In an increasingly eco-conscious world, it’s no surprise that the fashion industry is shifting gears towards more sustainable alternatives. One fabric that’s making waves on the green fashion scene is Lyocell. The fabric is soft, breathable, and environmentally friendly. Lyocell is gaining popularity for all the right reasons. But what exactly is it—and why should you care?
What Is Lyocell?
Lyocell is a type of regenerated cellulose fibre, meaning it’s made from plant-based materials—in this case, usually wood pulp from sustainably sourced trees like eucalyptus, beech, or spruce. It’s often associated with the brand name TENCEL™, which is produced by the Austrian company Lenzing AG.
But what sets Lyocell apart from other fabrics like cotton? It’s all in the process.
The Magic Behind the Material
The production of Lyocell involves a closed-loop process, where non-toxic solvents (like N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide) are used to break down the wood pulp into a slurry, which is then spun into fibres. What’s remarkable is that over 99% of the solvent is recovered and reused, making this one of the most environmentally responsible methods in textile manufacturing.
Compared to conventional cotton fabric, Lyocell production uses less water, fewer chemicals, and results in lower emissions. This makes it a solid choice for environmentally-conscious consumers who want their clothes to look good and feel good—without costing the planet.
The Feel Factor
If you’ve ever worn a piece of clothing made with Lyocell, you have probably noticed its buttery-soft texture. It’s silky smooth feel, the fabric drapes beautifully, and feels amazing on your skin. Thanks to its moisture-wicking and breathable properties, Lyocell is a go-to fabric for everything from yoga pants and bedsheets to high-end fashion pieces.
Bonus: It’s also hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial growth, which makes it great for people with sensitive skin.
Why Brands and Designers Love It
Aside from its eco-cred and luxurious feel, Lyocell is versatile and can mimic the look of cotton, silk, or even wool, depending on how it’s processed and blended. It also dyes beautifully, meaning richer, longer-lasting colours without excessive water or chemical use.
Today, major brands like Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Allbirds, Zara and H&M’s conscious collections are all incorporating Lyocell into their designs. To find out more about how these companies are using Lyocell, TENCEL™ and REFIBRA® please see a summary below:
Patagonia is working toward sourcing 100% of its man-made cellulosic fibres—including Lyocell—from postconsumer textile or agricultural waste streams rather than virgin materials. The company incorporates both traditional virgin TENCEL™ and ppTENCEL™, which blends recycled cotton scraps with wood pulp to reduce reliance on virgin materials.
Eileen Fisher incorporates TENCEL™ Lyocell into several of its fabrics, including stretch jersey knits and woven blends with organic linen. The brand emphasises sustainability by sourcing Lyocell from responsibly harvested trees and using a closed-loop production process that recycles up to 99.5% of chemicals.
Lyocell’s softness, breathability, and drape make it a great fit for this company’s minimalist, timeless designs.
Allbirds uses TENCEL™ Lyocell in its Tree fibre material, which is primarily sourced from wood grown in South Africa. The brand highlights its closed-loop production process, which recycles up to 95% of the water used, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton fabric.
Lyocell is known for its breathability, softness, and moisture-wicking properties as mentioned above, which makes it a great fit for the company’s eco-conscious footwear and apparel.
Zara incorporates Lyocell into some of its garments, including their Lyocell-blend trousers. The brand has also partnered with Circ®, a fashion technology company, to create a collection using Circ® Lyocell, which is made from 50% recycled textile waste.
To find out more about Circ®and Zara’s partnership, please see the link below.
H&M’s conscious collections The brand primarily uses TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres, which require less water and fewer pesticides compared to conventional cotton.
Additionally, some pieces in H&M’s Conscious Exclusive collections have featured Lyocell blends alongside other innovative materials, such as recycled polyester and biofibre textiles.
The Bottom Line
Lyocell isn’t just a trend—it’s a testament to how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in fashion. Whether you’re shopping for style, comfort, or conscience, fabrics like Lyocell prove that you don’t have to compromise.
So next time you check a clothing tag, keep an eye out for Lyocell or TENCEL™. It’s a small choice that makes a big difference—for your wardrobe and the world.
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