What Is Tencel? Is It Sustainable?
Ever heard of Tencel? It's like the rock star fabric for eco-friendly clothing brands. It's not just light and versatile, but it's everywhere – from your comfy casual wear to your favorite undies and activewear. Now, you might wonder, is Tencel good for people, the planet, and our furry friends? Is it ethical and sustainable? We've got you covered with a cheat sheet to unravel the mysteries of this fabric and give you the scoop. So what is Tencel? Let's dive in.
What kind of fabric is Tencel?
In a world where the environment needs a helping hand, it's cool that people are realizing their choices go beyond just looking good and feeling comfy.
Enter sustainable fashion – the superhero on the mission to shrink our ecological footprint and make the fashion world more ethical. Now, as you wade through the sea of responsible fashion options, you've probably come across a name that keeps popping up: Tencel. This super-versatile fabric is turning heads among eco-conscious brands and shoppers alike.
In this read, we're diving into the details of Tencel – checking out its green claims, its impact on our planet, and why it's becoming the go-to for those wanting a more eco-friendly wardrobe.
How is Tencel fabric made?
TENCEL is like a cousin to viscose and modal, all part of the man-made cellulosic fiber crew. So, how's it made? The wood pulp gets all dissolved in a solvent, and this magical mix gets pushed through a spinneret (imagine a fancy showerhead) to create fiber strands in a solvent-spinning process. Those strands then get spun into yarns and bam, you've got the makings of cloth. Sounds straightforward, right? But here's the real talk – what kind of mark does this process leave on our environmental turf?
What are the benefits of Tencel fabric to the environment?
Let's dive into the sustainability magic of Tencel. Its impact during production is nearly four and a half times less than its counterparts. We're talking global warming potential, chemistry, and water usage.
But how does it stack up in the sustainability Olympics against other materials? Tencel beats out silk, hemp, cotton (both the regular and organic kind), wool, modal, viscose, and rayon when it comes to being kind to the planet.
Its water usage is crazy low, especially compared to thirsty cotton, thanks to Tencel's recycling process. Its greenhouse gas emissions are way less than silk and wool. Tencel's closed-loop production keeps things clean, preventing chemicals and organic matter from wreaking havoc in waterways.
What are the characteristics of the Tencel fabric?
Beyond being eco-friendly, the Tencel fabric does well as a prime fabric choice for most clothing manufacturers. Here's why:
It is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties.
Tencel is like the moisture magician of fabrics. It whisks away sweat from your skin at warp speed. It can absorb moisture about 50% faster than our good ol' cotton buddy and then casually releases it into the air.
Tencel's moisture-wicking properties come from a nifty nanotechnology woven right into the fibers. So whether you're hitting the gym, braving scorching weather, rocking some intimate threads, or snuggling up in bed sheets, Tencel has got your back, keeping you feeling fresh and breezy.
Because it wicks away moisture, Tencel is like a breath of fresh air on a hot summer day. It lets the breeze dance through and keeps you feeling refreshed. And the best part? It's like your body's own temperature regulator, ensuring you stay comfortably chill. Tencel isn't just fabric. It's your cooldown assistant.
It has antibacterial abilities.
Tencel is the superhero who fights off funky odors. Tencel is reported to be anti-bacterial, keeping your clothes smelling as fresh as a daisy for longer stretches. It's because of the fantastic breathability of Tencel that puts a stop to those sneaky bacteria parties.
It's soft and comfortable on the skin.
What does Tencel feel like? Tencel is all about that high-quality, supreme comfort vibe. It's not just soft. It's like the twice-as-soft-as-cotton kind of soft.
Tencel isn't just a one-hit wonder. It's in for the long haul. Your Tencel clothes are like the marathon runners of the fashion world, staying soft and cuddle-worthy through countless wash and dry cycles. So if you're into that everlasting cozy feeling, Tencel is your ride-or-die fabric.
It's strong even when wet.
