Materials
Feel-good clothing: how organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, TENCEL™ Modal and linen feel
You notice how a shirt feels on your skin after five minutes. Whether it's still comfortable after eight hours depends on the fibre, but just as much on the yarn, the type of fabric and the cut. Here you'll find out what organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, TENCEL™ Modal, linen and recycled fibres are like to wear.
At a glance
- Organic cotton feels just as soft as good conventional cotton. The difference lies in the farming, not the feel.
- Whether a fabric feels soft, cool or textured is decided mainly by the yarn and the type of knit, such as jersey, slub or waffle.
- TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell drape smoothly and fluidly, linen is airy and textured.
- You can see which material and which certificate an item has on the product page in the "Production" tab.
Fibre, yarn, fabric: what you actually feel
Many people think that how something feels depends on the material alone. In practice, you feel three levels at once. The fibre determines the basic properties, such as how much moisture it absorbs. The yarn decides whether a fabric looks smooth or lively: long, finely spun fibres make a calm, soft knit, while a slub yarn with thicker sections creates a slightly irregular surface. And the construction of the fabric determines how it drapes and how much air it lets through.
A single jersey is thin and clings softly, a waffle texture has small air pockets and feels more textured, an interlock is denser and holds its shape better. That's why an organic cotton T-shirt can feel completely different from organic cotton joggers, even though the fibre is the same.
Organic cotton: soft and easy-going
Organic cotton comes from certified organic farming, meaning without synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilisers or genetically modified plants. It feels soft and familiar on the skin, is breathable and absorbs moisture well. That makes it the classic choice for T-shirts, sweatshirts and underwear, in other words for everything you wear for a long time directly on your body.
To be honest: you'll hardly feel any difference between organic and good conventional cotton. The difference lies in the farming and, with GOTS-certified products, in the processing. GOTS restricts or bans certain chemicals in dyes and finishes. That's a verifiable rule for production, not a promise for your skin. Read more in the article on the GOTS label.
TENCEL™ Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell: smooth and fluid
TENCEL™ is the Austrian manufacturer Lenzing's brand for cellulose fibres made from wood. TENCEL™ Modal is particularly fine and feels silky soft, which is why it's often used in underwear and tops, usually blended with organic cotton and a little elastane. TENCEL™ Lyocell is a little sturdier, drapes fluidly and feels cool on the skin. Both fibres absorb moisture well and release it again.
If you like fabrics that don't add bulk and feel like a second skin, a Modal blend is a good choice. Lyocell shows its strengths in dresses, trousers and blouses that should drape beautifully.
Linen: cool, airy, full of character
Linen is made from flax. The fibre is strong and smooth, the fabric looks airy and feels cool on warm days. New linen can feel a little stiff at first, but it gets softer with every wash. Creases are typical and part of the look. Blended with TENCEL™ Lyocell or organic cotton, linen becomes more supple and creases less, but keeps its dry, natural handle.
Recycled fibres: stretchy and shape-retaining
You'll find recycled polyester or polyamide mainly in activewear and in blends. These fibres absorb little moisture, dry quickly and, combined with elastane, give leggings and sports tops their support. They feel smooth and compressive on the skin, functional rather than cosy. A waffle hoodie in organic cotton and recycled polyester gives you both: the softness of cotton and the shape retention of synthetics.
| Material | Feel on the skin | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| Organic cotton | soft, familiar, breathable | T-shirts, sweats, underwear |
| TENCEL™ Modal | silky, very soft, close-fitting | underwear, tops |
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | smooth, cool, fluid | dresses, trousers, blouses |
| Linen | airy, cool, textured | summer dresses, shirts, trousers |
| Recycled polyester/polyamide | smooth, stretchy, quick-drying | activewear, blends |
How to find your feel-good material
- Read the composition. It's on the care label and the product page. A high share of cotton, Modal or Lyocell points to a soft, breathable feel.
- Pay attention to the type of fabric. Jersey for lightness, waffle or sweatshirt fabric for texture and warmth, interlock for support.
- Check the certificate. It tells you what has been verified about origin and processing. Which standard applies to which item is shown in the "Production" tab of each item and on the Certificates page.
- Care for it properly. Washing too hot and the tumble dryer make many fabrics rough. You'll find tips in the care guide.
FAQ
Does organic cotton feel softer than regular cotton?
Not automatically. Softness depends mainly on the fibre length, the yarn and the processing. What sets organic cotton apart is that it is grown without synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
Which material is most comfortable in summer?
Linen and TENCEL™ Lyocell feel cool and are airy. A light organic cotton jersey is also a good choice.
I have sensitive skin. What should I choose?
We can't make any statements about skin compatibility. Many people like smooth, soft fabrics such as Modal or fine cotton jersey. It's best to try out what feels good for you.
