Close-up of smooth slate blue fabric in soft folds

Tencel / Lyocell

Made from eucalyptus wood. Softer than cotton, cool against the skin.

What it’s made of

Tencel is a trademark of Lenzing AG that covers two fibres: Lyocell and Modal. Our Tencel sarees are Lyocell, a regenerated fibre made from wood pulp, typically eucalyptus. Lyocell is made in a closed-loop process in which more than 99% of the solvent is recovered and reused. It is semi-natural: the raw material is natural, the manufacturing is industrial, and it is considered far less polluting than conventional viscose.

Tencel, Modal and viscose

All three are wood-pulp fibres. Viscose uses a conventional chemical process. Modal is made from beech. Lyocell is made from eucalyptus in a closed loop. Tencel is the Lenzing brand name for Lyocell and Modal, and only fibre made by Lenzing can carry the name.

What it feels like

Softer than cotton, with a slight silky drape that is almost silk-like without the delicacy of silk. Lighter and more fluid than linen. The surface is smooth and cool against the skin.

How it wears

Tencel drapes beautifully and holds pleats well, better than Modal and less sharply than linen. It is one of the most versatile fabrics we work with. It softens slightly with washing without losing its drape.

How to wash it

  • Wash: Machine wash gentle at 30°C.
  • Dry: Hang in the shade. It dries quickly.
  • Iron: Low setting while slightly damp.

More in Caring for Modal and Tencel sarees.

A note on weight

80–120 GSM. Similar to Modal, with a slightly crisper hand.

Where it comes from

Sourced primarily from Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Best for

  • Daftar: one of the best office fabrics we work with
  • Rozana: daily wear with machine-washable ease
  • Anyone who wants a natural-fibre feel with maximum everyday practicality

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Tencel: quick answers

What is Tencel?

A Lenzing brand name for Lyocell and Modal fibres made from wood pulp. Our Tencel sarees are Lyocell, typically made from eucalyptus.

What does closed-loop mean?

The solvent and water used to make the fibre are recovered and reused. For Lyocell, more than 99% of the solvent is recovered.

Is Tencel the same as viscose?

No. Both come from wood pulp, but Lyocell is made in a closed-loop process that is considered far less polluting.

How do I wash a Tencel saree?

Machine wash gentle at 30°C, hang in the shade and iron on low while slightly damp.

Is Tencel good for office wear?

Yes. It drapes well, holds pleats and is easy to look after.

Does Tencel soften with washing?

Slightly, without losing its drape.

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