Tencel (Lyocell) – what is this material and what properties does it have?
Tencel is becoming increasingly popular among conscious consumers. Many people readily choose it because it's a man-made fabric with a relatively low environmental impact. Tencel is also safe for skin. Lyocell and Tencel – are they two completely different materials? Although both are derived from eucalyptus wood, there are differences. If you'd like to learn more, be sure to check out our article, which details the properties and origins of Tencel.
---Tencel (Lyocell) – what is it?
More and more people want to buy clothes consciously, choosing the highest quality products that are safe not only for the consumer but also for the environment. However, it's not always clear what lies beneath the mysterious fabric name. Therefore, we will try to clarify the issues related to Tencel.
To fully understand this topic, it's worth remembering that materials are divided into natural, artificial, and synthetic. The latter two groups are often confused, leading to numerous misunderstandings. If you're wondering what Tencel is, you should know that it's a synthetic material. However, it has nothing in common with the windproof polyester that takes years to decompose in landfills. Artificial fabrics, which include viscose, rayon, cupro, Tencel, lyocell, acetate, and Bemberg, are obtained from cellulose. This is a plant-based polysaccharide found in trees and shrubs, among other things.
Chemical solvents are used to create cellulose fibers, which are then used in textile production. The origin of the polysaccharide and the chemicals used determine whether the resulting fiber is viscose, lyocell, acetate, cupro, or Tencel. The latter is often accompanied by a superscript TM, which represents a trademark. If you've searched for "Tencel lyocell what is it" and haven't found a satisfactory answer, here's a brief description. Tencel can be defined as lyocell whose environmentally friendly qualities and safety of use are confirmed by a certificate issued by the Austrian company Lenzig.
---Tencel (Lyocell) – fabric properties
What makes Tencel and lyocell so unique that they continue to gain popularity year after year? Their practical benefits undoubtedly speak for themselves. "Tencel properties" is another popular phrase searched by conscious consumers. We have good news for all those who value high-quality clothing. Tencel and lyocell are artificial materials, not to be confused with synthetics. As fabrics created through the chemical processing of cellulose, they are characterized by high breathability. Therefore, clothes made from Tencel and lyocell can be worn even on hot days.
Interestingly, they function similarly to wool. Wool protects against overheating on hot days and against hypothermia on cold days. This is due to Tencel's excellent air circulation and ability to wick moisture away from the skin. If you're interested in the properties of lyocell, you should know that both it and eco-friendly Tencel are incredibly pleasant to the skin. The cellulose fibers used in their production are devoid of any roughness. The result is a very soft material that flows wonderfully around the body and feels like a second skin. Due to the properties of Tencel and lyocell, both fabrics are recommended for allergy sufferers, atopic dermatitis sufferers, and those with highly sensitive skin.
If you sometimes complain that some cotton varieties are scratchy and excessively stiff, you'll certainly appreciate these materials made from eucalyptus wood. These fabrics are completely invisible to the touch, enveloping the body like an invisible mist. Because Tencel and Lyocell are fluid materials, they drape beautifully without constricting the body. They are often used to make T-shirts, blouses, shirts, and dresses. It's worth noting that certified Lyocell, also known as Tencel, doesn't cause irritation, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Furthermore, it limits the growth of bacteria on the skin, which is appreciated by those with eczema. Tencel's high mechanical strength is also worth noting.
---What is Tencel (lyocell) made of? Material composition
The origins of Tencel and lyocell are generating considerable interest among internet users. It's worth taking a closer look at this topic to avoid the false belief that they are close relatives of polyester. In reality, lyocell is just as good a material as cotton or linen, being a breathable fabric. We've prepared a comprehensive explanation specifically for those who search online for phrases like "what are Tencel and lyocell made of?"
Tencel is a trademark registered by the Austrian company Lenzig. They place a high value on safety. Tencel is produced in a manner that is friendly to the environment and the human body. Non-corrosive solvents are used for this purpose, and these solvents are reused. This reduces the release of highly polluted wastewater into the environment. Cellulose derived from eucalyptus wood is treated with non-corrosive solvents. This dissolves and releases cellulose polymer fibers, from which lyocell/Tencel is produced.
It's worth noting that Tencel is a term reserved for fabrics from a specific manufacturer, which constitutes their trademark. Nevertheless, this fabric exhibits the same properties as lyocell, as it is, in fact, lyocell. This modern variety of cellulose fiber used in the textile industry is quite popular among those who prioritize eco-friendly solutions. Lyocell is sustainably sourced from eucalyptus wood.
---Tencel (Lyocell) – opinions about the fabric
Now that we know how Tencel is made, we want to hear opinions about it. We're increasingly focused on carefully crafting our wardrobes, choosing high-quality clothes that are truly a pleasure to wear. So, what are the opinions on Tencel? Undoubtedly, those who have worn lyocell appreciate its properties. It's incredibly soft and delicate to the touch, so it doesn't irritate even sensitive skin. It's worth choosing if you have a high sensory sensitivity, a characteristic of the nervous system associated with a strong perception of stimuli. With Tencel, we don't have to worry about this, as the material is almost completely imperceptible to the skin.