Tencel is a superhero in strength. Unlike its predecessor, rayon, Tencel doesn't bat an eye when it gets wet. It's like the Aquaman of fabrics – strong and resilient, even in the face of water. That means you can toss your Tencel treasures into the washing machine or give them a hand wash without losing sleep over the fear of stretching or shape-shifting. Tencel keeps its cool and holds its shape, making laundry day a breeze.
It's a wrinkle-free fabric.
The Tencel fabric refuses to crinkle or crease easily. Say goodbye to that constant battle with wrinkles. If by any chance your Tencel piece gets a little scrunched up, no worries. Those creases are like, "I'm outta here," and easily smooth out. It's like having wrinkle-free clothes without even trying.
It's easy to dye and holds colors well.
Tencel was born to be a burst of color – a crucial detail we shouldn't forget. We've all been there, watching our vibrant tops lose their mojo over time.
Tencel is like a coloring book waiting for its favorite hues with no bleaching needed. Unlike its off-white rivals like cotton, raw Tencel is a crisp white canvas, saving us from adding extra chemicals and giving the eco-friendly scorecard another thumbs-up.
It's versatile.
Tencel is the queen of versatility. Whether you're into soft, flowy dresses, cozy t-shirts, breathable bed sheets, stretchy activewear, or sharp smart shirts – Tencel's got your back.
Tencel is all about controllable fibrillation, making the fibers do a little magic trick to create anything from silky smooth suede vibes to a more structured linen feel. It's like having a fabric chameleon in your wardrobe.
It's friendly to sensitive skin.
Tencel is a sensitive skin's best friend. Its soft, smooth fibers are like a gentle hug for your skin, gracefully draping and whisking away moisture in the blink of an eye. The result is happy, dry skin without the irritation drama.
Baleaf's Clothes Made Of Tencel
Right at the heart of Baleaf are sustainability, comfort, and style. Because we're on a mission of downsizing and streamlining your wardrobes, we're always for eco-friendly fabrics that are low-maintenance and downright comfortable.
Get your dibs on our lovely activewear pieces with a blend of Tencel.
Evergreen Lightweight Drape Cardigan
Check out our fabulous Evergreen Lightweight Drape Cardigan – it's like a fashion triple treat. Made with 76% polyester, 19% Tencel, and a dash of 5% spandex, it's not just lightweight but also magically non-see-through. Its material is the kind of soft and comfy you want to live in.
With its relaxed fit, casual charm, and open front that pairs perfectly with a cute cropped vest, it's the fashion superhero with two side pockets for all your convenience needs. Plus, the longer front hem can be knotted up for that extra-fitted flair.
Whether you're hitting the gym, trails, coffee spots, or just chilling at home, this piece is your go-to for all occasions.
Evergreen 1/4 Zipper Dress
Meet your new wardrobe BFF—the Evergreen 1/4 Zipper Dress —that comes in a blend of 30% Tencel, 30% cotton, and a dash of 40% polyester, making it a dreamy combo of soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking goodness with UPF 50+ sun protection to boot.
Slim fit, quarter-zip collar, knee-length for that extra coverage, a cute pleated design, and invisible pockets for all your stuff make it an everyday casual wear.
Whether you're acing it on the golf course, dominating the tennis court, or just living your daily adventure, this piece is your go-to for style, comfort, and practicality.
Evergreen UPF50+ Knee-Length Skort
Introducing your new demure bottoms, the Evergreen UPF50+ Knee-Length Skort, crafted with a blend of 40% polyester, 30% cotton, and 30% Tencel – the dream team for that comfy, soft, and sun-protected feel.
With UPF 50+, four-way stretch, and moisture-wicking magic, this knee-length wonder is designed for ultimate coverage and mobility. The elastic closure, adjustable drawstring, and pockets make them the perfect fit for all your outdoor adventures, from casual strolls to golf, tennis, or even beach days, your four-season must-have.
Embrace Infinite Softness and Comfort With Tencel
Choosing Tencel is like giving a big hug to comfort, durability, and sustainability, making it the top-tier choice for everything from clothes to home goodies.
Tencel isn't just a win for the environment, but also for the ones rocking it – with its eco-friendly vibes and skin-friendly perks, like breathability and moisture-wicking magic.