Modal / Micromodal

Modal is a type of rayon made from beech tree pulp; micromodal uses finer fibers still. It is prized in underwear and undershirts for a silky-soft hand, good breathability, and better shape retention and colorfastness than standard cotton, often blended with a little elastane for stretch. Trade-offs: it is less rugged than heavy cotton and pricier, and quality varies with the blend. For next-to-skin basics where softness and drape matter more than abrasion resistance, modal earns its premium; for hard-use items it is less obviously worth it. As always, the blend percentages on the label decide the real character.