Lyocell has received very positive reviews for another reason: clothing made from this fabric can be worn year-round. In summer, lyocell clothing pleasantly cools the body, ensuring proper thermoregulation and wicking moisture away from the skin. Interestingly, in winter, this material protects against excessive cooling. Tencel also receives very positive reviews because it drapes beautifully, flowing over the body. Furthermore, lyocell is characterized by high mechanical strength, can be safely machine washed and ironed if necessary, although it is less susceptible to creasing than classic viscose.
Its functional qualities make it a worthwhile choice for clothing made from this pleasant-to-touch material. It's produced sustainably, making it more environmentally friendly and beneficial to the human body. It's important to remember that the clothes we wear come into direct contact with our skin, which can transmit substances used in the production process. Therefore, it's important to ensure they are non-toxic.
---Tencel (Lyocell) – frequently asked questions
Properly caring for your clothes allows you to enjoy them much longer. It's no wonder we search the internet for answers to various questions, including "How to wash Tencel?" The better we understand the basics of caring for different types of fabric, the greater the likelihood that well-chosen clothes will last for many years. This saves us money, and the environment benefits as clothing stays in a closed loop longer.
- Does Tencel (lyocell) wrinkle? Some of us dislike clothes that wrinkle easily, because even perfect ironing doesn't guarantee a neat appearance. Does Tencel wrinkle? It turns out that this synthetic material is quite resistant to wrinkling. Of course, Tencel wrinkles a bit during shipping, so when you receive a dress made of this unique fabric, it may need ironing. However, getting it to the right condition shouldn't take too long, as Tencel has a moderate wrinkling rate.
- Does Tencel (lyocell) stretch? Clothes that stretch require special care when hanging laundry and storing them in the closet. Woolen sweaters, which tend to stretch, must be treated with extreme gentleness, dried flat and stored on a shelf; under no circumstances should they be placed on a hanger. Fortunately, the answer to the question: does Tencel stretch? is no. Lyocell is resistant to this type of mechanical deformation, so you can wash it without worrying about shrinkage in contact with water or stretching when hung on a dryer. Tencel clothes are relatively durable, so there's a good chance you'll enjoy them for a long time.
- How to wash Tencel (lyocell)? This is a question many people are looking for an answer to. We don't want to damage such pleasant-to-skin clothes. Although lyocell, an artificial silk, seems incredibly delicate, we have good news: Tencel survives machine washing without any damage. While you might hear that lyocell is resistant to temperatures as high as 60 degrees Celsius, we recommend washing it at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. People who have beautiful clothes from a few or a dozen years ago usually wash them on a quick wash cycle, selecting a low temperature (30 degrees Celsius) and a low spin speed. Clothes usually only need refreshing and removing the sweat odor. They are rarely soiled and require a full wash. It's best to use a gentle detergent when washing lyocell; this will significantly extend its life. Every garment comes with a care label. It's worth reading these instructions before washing. It may turn out that due to the specific nature of the dye, it requires washing at a lower temperature than other items made of the same fabric.
- How to iron Tencel (lyocell)? Lyocell is an artificial silk that requires careful care. It's composed of delicate cellulose fibers, which can burn if ironed with an iron that's too hot. It's recommended to use the lowest possible temperature. Ironing Tencel is best done with a special white cotton cloth. Sometimes, even a low iron temperature can cause shiny spots to appear on the fabric. These spots disappear after washing, but they don't look very attractive during the day. To avoid them, use a special cloth. How to iron Tencel – it's definitely worth ensuring that the ironing board has a thick enough cover with a sponge filling to prevent metal parts from marking the delicate material.
- Tencel (lyocell) and Dyeing When considering Tencel dyeing, it's important to remember a few common rules. First, new lyocell garments tend to lose pigment more easily than those you've had in your wardrobe for a while. Second, dark Tencel garments stain more intensely than pastel ones. Third, a short wash at low temperatures reduces dye loss, allowing the garment to retain its original shade longer. It's a good idea to separate garments into light, dark, and colored sections before washing. To prevent dye transfer and combine, for example, red and yellow, it's worth using special dye-catching wipes.
- Tencel (lyocell) and cleaning. Although Tencel is artificial silk, it doesn't require special care. We don't need to take it to a dry cleaner for maintenance. Tencel cleaning is a topic that's well-explained in the section on washing. Lyocell can be washed in a washing machine; some clothing manufacturers claim up to 60 degrees Celsius. However, it's important to carefully read the care label each time. Furthermore, experience shows that lyocell washed at 30 degrees Celsius and on the lowest spin speed retains its attractive appearance longer.
The textile market is constantly seeing new materials emerge, often with names that seem rather mysterious. Tencel is simply lyocell, a synthetic material obtained from eucalyptus wood by chemically treating cellulose with non-corrosive solvents. Its greatest advantage is its softness and the way it drapes. If you're looking for high-quality clothing made from breathable, premium materials that are gentle on the skin, be sure to check out Bombshe.com. You'll find blouses and dresses made from certified Tencel by the Austrian company Lenzig, among other items. These blouses are in line with current trends while also impressing with their elegance.
