Modal
Modal
A semi-synthetic fiber made from beech tree pulp, known for being 50% more absorbent than cotton with a silky soft hand feel.
What Is Modal?
Modal is a type of rayon — a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber — made specifically from the pulp of European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica). Developed in Japan in the 1950s and commercialized by Lenzing AG in Austria, modal is produced through a modified viscose process where the beech cellulose is dissolved, extruded through spinnerets into fibers, and then stretched to align the cellulose molecules. This stretching step is what gives modal its higher wet strength compared to standard viscose.
Modal's standout property for lingerie is its combination of absorbency and softness. The fiber absorbs approximately 50% more moisture than cotton by weight, while maintaining a smooth, silk-like surface that gets softer with each wash rather than stiffer. It drapes more fluidly than cotton, creating garments that contour gently to the body without clinging. The fiber takes dye exceptionally well, producing rich, deep colors that resist fading through dozens of wash cycles — a practical advantage for dark-colored lingerie.
In lingerie, modal is used extensively for panties, camisoles, bralettes, and sleep sets where all-day comfort against the skin is the primary requirement. It blends well with elastane (5-8% is typical) for comfortable stretch, and with cotton for added breathability. Care is straightforward: machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Sinderella uses soft, absorbent fabrics in our everyday pieces because comfort should never be compromised — even in the pieces no one else sees.
How to Wear & Style
Modal is a year-round fabric that excels in Indian climates. During hot, humid months, its high absorbency keeps skin drier than cotton underwear. In air-conditioned offices, modal's soft drape sits comfortably without the static cling that plagues polyester. For everyday wear under fitted clothing, modal panties and bralettes create fewer visible lines than cotton thanks to the fabric's thinner profile and smoother surface. Modal sleepwear is especially comfortable — the fiber's temperature-regulating properties help prevent overheating during sleep. If you are switching from cotton underwear to modal, you will notice the difference in softness immediately, and the gap widens further after 5-10 washes as modal continues to soften.
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Pieces in fabrics that get softer with every wash.
Explore All CollectionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is modal?
A semi-synthetic fiber made from beech tree pulp, known for being 50% more absorbent than cotton with a silky soft hand feel.
Is modal better than cotton for underwear?
Modal outperforms cotton in several key areas for underwear: it absorbs 50% more moisture, dries faster, resists pilling and shrinkage better, and maintains its softness through many more wash cycles (cotton tends to stiffen over time). It also holds dye more effectively, so colors stay vibrant. Cotton's advantage is that it is a fully natural fiber with slightly better breathability in the gusset area, where direct air permeability matters most. The ideal everyday underwear often combines both: a modal body for softness and fit with a cotton gusset lining for hygiene.
Does modal fabric pill or lose shape after washing?
Modal is significantly more resistant to pilling than cotton. The fiber's smooth, round cross-section reduces friction between fibers, which is the primary cause of pilling. Modal also maintains its shape better than cotton through repeated washing because the fiber has higher wet tenacity — it does not weaken and stretch when wet the way cotton can. To maximize longevity, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and avoid high-heat tumble drying, which can cause minor shrinkage in any cellulose-based fiber.