When it comes to everyday clothing, modal and cotton are two of the most popular fabrics.
Cotton is a natural textile beloved and used for centuries, and modal is one of the greatest semi synthetics invented by man.
Both textiles are used to make t-shirts, blouses, sleepwear, underwear, bedsheets and many more products.
In recent years the popularity of cotton has taken a hit due to its impact on the environment, and modal has gained momentum as a fantastic alternative.
So is modal better than cotton?
Cotton and modal
Some people confused modal and cotton, thinking it may be the same thing, just “another version”.
Well, that’s not the case. While the use of these fabrics may be overall interchangeable, cotton and modal are not the same.
Cotton
Cotton is the most popular textile, dating 5000 BC and made from cotton plants. It’s natural, biodegradable and versatile. Cotton comes in many types, from regular to organic and Pima, which determine its quality and properties.
To say cotton is ubiquitous is an understatement. It’s widespread from t-shirts to jeans to bedding.
Cotton is light, breathable and warming and high-quality cotton is durable and soft. However, while it’s beloved for summer clothing, it’s not great for absorbency, creases and takes forever to dry. That’s one of the reasons why cotton is often blended with other fabrics.
Besides that, non-organic cotton uses a ton of resources and pesticides in production, affecting the environment.
Modal
Modal counts around 70 years and is an artificial semisynthetic similar to rayon. It’s made from beech trees that are chemically processed.
Modal is pretty versatile and is commonly used for bedding, underwear, athletic wear, t-shirts etc.
Modal is often called an environmentally friendly fabric because it uses fewer chemicals to produce than, e.g. viscose. Beech trees are also a renewable resource that doesn’t require much to cultivate.
Modal is known for its softness and breathability, but what makes it stand out is its softness and how it drapes.
It also has excellent absorbency (50% more than cotton), is moisture wicking and doesn’t pill, wrinkle or shrink.
Sustainability
It’s a close call between cotton and modal when it comes to sustainability because unless it’s organic cotton, it requires a ton of water and artificial pesticides and fertilizers.
While modal requires fewer resources for cultivating, it uses chemicals in processing. That’s why opting for closed loop production fabrics is essential.
Breathability
While modal is breathable, cotton wins this round as the more breathable fabric.
Durability
Modal is generally a stronger and more durable fabric than cotton because it has a tighter unit and is resistant to pilling and tears.
So when choosing clothes for men, men’s modal tees are usually more durable and are a better option.
Absorbency
Modal absorbs up to 50% more water than cotton and has moisture-wicking properties. Cotton does not have these properties, and once it is wet (e.g. a sweaty t-shirt), it may take a while to dry.
Softness
Unless you’re opting for Egyptian and Pima cotton, the modal fabric is more silky and luxurious. However, cotton gets softer over time through wash.
Price
In most cases, cotton is cheaper than modal, which is also why it’s used more often. Modal is more of luxury fabric with a higher price tag.
The verdict
It’s not easy to be definitive about which fabric is better. Modal is stronger, more water-absorbent and durable, and silkier and nicer on the skin.
Cotton is more breathable, though. Both cotton and modal are biodegradable.
Finally, most cotton varieties are cheaper than modal; however, it’s similar to modal when it comes to high-quality fabric.The verdict? Although cotton might seem comfier, the modal fabric is more sustainable.
Nonetheless, the real option comes from the consumer investigating if the clothes that they are purchasing have a symbol saying they were ethically made. Though, be aware of greenwashing that some clothes promote.
