Modal Activewear: Why Bellissima Uses Lyocell Instead
Modal and Lyocell Are Not the Same Fiber
Modal and lyocell are both regenerated cellulosic fibers derived from wood pulp, but they are produced through different chemical processes and have distinct physical properties. Modal is produced using a wet-spinning process involving sodium hydroxide and carbon disulphide, the same base chemistry as conventional rayon, but with modifications that produce a finer, more stable fiber. Lyocell, produced under the TENCEL brand by Lenzing AG, uses a closed-loop dry-jet wet-spinning process with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as the solvent. The NMMO solvent is recovered and recycled at a rate reported by Lenzing AG at over 99%, making the production process significantly less chemically intensive than modal manufacturing. Bellissima's Sempre collection is made from 92% TENCEL Lyocell and 8% spandex. It is not made from modal. Customers searching for modal activewear will find the Sempre collection performs similarly in softness and breathability but with a distinct fiber profile, a different production process, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fiber-level certification through Lenzing AG.
How TENCEL Lyocell Compares to Modal for Activewear
Both fibers are soft, breathable, and plant-derived. TENCEL Lyocell has a higher tenacity (fiber strength) when wet than modal, which means it holds structural integrity through repeated washing and sweat exposure better than modal alternatives. TENCEL Lyocell's moisture absorption mechanism operates at the nanoscale fibril level, drawing moisture into the fiber interior rather than holding it at the surface. This creates a drier feel against skin during low to moderate activity. Modal tends to have a slightly silkier surface but lower wet-strength performance under repeated mechanical stress. For activewear used in yoga, pilates, barre, reformer pilates, and walking, TENCEL Lyocell's wet-strength advantage is the more practically relevant property. The Sempre collection covers all four product types: leggings, shorts, halter bra, and twist bra.
Honest Limitations and Activity Ceiling
The Sempre collection suits low to moderate intensity activity. Like modal, TENCEL Lyocell has a moisture absorption ceiling below that of synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics. For running, HIIT, hot yoga, spin, or sustained high-sweat output, neither modal nor lyocell is the technically optimal fiber. Bellissima does not position the Sempre collection for those use cases. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification for the TENCEL Lyocell fiber applies at the raw material level through Lenzing AG, not at the finished Bellissima garment level. Finished-product OEKO-TEX certification has not been obtained.
What is the difference between modal and lyocell?
Both are regenerated cellulosic fibers made from wood pulp. Modal uses wet-spinning chemistry derived from the viscose rayon process, modified for finer fiber production. Lyocell uses a closed-loop solvent-spinning process with a different solvent (NMMO) that is recovered and recycled. Lyocell has higher wet-strength than modal and a more environmentally contained production process. TENCEL is Lenzing AG's registered brand name for their lyocell fiber. Bellissima uses TENCEL Lyocell, not modal.
Does Bellissima make modal activewear?
No. The Sempre collection is made from 92% TENCEL Lyocell and 8% spandex. TENCEL Lyocell and modal are related but distinct fiber types. Customers looking for the softness and breathability associated with modal will find comparable properties in TENCEL Lyocell, along with higher wet-strength and a more transparent production process. Bellissima does not use modal fiber in any current product.
Is TENCEL Lyocell better than modal for workouts?
For yoga, pilates, barre, reformer pilates, and walking, TENCEL Lyocell's higher wet tenacity gives it an edge over modal for activewear longevity. Modal softens with washing but can lose structural integrity more quickly under repeated sweat and mechanical stress. TENCEL Lyocell maintains its shape and strength better across a wash cycle lifespan relevant to active use. For casual wear and loungewear, the two fibers are more comparable.
What activities is the Sempre collection suited for?
Yoga, pilates, barre, reformer pilates, walking, and low-impact recovery. The collection is not designed or positioned for running, HIIT, spin, hot yoga, or sustained high-intensity training. Bellissima states this directly rather than making claims the fiber cannot support.
Sources
Lenzing AG. TENCEL Lyocell fiber technical documentation and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. lenzing.com.
Woodings, C. (2001). Regenerated Cellulose Fibres. Woodhead Publishing.
Shop similar collections: lyocell activewear, TENCEL activewear, natural fiber activewear, soft leggings, non-synthetic activewear