Is Modal Fabric Good for Summer? Things to Know

Let’s explore the characteristics of the modal fabric and see if it is good for summer wear.

Because of its softness, comfort, and sustainability, the modal fabric is a preferred textile by many people. But is it a good fabric choice for the sweltering summertime? What better way to determine whether a fabric like Modal is suitable for the summer than to fully understand how it is made, where it comes from, and the environmental benefits it offers?

Keep reading to find out the answers.

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Yes, the modal fabric is a good option for summer clothing. Modal is a type of rayon made from cellulose fibers, which makes it breathable and lightweight. It has a silky, smooth texture that is cool to the touch, making it comfortable to wear in hot weather.

Modal fabric is made from cellulose fibers that come from beech trees. The manufacturing process involves turning the wood pulp into a soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric. The resulting fabric is known for its silky smooth texture, which feels cool and comfortable against the skin.

One of the biggest advantages of modal fabric is its moisture-wicking properties. This means that it can quickly absorb moisture and sweat from the skin, keeping you cool and dry even on the hottest of days. This feature makes it an excellent choice for summer clothing, especially for those who tend to sweat heavily.

Moreover, modal fabric is highly breathable, allowing air to circulate through the fibers, which helps to keep you cool in the heat. Its lightweight nature makes it a comfortable option for summer wear, as it does not cling to the skin or feel heavy and suffocating.

Is Modal Fabric Good for Summer? Things to Know

Another advantage of modal fabric is that it is eco-friendly. Compared to other fabrics like cotton or polyester, modal fabric requires fewer resources and energy to produce, making it a more sustainable option for environmentally-conscious consumers.

This attire may be preferable for hiking for a few reasons.

First and foremost, it is made of a breathable fabric, which means it will aid in regulating your body temperature and keep you from perspiring excessively while you’re hiking.
It won’t weigh you down or limit your movement because it is lightweight and stretchy.
And finally, because it doesn’t pill, your clothes will continue to look good even after numerous washings.
Overall, it is a fabric that is perfect for activewear because it provides both comfort and functionality.

The general term for a semi-synthetic upgrade to viscose is “modal.” The cellulose of beech trees is spun to create the fabric.

Extracting the Cellulose – The trees are reduced to tiny chips, about the size of a postage stamp. After purification, cellulose is extracted and formed into sheets.
Steeping the sheets – The sheets are then immersed in Caustic soda for the first time.
Breaking into crumbs – To create sodium cellulose xanthate, the sheets are ground into crumbs and then submerged in carbon disulfide.
Creating fibers – The cellulose xanthate would then be re-immersed in caustic soda to produce a syrupy material that needed to be spun into fiber right away.
Forming the yarn – After being soaked in sulfuric acid, the fiber is stretched out and made into yarn. Before being wound onto spools, this yarn needs to be washed, rinsed, spun, and dried.
Finishing – Prior to being woven into the fabric, the yarn receives any necessary treatments.

The finished modal fabric is praised for its sturdiness. But many also laud its production technique. A fabric that is the result of this meticulous process is considered by many to be sustainable and eco-friendly.

Modal fabric has many advantages for sustainability in addition to being a very comfortable fabric to wear. You can be sure that wanting to reduce your carbon footprint won’t prevent you from wearing comfortable, stretchy clothing.

Additionally, a 2009 study published in the Textile Research Journal discovered that modal fabric and fiber characteristics contribute to the fabric’s ability to promote good air circulation. Therefore, the advantages of wearing modal fabrics are listed below.

Stretch – Modal fabric is ideal for t-shirts, underwear, and athletic wear because it is very stretchy and flexible. The modal fabric’s stretchiness also offers a wider range of motion, reducing the likelihood of fabric tearing.
Breathable – Because of its breathable weave, the modal is fantastic for both athletic wear and everyday clothing. Who wants their clothes to stick to them in the summer heat, right? Therefore, it is especially ideal for summer clothing.
Water Absorbent – Modal is approximately 50% more absorbent than cotton when compared to natural fibers like cotton. The micropores within the modal fabric are what give it its absorption properties. Modal is one of the best materials for summer and athletic clothing because of its breathability.
Soft – The softness of the modal fabric is another advantage. Bedsheets, duvet covers, and blankets can all be made from fabric, in addition to undergarments, historical attire, and other clothing. Towels benefit greatly from the modal fabric’s combination of softness and water absorption.
Durable – The lifespan of modal fabric is comparable to that of natural fibers like linen, despite the fact that it is biodegradable. Modal’s durability is a result of its production’s use of long cellulose fibers and a tight weave pattern. As a result, modal fabric would be preferable for your wardrobe’s essentials.
No Shrinkage – Because modal fabric is strong when wet, its semi-synthetic makeup prevents it from shrinking in the washer. Although it is safer for your clothing and the environment to wash the fabric in warm water, this is the best option.
No Creases – Modal resists creases better than natural fibers like linen and silk. If you dislike ironing and dislike wearing wrinkled clothes, this is convenient. It is more than enough to fold the clothing after drying it to avoid creases.
No Color Bleed – Modal fabric’s capacity to absorb water ensures that any dye will properly adhere to the fibers. This minimizes the possibility of color transfers during washing by stopping any color bleeding from your items. To further reduce the risk, it is still advised that you separate your whites from your colors.
Good Draping – Modal has a lovely drape, much like the substitutes for silk and rayon. Clothes or decorations gain an upscale feel from the way the fabric is draped.
No Pilling – No matter how many times you wash a garment made of modal fabric, it never pilings. Modal has a smooth finish that prevents pilling, unlike the woolen knit fabrics in your closet.
Mosquito Repellent – Interesting fact: When combined with herbal extract, modal fabric exhibits some insect-repellent qualities.

