Rayon vs Viscose vs Modal vs Tencel: What's the Difference?

Quick answer: All four are "regenerated cellulose" fibres made from wood pulp. Rayon is the family name; viscose is the most common type of rayon (in India the two words are used interchangeably). Modal is a stronger, softer rayon that holds up better in washing. Tencel is a brand name for lyocell, made in a closed-loop process that recovers solvents, with the best strength and lowest shrinkage of the group.

Keyword data shows strong demand for "rayon fabric", "viscose fabric", "modal fabric" and "Tencel fabric" in India. Buyers often see all four on swatch cards without knowing how they differ.

How they're made (simply)

All start with cellulose from wood (eucalyptus, beech, pine or bamboo). The pulp is dissolved and pushed through tiny holes to form fibres.

• Viscose/rayon: pulp is treated with chemicals (including carbon disulfide) and regenerated in an acid bath.
• Modal: a modified viscose process that creates a stronger, more stable fibre, usually from beech wood.
• Lyocell (Tencel): pulp is dissolved in a non-toxic solvent that is mostly recovered and reused, so it's considered the more eco-friendly option.

Comparison table

Viscose / rayon: the ethnic-wear workhorse

Viscose is everywhere in Indian women's wear: printed kurtis, anarkalis, palazzos and dupattas. It drapes beautifully, takes bright prints and feels cool in summer.

Watch out for: weakness when wet, shrinkage and fading in cheap qualities. Ask for pre-shrunk fabric and colour-fastness results.

Modal: soft and durable

Modal keeps viscose's softness but survives washing better and shrinks less. It's popular for innerwear, t-shirts, nightwear and loungewear, often blended with cotton or elastane.

Tencel / lyocell: premium and sustainable

Lyocell is strong wet or dry, resists wrinkles better than viscose, and has a smooth, cool feel. Brands use it for premium shirts, dresses, bedding and in denim blends for softness. "Tencel" is a trademark of Lenzing; generic lyocell is also available at lower cost.

Where does bamboo fabric fit?

Most "bamboo fabric" is actually viscose made from bamboo pulp. It behaves like viscose, not like a separate natural fibre.

Choosing for your product

Care tips

• Wash gently in cold water; avoid wringing viscose.
• Dry in shade; iron on low to medium.
• Modal and lyocell can usually go in a gentle machine cycle.

Frequently asked questions

Is rayon the same as viscose?
Viscose is a type of rayon. In India, both terms usually mean the same fabric.

Is modal better than viscose?
Modal is stronger, softer and shrinks less, but costs more.

Is Tencel natural?
It's made from natural wood cellulose but processed, so it's called semi-synthetic or regenerated.

Which is best for summer?
All four breathe well; viscose is the most affordable summer choice.

Compare summer fabrics in our guide Cotton vs Rayon vs Polyester, or contact EVOMODA at contact@evomoda.website.