Newest Member of the Fabric Family: TENCEL

  With technology bringing us new discoveries left and right, it only makes sense that the fashion world takes part in these new findings as well. Textile scientists are coming up with ways to improve and aid our daily activities via synthetic fabrics.   One of the most recent fabrics is Tencel. Though it’s not made from completely synthetic fibers, Tencel is considered one of the newest fibers on the manmade fabrics list.

Tencel, also commonly referred to as Lyocell, is biodegradable and made from the wood pulp cellulose of trees.   The fiber is made through a “closed loop” solvent spinning process, which has minimal impact on the environment and economical use of energy and water.   This process does not require bleach, which is commonly used when producing other fabrics, making Tencel an environmentally friendly fabric!   In 2000, Tencel even won the European Union Environmental Award for “technology for sustainable development.”

 With Tencel being eco-friendly, lightweight, soft, comfortable, easy to maintain, and durable, it is a great fabric to design with and wear. And believe me, the fashion industry is noticing. Previously used for household items such as mattresses, pillow covers, towels, and sheets.   Tencel is growing popularity and is becoming recognized by the fashion world as eco-friendly clothing.   H&M has even incorporated Tencel in its past Spring Collection, which was all made out of sustainable materials.    

Tencel, also commonly referred to as Lyocell, is biodegradable and made from the wood pulp cellulose of trees.   The fiber is made through a “closed loop” solvent spinning process, which has minimal impact on the environment and economical use of energy and water.   This process does not require bleach, which is commonly used when producing other fabrics, making Tencel an environmentally friendly fabric!   In 2000, Tencel even won the European Union Environmental Award for “technology for sustainable development.”

So what’s it to us? Tencel is a versatile fiber that is easily blended with wool, cotton, linen, silk, polyester, elastane, and nylon, enhancing each of the fabric’s inherent properties.   Because of this, Tencel has many properties similar to these other fabrics.   However, since it is a fiber made of cellulose, its properties are most similar to those fabrics also made from cellulose, such as rayon or cotton.   These properties include great breathability and being lightweight and very comfortable.   Tencel is an exceptionally strong fiber, which makes it very durable and resistant to wrinkling.   But don’t be fooled by the word “durable,” Tencel has a feel close to the soft and smooth properties of silk.   This gives the fabric a great drape and falls beautifully on the body.   It is also very easy to care for, making Tencel a great fabric for trips because it is easy to pack!

With Tencel being eco-friendly, lightweight, soft, comfortable, easy to maintain, and durable, it is a great fabric to design with and wear. And believe me, the fashion industry is noticing. Previously used for household items such as mattresses, pillow covers, towels, and sheets.   Tencel is growing popularity and is becoming recognized by the fashion world as eco-friendly clothing.   H&M has even incorporated Tencel in its past Spring Collection, which was all made out of sustainable materials.