High water usage, pollution, and tons of clothes getting thrown out each day - there's no doubt that the world of fashion has a heavy environmental footprint. Now, more than ever, there's an essential shift towards more sustainable fashion choices where ethical practice, eco-friendly materials, and transparent manufacturing processes play a major role. Consumers want to feel like they are doing their bit and to have a carefully curated closet full of clothes that look good, feel good, and do no harm. Two materials that can help you achieve this status are modal and bamboo - but which garment choice is the best sustainable option? We compare modal vs. bamboo so you can feel empowered and informed in making the right decision to lighten the load of your own carbon footprint in the fashion industry.
Understanding the Basics
Modal Fabric: Origins and Production
Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber that comes from natural roots. It is made from beech tree pulp (which earns brownie points as a renewable resource). Beech trees are grown in sustainable forests and require no artificial irrigation, along with less land and water in comparison to conventional cotton. The manufacturing process involves spinning tree pulp into fibers and is a closed loop where 95% of solvents are recycled, and waste and pollution are minimized.
Bamboo Fabric: Origins and Production
Bamboo is one of the most rapidly growing plants on the planet, with certain bamboo varieties reaching up to a meter every single day. Bamboo wood pulp can be harvested without killing the plant, and it also requires less water than cotton, which adds to its eco-friendly status. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, and the transformation of bamboo from raw material to fabric tends to use a viscose chemical process. This production process can be chemical-intensive, but advancements are being made to make it more eco-friendly. Bamboo lyocell is another manufacturing process for bamboo, and this is considered more sustainable.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability of Modal and Bamboo
Modal fabric production is considered to be relatively eco-friendly as it has a closed-loop process, which is important for minimizing waste. The fact that it is also made from beech trees, which are hardy enough not to need pesticides or massive amounts of water, also earns it eco-conscious accolades.
The bamboo plant also doesn't need pesticides and requires little water. It is also known to sequester CO2 and give nutrients back to the soil, which adds to it being a sustainable material.
Chemical Processing and Its Effects
Bamboo's environmental impact can differ depending on the processing method. Bamboo viscose and bamboo rayon do require the use of toxic chemicals to turn the cellulose fibers into something usable. Bamboo lyocell undertakes a mechanical process, and this is more eco-friendly but also more expensive, which makes it a less common method.
As mentioned, modal can be considered a more sustainable material as it uses a friendly version of the viscose process with up to 99% of any harsh chemicals being recycled in what is called a closed-loop production process. This means no environmental runoff and no seeping of chemical waste into the waterways.
Physical Properties and Benefits
Comfort and Durability
Modal is a soft and buttery material that also has a lot of flexibility. This gives modal items a smooth, luxurious feel similar to silk, which is why it's so comfortable as sleepwear. Modal fabric is also resistant to shrinking and fading, which means it's a durable material that reduces the need to replace it over time.
Bamboo is a beautifully breathable fabric and is famed for its excellent moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo fabric is one of the best natural materials for keeping you cool and comfortable, whatever the weather, which is why it's also a good choice for activewear. It is soft to the touch and often compared to cashmere as a smooth and comfortable fabric.
Health and Hygiene
When it comes to comfort, health, and hygiene, bamboo is a winner. Bamboo fabric has natural antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties. Bamboo is a popular choice for those with sensitive skin and is also well-used in home hygiene products like towels and bamboo bed sheets.
Modal clothing may not be antibacterial but is also hypoallergenic and won't irritate the skin. It is also a popular and friendly choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Applications and Uses
Fashion and Apparel
Modal fabric is silky and soft and has a ton of stretch, which is why it's often a popular choice to use in underwear, pajamas, sleepwear, and sportswear. The combination of comfort and durability makes it a perfect choice for performancewear.
Bamboo fabric is perfect for everyday wear, loungewear, eco-friendly activewear, and soft and comfy sleepwear, as it has a smooth texture, a sweet softness, and antibacterial properties. You often see bamboo used in eco-friendly clothing lines with socks, shirts, dresses, and more.
