What is Tencel fabric? Lyocell explained for apparel designers
Tencel is a brand name for lyocell — a fiber made from dissolved wood pulp. Designers choose it for a cool, smooth hand and fluid drape. Below: what the label means, how it behaves, common blends and weights, and real lyocell fabrics in the catalog you can request as color cards.
Pictured: Lyocell linen herringbone (85% lyocell, 15% linen).
Tencel vs lyocell
Lyocell is the generic fiber name. Tencel is Lenzing's trademark for its branded lyocell (and modal). Most mill spec sheets simply say "lyocell", so search for both words. Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber, in the same family as viscose and modal, made with a solvent-spinning process.
How lyocell feels and behaves
- Hand and drape. Smooth, cool and fluid; a 100% lyocell satin moves like a light silk.
- Breathability. Absorbs moisture well, comfortable for summer shirts and dresses.
- Surface. Can show fibrillation (a peach-skin haze) after washing unless finished for it.
- Care. Cool wash and low heat; shrinkage depends on construction and finishing — always wash test.
Common lyocell fabrics, blends and weights
- Pure lyocell satin and twill (about 100–180 gsm): blouses, slip dresses, shirts. Example: 100% lyocell satin, 100 gsm.
- Lyocell jersey and rib (about 160–200 gsm): soft tees and loungewear, often with spandex. Example: Lyocell spandex jersey, 160 gsm.
- Lyocell-linen blends (about 150–200 gsm): linen look with less crease and a softer hand — summer shirts and trousers. Examples: Lyocell linen plain weave and Lyocell linen herringbone.
- Lyocell with nylon or viscose: organza, jacquard and textured wovens for eveningwear.
Not sure which weight you need? See what GSM means.
Find lyocell, then check it in person
- Browse lyocell. Open the Tencel / lyocell filter, narrow to 80%+ lyocell, or describe your garment in AI fabric search.
- Request the physical cards. Add up to 10 fabrics to a Swatch Box. The cards are free; the fee covers coordination and worldwide express shipping — $69 for up to 5 swatches or $119 for up to 10.
- Wash test the one you lock. Order a 1–10 m cut sample: $4 per fabric plus shipping at cost.
Mills update their colors often. Photos show structure and texture, not every available shade — confirm the full color range with the physical card.
FAQ
Is Tencel the same as lyocell?
Tencel is a brand name owned by Lenzing; lyocell is the generic fiber name. Mill spec sheets usually list the fiber as lyocell. Only fiber sold under the Tencel brand should be called Tencel lyocell.
Is Tencel a natural or synthetic fabric?
Neither, strictly. Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber: it starts from wood pulp, which is dissolved and spun into fiber. It is plant-based, like viscose and modal, but man-made.
Does Tencel fabric shrink?
Lyocell can shrink and can change surface when washed hot or tumble dried, depending on construction and finishing. Wash test the actual fabric before production — a 1–10 m cut sample is meant for that.
What is lyocell fabric used for?
Common uses include shirts, dresses, blouses, trousers, T-shirts and loungewear. Pure lyocell gives a fluid drape; lyocell-linen blends are popular for summer shirting; lyocell jersey is used for soft tees.
Can I get physical swatches of lyocell fabrics from SwatchFree?
Yes. Filter the catalog for Tencel / lyocell, then request physical mill color cards in a Swatch Box. The cards are free; the fee covers coordination and worldwide express shipping — $69 for up to 5 swatches or $119 for up to 10, with a maximum of 10 fabrics per box. For wash tests, order a 1–10 m cut sample at $4 per fabric plus shipping at cost.
Lyocell fabrics in the catalog
100% lyocell satin100 gsm · fluid drape
Lyocell spandex jersey160 gsm · 93% lyocell
Lyocell linen plain weave165 gsm · 85/15 blendLyocell linen herringbone180 gsm · twillPhotos show structure and texture; confirm current colors with the physical card.