Even though modal fabric is among the best on the market, it does have some drawbacks.

It can be more expensive than materials like cotton or linen, to start.
The ability to sew correctly can be difficult to master and difficult to work with.
Finally, it is less resilient than some other materials and might not endure as well.

The maintenance of modal fabric is simple. To increase the lifespan of your clothing, there are some precautions to take.

Utilize your washing machine’s delicate cycle setting.
You can choose the regular cycle if you are washing modal-made sheets and towels.
Less than 40 °C, or 100 °F, is required.
Low-medium spin is the proper range.
Depending on the size of the load and the machine, add the detergent. If you want a more environmentally friendly choice, use laundry detergent sheets.
It is preferable to line dry modal even though it can withstand tumble drying on the medium setting.

The strength and durability of the fabric can withstand low-to-medium heat dryer cycles if you prefer tumble drying. But it is best to treat your modal fabric clothing the same way you would cotton and linen to avoid any unintentional shrinkage. So it’s best to tumble dry at low heat.

The best finish and wrinkle-free results can be achieved by steaming the fabric. It will last longer as a result of this. Although you can iron the modal fabric, a good rule of thumb is to use the stream set to hover over your clothing. To prevent the fabric from melting or burning, you can press the clothing using a medium temperature setting.

Folding your items instead of hanging them when storing modal fabric is preferable. When your clothes are hung up, the fabric’s stretchiness may cause them to lose their original shape. Keep your clothing free of plastic bags because they trap moisture that can cause mildew and color fading.

What Fabric is Good for Summer?

Several different kinds of fabrics are ideal for summertime wear.

Due to its lightness and airiness, linen is one of the most widely used fabrics for summer clothing.
Another fantastic material is cotton, which is both breathable and lightweight.
Fabrics made of mesh or sheer are also ideal for summer because they let your skin breathe.

Environmentally friendly or sustainable by itself, modular is not. Given that trees must be felled in order to produce the fabric, it is important to consider where these trees came from. Like with most products, the makers use their processes to determine whether a product would be environmentally friendly.

Just like any viscose, turning wood into fabric has the danger of depleting local forests although Sewport claims that most manufacturers “only use cellulose from trees that have been grown on land that is not suitable for any other agricultural purposes”.

Because cotton occurs naturally, there is a common misconception that it is more environmentally friendly than fabrics made by humans. But compared to modal, cotton uses a lot more water during production. Risky chemicals and dyes are allowed to enter the water during the process, which then releases them back into the environment.

However, there is support for the sustainability claims. Modal is made with less water and chemicals, making it slightly more environmentally friendly than viscose.

Better still, rayon producers are increasingly using equipment like scrubbers and machines to trap these chemicals. Modal offers a variety of other advantages in addition to manufacturing sustainably.

In the direct answer to the question, the modal fabric is not just good for summer. In other words, its benefits extend beyond just the skin’s benefit from its light and supple texture. Due to its eco-friendliness, the modal fabric is also a good choice for the summer.

Of course, it all depends on your personal preferences; some people adore wearing jeans in the summer while others find them stuffy and warm. Whatever makes you feel most comfortable is what matters in the end!

FAQs

Is Modal Warm for Winter?

Yes, using a modal in the winter is a wise decision. It’s cozy, breathable, and soft, making it the ideal layering piece under jackets and sweaters. Additionally, it resists wrinkles and can be machine-washed, allowing you to maintain a stylish wardrobe all season long.

Can You Wear Modal in Summer?

When it’s hot outside, a modal is a better option because it doesn’t retain body heat as many other fabrics do. Since clothing keeps you dry and cool, the skin is able to breathe. Modal is also almost 50% more absorbent than cotton, making it a perfect alternative for summer.

Is Modal as Breathable as Cotton?

Modal is great for sportswear, base layers, t-shirts, and underwear as the fabric’s weave is very breathable. Modal is 50% more absorbent than cotton at absorbing water.

Does Modal Irritate Skin?

Common fibers like nylon, rayon, polyester, and acrylic can be harmful to people with skin conditions. These fibers tend to trap moisture and are hydrophobic, which can irritate your skin. You can get away with lyocell and modal, two types of rayon made from wood pulp, though.

Is Modal Good for Hot Humid Weather?

Yes, it is a good choice for hot weather. It helps to keep you cool and comfortable by wicking moisture away from the skin and is lightweight and breathable. Additionally, it has a lovely soft texture that feels wonderful against the skin.

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