Home Textiles
In the home, modal fabric can also be a popular choice for bedding and towels as it has a silky, luxurious feel and a good drape. These factors and good moisture management make modal sheets a sought-after material in high-end markets.
Bamboo bed sheets are also sought after and are famed for their softness, strength, and durability, and the fact that their temperature-regulating properties can keep you warm and cozy in the winter but also cool and breezy in the summer.
Cost and Accessibility
Price Comparison
Bamboo fabrics are often more affordable in comparison to modal fabrics, and this is mainly due to the higher production costs and the closed-loop system of modal. The cost of both fabrics can vary, and it really depends on the brand, the quality, and the specific product you choose. Higher-end brands will cost more as they bring the added value of sustainability to the table.
Value for Money
Both the bamboo fabric and modal fabric are excellent value for money for those wanting to make more sustainable choices when it comes to the textile industry and steer clear of synthetic fabrics. Modal and bamboo both share the elements of softness and strength and are both eco-friendly in their own way. Modal fabric may be considered a slightly better long-term investment as it keeps its shape and doesn't fade. Bamboo, on the other hand, is more inclusive in its price point and can be a cost-effective way of welcoming more eco-friendly fashion choices into your life.
Making the Right Choice
Factors to Consider
Some factors to consider when deciding whether you want to choose modal fabric or bamboo fabric include personal needs, environmental factors, and price points.
Your personal needs can include things like allergic reactions and skin sensitivities, the feel of the fabric, and care requirements. While both modal fibers and bamboo fibers are good for people with sensitive skin, if you are prone to sweating, you may prefer the moisture-wicking properties of bamboo.
Environmentally, modal fabric may be a more eco-conscious choice than bamboo rayon as the bamboo pulp does require a chemical process. Even though modal fabric also requires the use of solvents, these solvents are recycled, which keeps any harmful chemicals under wraps and out of the environment.
Bamboo viscose and bamboo rayon are more affordable in most cases when compared to the price point of modal fabric. For those who want a more affordable, sustainable material when it comes to their options for clothing, bamboo is a solid choice.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
Personal preference and lifestyle also play their part in deciding whether bamboo fabric or modal fabric works for you. Those who lead a more active lifestyle or those who live in warmer climates may feel drawn more towards bamboo and its moisture-wicking properties. For those who want high luxury in their home and durable clothing, modal may be the choice you turn to.
Conclusion
Both the modal fabric and bamboo fabric bring so many benefits to the table and are excellent choices for those wanting to make more environmentally conscious decisions when it comes to their clothing items. Steering clear of more synthetic fabrics, being informed about the manufacturing process, and picking sustainable products from brands that care about the environment can make a huge difference in the world. For those who are drawn to the comfort and beauty of eco-conscious bamboo, exploring Sivana's bamboo clothing, bamboo luxe collection, and our kaftans for women are excellent choices to fill your wardrobe with wonderful pieces.
FAQs
Is bamboo or modal better?
Both bamboo fabric and modal fabric have a wide range of benefits as both are soft and sustainable. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and has great moisture-wicking properties, making it a good choice for loungewear, activewear, and sleepwear. Modal keeps its color and doesn't stretch out, which gives it good durability. Modal products are considered more eco-friendly as they use a closed-loop process in manufacturing.
What are the disadvantages of modal fabric?
One of the disadvantages of modal products and modal fabric is that they can be more expensive than other sustainable materials, as closed-loop processing leads to higher costs. While soft, durable, and hypoallergenic, it is not considered a breathable material like bamboo or organic cotton.
What fabric is better than bamboo?
Different fabrics bring different benefits; whether one is better depends on personal choice and preference. Environmentally speaking, the modal fabric can be considered a more eco-friendly choice than bamboo rayon and bamboo lyocell as it undergoes a closed-loop process that reduces environmental waste.
Is bamboo cotton better than Tencel modal?
Bamboo cotton and Tencel modal both have their own benefits. Bamboo is known for being cool and breathable, whereas the Tencel modal is less prone to wrinkling. Both share a soft, silky, and luxurious feel, but the modal may be considered more environmentally friendly as it is made under a closed-loop production process.
