is also less prone to bacteria than some other fabrics.
Moisture-regulating and breathable
Modal absorbs around 50% more moisture than cotton and wicks it away faster. As a result, modal fabric feels less clammy on a warm day and keeps your skin drier.
Shape-retentive and stays beautiful for longer
Compared to cotton and viscose, modal is more elastic and shape-retentive. It doesn't stretch out easily and keeps its smoothness and slight sheen after washing, provided you wash it cool.
More environmentally friendly production
Because modal is derived from wood residue, no separate cotton plantation requiring large amounts of water is needed. Production uses less water and energy than cotton and doesn't use petroleum.
Tip: When choosing modal underwear, look for a blend with a small percentage of elastane, around 2 to 8%. Pure modal stretches nicely, but a touch of elastane ensures the fit bounces back day after day.
The drawbacks of modal, honestly considered
Modal is not a miracle fabric. Three things to know before you buy. First, when wet, modal is more fragile than cotton, because the fibres temporarily weaken when soaked — wringing and hot washing are best avoided. Second, modal is a cool fabric. Lovely in summer, but it doesn't insulate the way wool or thick cotton does, so it makes less sense for winter underwear. Third, chemicals such as caustic soda are involved in production, and not every manufacturer works in a closed system. This is where certifications make the difference.
Micro Modal, TENCEL and certifications: how to recognise quality
Not all modal is the same. Here are the terms you'll come across.
Micro Modal
Micro Modal uses extra fine fibres. The result is an even smoother, thinner and softer fabric, popular in luxury and lightweight lingerie.
TENCEL Modal and Lenzing
Much quality modal comes from the Austrian producer Lenzing, which makes it under the name TENCEL Modal in a process that largely reuses water and solvent. That directly addresses the chemical drawback mentioned above.
OEKO-TEX and FSC
An OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances. FSC or PEFC wood guarantees that the beech wood comes from responsibly managed forests. If you see these labels, you're in good hands.
Modal or a seamless mix? What Novyre chooses
Modal is excellent for briefs, camisoles and pyjamas. For a bra that needs to stay firmly in place all day, Novyre deliberately chooses something else: a seamless nylon-elastane mix. The reason is exactly that one drawback of modal — the fabric temporarily loses strength as soon as it gets wet from perspiration, while a bra needs to hold its shape and support throughout the entire day.
That's why the Luma Contour Bra is made from a four-layer seamless mix that breathes, flexes with you and regains its stretch after washing — with the same soft, seamless feel people look for in modal, but with more shape retention. If you want that seamless look under tight clothing, read how to wear a seamless bra invisibly, or first compare the best seamless bras of 2026.
In short: it's not about modal versus synthetic. It's about the right fabric in the right place. For soft everyday underwear, modal is an excellent choice; for lasting support, a technical seamless mix wins.
Washing and caring for modal
Good care keeps modal fabric looking beautiful for years. The rules are simple:
- Wash at 30°, maximum 40°, in a laundry bag.
- Use a mild detergent and no fabric softener, as it leaves a coating on the fibres.
- Do not wring and do not tumble dry; let it dry flat or hanging.
- Ironing is rarely needed, and if you do: on a low temperature.
This way the fabric keeps its softness and light sheen. You'll find more seamless basics in the underwear collection, and if you're unsure about your size, use the size guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is modal better than cotton?
For softness, moisture regulation and shape retention, modal wins; cotton is stronger when wet and warmer for winter. For underwear in warm conditions, modal is often more pleasant, while cotton remains a robust all-rounder.
Is modal breathable?
Yes. Modal wicks moisture away from the skin and dries faster than cotton, so the fabric feels less clammy. The exact breathability also depends on how tightly the fabric is knitted.
Does modal fabric shrink or stretch?
Modal holds its shape reasonably well, but can shrink slightly when washed hot and stretch a little with heavy use. Wash cool at 30° and dry flat or hanging; a small percentage of elastane keeps the fit snug.
How do you wash modal?
At 30° in a laundry bag, with mild detergent and without fabric softener. Do not wring, do not tumble dry, so the softness and sheen stay intact.
Is modal environmentally friendly?
The raw material made from wood residues and the lower water and energy consumption make modal more sustainable than cotton. Do look out for certifications such as TENCEL Modal, OEKO-TEX and FSC, as not every manufacturer works equally cleanly.
What is the difference between modal and viscose?
Both are cellulose fibres, but modal is spun more strongly. This makes modal sturdier, more shape-retentive and better able to withstand washing than regular viscose, which weakens faster when wet.
Is modal suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. The smooth, finely processed fibres cause little friction, and modal is less prone to bacteria, which makes it pleasant for sensitive skin.
What is micro modal?
Micro modal uses extra fine fibres, making the fabric thinner, smoother and more supple than regular modal. You'll find it mainly in luxurious, lightweight underwear.
Looking for that soft, seamless feel that stays in place all day? Check out the Luma Contour Bra or browse the underwear collection. If you're unsure about your size, the size guide will point you in the right direction in two minutes.
Written by Team Novyre — specialists in seamless underwear. Last updated: 31 July 2026.
