Modal and viscose are both regenerated cellulose fibres made from wood pulp, and both feel soft and drape well. But they are produced differently, and that shows in how garments wear and wash.
Viscose (rayon)
Viscose is the original wood-pulp fibre. It has a silky, cool handle, takes dye and print brilliantly and drapes fluidly. It is weaker when wet, so viscose garments can shrink or lose shape if washed roughly. It is the go-to fibre for printed kurtas, dresses, crepes, challis and georgettes.
Modal
Modal is a refined, higher-strength version of viscose, usually made from beech wood. It is noticeably softer and smoother, keeps its strength when wet, shrinks less, resists pilling and holds colour wash after wash. Micro modal uses even finer fibres for an ultra-soft feel.
Modal vs viscose at a glance
| Modal | Viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | Very soft, smooth | Soft, silky |
| Wet strength | High | Lower |
| Shrinkage | Low | Moderate |
| Pilling | Low | Moderate |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Innerwear, loungewear, premium tees | Printed fashion, kurtas, dresses |
Which should you choose?
- Modal for garments worn next to the skin and washed often: innerwear, nightwear, loungewear and premium t-shirts. Modal-spandex jersey is the standard for comfortable innerwear.
- Viscose for printed and fluid fashion where cost matters.
- Cotton-modal blends give modal's softness at a lower cost.
See our modal fabrics and viscose fabrics, or ask for samples.