Tencel is a thoroughly modern, “regenerated”—not synthetic—fiber made from the cellulose in eucalyptus wood pulp, it is now gaining popularity and establishing itself as a niche luxury.
Tencel possesses a figure-flattering and sometimes billowy body-hugging drape that has gained the love of users in recent years. But what does Tencel feel like really? In a word, soft: its smooth as a cloud, yet very resistant and long-lasting.
We all know cotton but what on earth is Tencel?
Let’s call it a laboratory marvel that begins with naturally harvested parts. Converting it from tree to textile requires elaborate manufacturing technology. It has enviable versatility, its fibers can be made to different thicknesses depending on the spinneret from which it is extruded, resulting in discrete materials, each with a distinctive hand—short staple length fibers make Tencel look and feel cottony, for example, and longer fibers produce a material more like silk.
Benefits
- It will shrink but not quite as much as cotton and not nearly as much as wool.
- It is a bit wrinkly in storage, but wrinkles will naturally release with body warmth in a few minutes.
- Extremely absorbent creating never seen before comfort. A revolutionary technological development for the garment industry. It is made of minuscule fibers or filaments. This superior wicking property makes Tencel an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
- Most find Tencel exceptionally breathable and comfortable to wear.
- Incredibly soft to the touch.
- Stronger and more durable than most fabrics.
- Biodegradable and recyclable.
Care
Most versions of Tencel can be hand or machine washed in delicate cold and tumble dry without incident.
Environmental Impact
Part of Tencel’s appeal lies in its relatively shallow environmental footprint. The manufacturing of the fabric occurs in a ‘closed loop’ system with low emissions and minimal waste, where nearly all the chemicals and solvents used to process Tencel from wood pulp to finished product are reclaimed. Tencel production requires less water and less land; a half acre of forestland otherwise unsuitable for farming can produce enough eucalyptus trees without the need for pesticide or irrigation, to produce a ton of material. The manufacturing of Tencel is a process that comes close to completely ‘green.’
Find Earth Baby Outfitters' newest TENCEL Collection HERE.
Source- Orvis.