Looking for comfortable, flowing, lightweight and eco-friendly underwear? For this summer and the rest of the year, lyocell is the material to choose.
This plant-based fiber is increasingly popular in the textile industry and there are many reasons for this. So, what exactly is Tencel™ lyocell ? We tell you everything about this material made from wood pulp!
What is Tencel™?
Tencel™ is an ecological artificial fiber whose raw material comes largely from the eucalyptus tree . It is now highly appreciated in the textile world for its breathable and durable properties. Tencel™ lyocell is particularly soft, which is why it is often compared to silk.
💡 Wondering what the difference is between the names Tencel™ and lyocell? Tencel™ is the registered trademark of the Austrian Lenzing Group, and lyocell is a generic term that covers a type of wood-based cellulose fiber. Ultimately, both refer to the same material. Lenzing's Tencel™ brand guarantees the highest quality lyocell.
What is the composition of Tencel™ lyocell?
Tencel™ is a material produced from cellulose , i.e. wood pulp . This pulp generally comes from eucalyptus trees, which are found in pine forests in particularly humid regions. However, it can also come from oak or birch.
Lyocell fabric manufacturing involves combining cellulose with a non-toxic chemical solvent, which is recycled and reused throughout the process. The solution is then filtered, resulting in this soft, lightweight, and biodegradable fiber 🌱.
The benefits of Tencel™ lyocell
There are many benefits to choosing Tencel™ lyocell underwear. Here they are!
Good for the planet
Lyocell is 100% biodegradable , and even compostable : domestic, industrial, fresh water and sea water compost within 12 to 16 weeks. Its plant origin makes it easily decomposable in nature, unlike synthetic textile fibers which are a real scourge for our environment. The latter sometimes take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose!
Soft and comfortable
Tencel™ is not called plant silk for nothing. Its soft and silky texture makes it extremely pleasant to the touch. This fabric is also hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin. If you tend to suffer from irritation, Tencel™ lyocell underwear is an excellent alternative to synthetic materials.
Antiperspirant and anti-odor
The fiber is hydrophobic, which means that sweat and water in general are quickly evacuated. This means that there is no room for bacteria, because the terrain is not favorable for them to develop. This is also the reason why Tencel™ lyocell is often used for sportswear. Thanks to its absorbent properties, this material is also anti-odor, and therefore requires fewer washes. It's a win-win for the planet, and also for your wallet!
Thermoregulator
Tencel™ lyocell also stands out for its excellent thermoregulatory properties. This ability to regulate body temperature ensures you are constantly comfortable, whether it is hot or cold. In summer, Tencel™ lyocell keeps you cool by wicking away heat and moisture, while in winter it helps retain body heat.
👉 Thrive with our Talc underwear in Tencel™ Lyocell, combining comfort, durability and ecology.
Muse T-shirt and Parnasse boxer shorts
Should you choose Tencel™ or cotton underwear?
For a very long time, organic cotton has been among the list of best materials to choose for our underwear.
Indeed, organic cotton is very soft on the skin, hypoallergenic and prevents irritation. However, Tencel™ lyocell continues to gain popularity and it seems that it has a bright future ahead of it. Of course, your choice also depends on your personal preferences and your expectations in terms of ecology and sustainability.
The softness of Tencel™ VS that of cotton
Lyocell is an extremely soft material, much more so than cotton which can have a rough side. It is also naturally resistant to bacteria, which reduces odors and the risk of irritation, ideal especially when it comes to underwear. The fabric is thinner and lighter, which makes it more comfortable to wear on a daily basis.
Tencel™ or cotton: which is more eco-friendly?
The production of Tencel™ lyocell requires very little water compared to cotton, which depends on an intensive irrigation system.
In fact, it takes about 5,000 liters of water to produce 1 kg of cotton, while the production of Tencel™ consumes less than 1,000 liters. Therefore, it is an even more environmentally friendly alternative to organic cotton. In addition, Tencel™ comes from sustainably managed forests in Europe, which reduces its carbon footprint.
Resistance of materials
Tencel™ lyocell is a material that lasts over time. You can be sure that your underwear will keep its silky appearance for a long time, unlike cotton which can become rough quite quickly after washing.
Cravan Hoodie and Aragon Shirt
In short, it is better to choose lyocell to be really comfortable in your underwear. Organic cotton is of course still an interesting alternative, but it cannot compete with the many advantages of Tencel™ lyocell in terms of softness, ecology and sustainability.
💡 To wash your lyocell underwear, it's like cotton: 30°C in the washing machine. However, as the material creases less than cotton, you can wash them at 60°C if necessary. Of course, a lower temperature is always preferable to keep the fibers intact, and also for energy savings!
As you can see, Tencel™ lyocell has won us over. We'll let you try it out for yourself: boxers, briefs or briefs, suitable for men and women . With Talc, you no longer need to choose between comfort and elegance: our Tencel™ lyocell underwear gives you both. You'll be eager to put them on gently in the morning or evening after your shower!
To learn more about Tencel™ lyocell, read our article: What is Tencel™ lyocell?