Lyocell fabric is a semi-synthetic fabric that is commonly used as a substitute for cotton or silk. It is a form of rayon, and it is composed primarily of cellulose derived from wood. Lyocell is made by dissolving wood pulp and dry jet-wet spinning. It is a natural, man-made fiber that is made with wood pulp from sustainable tree farms. Lyocell is a more sustainable alternative to fully synthetic fibers like polyester, but whether or not lyocell fabric is truly better for the environment is questionable.
Lyocell fabric has many properties that make it a popular choice for clothing and other products. Some of these properties include:
- Breathable: Lyocell is breathable and gentle on the skin with a soft, smooth texture.
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Lyocell is efficient at absorbing moisture and has 50% greater moisture absorption than cotton.
- Stretchability (give): Lyocell is stretchy.
- Heat retention abilities: Lyocell is temperature regulating and can keep you cool in hot weather.
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Lyocell is more resistant to pilling than cotton.
Lyocell fabric is commonly used in denim, dress shirts, underwear, towels, conveyor belts, medical dressings, and specialty paper. When mixed with other fibers, the resulting fabric is much stronger and more resistant to wear, tear, and pilling. Lyocell is also used for industrial purposes, such as conveyor belts and medical dressings, due to its strength and resistance to wear and tear.
Lyocell fabric is easy to care for and can be machine washed or dry cleaned. It drapes well and may be dyed many colors, needing slightly less dye than cotton to achieve the same depth of color. However, Lyocell is more expensive than most eco fabric alternatives.