From the very beginning of ANSIN, we knew that high-quality materials, carefully selected for our classic products, would be the foundation of our brand. For this reason, before introducing any new design to our store, we dedicate so much time to trial sewing and testing how each item performs in use. Every time, we want to be sure that we are putting high-quality BASIC clothing into our customers' hands that will work in any situation. In October, we decided to dedicate more space to this in our blog content, and as part of the #fabricoctober campaign, posts regarding the materials we use at ANSIN will appear here.
We are starting our series of publications about materials with our favorite one – of course, we are talking about TENCEL™, also known as the fiber of the future due to its properties. In many sources, you may also encounter the name lyocell; however, the one we sew with at ANSIN holds the rights to the TENCEL™ name and possesses the appropriate certifications, which we will certainly tell you about later in this article.
What is lyocell and is TENCEL the same thing?
Lyocell is a material with many advantages, combining the benefits of cotton and viscose. On one hand, lyocell is very delicate and fluid, with a structure resembling silk, while on the other, it is also warming or cooling, thanks to its excellent thermal regulation. Before we move on to a broader description of the material's properties and how it is obtained, it is worth clarifying any doubts right from the start! We often hear the names lyocell and TENCEL in the fashion industry, and the terms are usually used interchangeably, which can lead to some confusion. So, are the materials lyocell and TENCEL the same thing? We are here with the answer! TENCEL™ is a name for lyocell, but it is reserved by one, single company - Lenzing, which we will mention later today. Legally, only material produced by this company, bearing the appropriate certifications, can be described by this name. So yes, TENCEL is indeed actually lyocell, but the term only applies to specific fabrics.
How is TENCEL™ (Lyocell) made?
To introduce the characteristics of lyocell, it is worth mentioning at the very beginning that it is a material 100% derived from nature, specifically from wood cellulose. Wood-based cellulose fibers are produced from natural polymer cellulose. Production begins with wood or other plants, extracting cellulose pulp from them, and then shaping the polymer into fibers using the latest technologies. The creation process involves dissolving the cellulose and then producing threads from it. Because of this, tencel is often compared to viscose, but there is quite a significant difference between the two fabrics. The substances that dissolve cellulose in the case of viscose are corrosive; in the case of lyocell, a non-toxic and biodegradable solvent is used, which is safe for both us and the environment. A great advantage of its use is also the fact that it can be almost 100% reused in subsequent material production cycles, which is extremely ecological.
TENCEL and its properties (not just for our skin)
Tencel is very durable and works well in various conditions – both in high and low temperatures. It also handles moisture perfectly because its fibers absorb moisture and release it into the atmosphere. Thanks to this, it is very breathable for our skin and has wonderful thermal regulation properties – it cools in summer and warms in winter. We can successfully wear it all year round! The nanofibers of tencel, which is what it is built from, are extremely smooth and have low stiffness. Thanks to this, the material is extremely delicate to the touch and therefore friendly to the skin, especially sensitive skin that requires special care. Additionally, it is confirmed that it does not cause irritation and significantly prevents the formation and growth of bacteria on the skin.
The environmental aspect, or important advantages of TENCEL™
Tencel has many advantages that will please supporters of ecology and a responsible approach to shopping. First of all, tencel is itself a completely biodegradable material, which in practice means that its fibers decompose 100%. A difference in decomposition can occur in the case of blends with additional material in the composition of a given item. At ANSIN, we source our TENCEL from the aforementioned Austrian manufacturer Lenzing, which has vast experience in this regard and pays attention to the environmental aspect in its activities, which is an important factor for us when choosing a material. This company holds many certifications; among other things, it meets the Lenzing Group environmental standard, which is based on the best emission values associated with available technology (BAT). This is an environmental label awarded to products and services that have a lower impact on the environment and human health, and also meet strict standards for production and the use of water and chemical agents in their processes.
Lyocell is very durable – it does not stretch or shrink in water, so with proper care, you will be able to enjoy clothes made of tencel for a long time. Importantly, the material is particularly resistant to creasing. Unlike linen, which we love in the summer, clothes made of tencel – dresses, skirts, trousers, blouses, or our Miss Classic T-shirts will crease much less. This is very practical - you can enjoy an aesthetic, neat appearance all day long.
Our Tencel Tops and T-shirts:
How to wash tencel?
Don't worry - tencel will not cause you many problems related to care. Washing this material is really easy, but of course, delicacy and care will be useful. So how to wash tencel? First of all, pay attention to the internal label on the clothing and the manufacturer's instructions. Follow these recommendations primarily. Remember that tencel has low resistance to stretching, so avoid high spin cycles. Hand washing tencel is also a good idea. It is the most delicate for the material. Many sites state that tencel can be washed at temperatures up to 60 degrees, but we recommend sticking to recommendations similar to cotton, i.e., use a maximum temperature of 40 degrees. We hope that with this short paragraph we have explained the frequently appearing query in search engines “tencel how to wash” and your items made of this material will last with you for a really long time. In case of additional questions, remember that recommended care is also usually included in the product descriptions of many online stores. This does not, however, exempt you from checking the recommendations on the internal clothing label - and this is regardless of the material.
We hope that this post, devoted entirely to the characteristics of tencel, will make it easier for you to get to know this material, and perhaps you will love it as much as our team at ANSIN. If you want to test it on your skin, the perfect choice for you in our assortment will be the Miss Classic T-shirt, which we have sewn from the tencel of the Austrian company Lenzing. We added a touch of elastane to the composition of the top, thanks to which the top gains an even lighter and more airy form and adapts to many shapes.
Patrycja from ANSIN
