Modal vs. Cotton: Which Fibre Suits You?

Modal is a cellulose fibre made from beech wood that drapes silky-smooth and wicks moisture quickly. Cotton is a natural fibre that feels absorbent, hard-wearing and familiar against the skin. Both work well for underwear, but they feel different: modal is smoother and silkier, cotton more voluminous and more straightforward. In this comparison we show you how modal and cotton differ in feel, moisture, durability and care, and when each fibre suits you best.

Modal at a Glance

Modal belongs to the cellulose-regenerated fibres. The raw material is wood, in our case beech wood. We only use TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing. The wood comes from FSC- and PEFC-certified forestry, and bleaching uses an oxygen-based process (Eco Clean).

You recognise modal on the skin straight away: it drapes smoothly, hugs the body and keeps its shape after many washes. According to Lenzing, modal absorbs moisture noticeably better than cotton, which feels pleasantly dry on warm days and under close-fitting clothes.

cellulose fibre from beech wood (TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing)
silky-smooth, moisture-regulating, shape-retaining
in our range, women's only

Cotton at a Glance

Cotton is the natural fibre most people know best. It is absorbent, breathable and feels soft and familiar. As the main material we only use certified-organic cotton (kbA standard) or Cotton in Conversion from the transition phase. For the gusset of our Casual Cotton and Light Touch women's bottoms, conventional cotton is used. For context: worldwide, less than 1 % of cotton is certified-organic.

Cotton is uncomplicated. It tolerates higher wash temperatures, is hard-wearing day to day and a safe choice if you want a pure natural fibre directly on the skin.

certified-organic cotton (kbA) or Cotton in Conversion, 100 % cotton in cotton styles
absorbent, hard-wearing, easy-care
classic and familiar on the skin

The Direct Comparison

Feel and Wear

Modal drapes smoother and finer, almost silky. Cotton feels more voluminous and more straightforward. If you want underwear that does not show under close-fitting clothes, modal leads. If you love the familiar, natural feel of cotton, it stays the first choice.

Moisture and Temperature

Both fibres are breathable. Modal wicks moisture quickly and dries fast. Cotton absorbs moisture well but holds it a little longer before it dries. On warm days or when you move, modal usually dries faster.

Durability and Care

Cotton is hard-wearing and tolerates higher temperatures. Modal is shape-retaining and keeps its smooth surface, but prefers cooler washes. A short rule of thumb: cotton at 30-40 °C, modal at 30 °C with a delicates detergent. Neither needs a tumble dryer.

When Modal Suits You, When Cotton

Modal suits you if you want silky-smooth underwear that disappears under clothes and dries quickly. If you are looking for a specific style now, have a look at our modal underwear, all styles are made from TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing.

Cotton suits you if you prefer the pure natural fibre, like things uncomplicated and value a familiar feel. Our cotton basics are made from certified-organic cotton (kbA) or Cotton in Conversion.

For sensitive skin you do not necessarily have to choose: our supply chains are tested to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, for modal as well as cotton styles. If you want to go deeper, read our material guides on modal and organic cotton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is modal more sustainable than cotton?

That depends on your criteria. Modal is made from wood, our TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing from FSC- and PEFC-certified beech wood. Cotton is a renewable natural fibre, in our range almost only from certified-organic farming (kbA). Both have different strengths, so a blanket verdict would be dishonest.

Which is better for sensitive skin, modal or cotton?

Both are skin-friendly. Modal is especially smooth and barely rubs, cotton is absorbent and familiar. Our supply chains are tested to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for both materials. Which fibre feels better is often a matter of taste.

How do you wash modal and cotton correctly?

Wash modal at 30 °C with a delicates detergent. Cotton tolerates 30-40 °C. You can skip the tumble dryer for both, which protects the fibres. When in doubt, check the care label of the specific style.

Does modal crease less than cotton?

Yes, modal usually creases less than pure cotton because the fibre is smoother and more shape-retaining. For underwear this barely matters in everyday use.

What is Micro Modal?

Micro Modal is a particularly fine version of the modal fibre. It drapes even lighter and smoother, but the material base stays the same: cellulose from beech wood.