Lyocell is a soft, fluid-draping fibre made from the cellulose in wood pulp. More and more clothing labels mention lyocell, sometimes under the brand name TENCEL™. It wears cool and breathable, feels almost silky and naturally stays fresh for longer. In this article we explain how the fibre is made, why it feels so pleasant to wear and how to keep lyocell clothing looking good for a long time.
Where does lyocell come from?
Lyocell is a cellulose fibre. It is made from wood pulp, usually from eucalyptus, beech or spruce. The cellulose is dissolved in a solvent and then pressed through fine openings to form fibres. The difference from ordinary viscose is that with lyocell the solvent is largely recovered and reused in a closed loop.
How does lyocell feel?
- Soft and smooth: the fibre has a smooth structure, which makes it feel silky on the skin.
- Fluid drape: lyocell falls smoothly, which looks lovely on polos, tops and cardigans.
- Cool and breathable: the fibre absorbs moisture well and releases it, so it wears comfortably in changing temperatures.
- Stays fresh for longer: because lyocell regulates moisture well, a garment naturally stays fresh for longer. Airing it is often enough.
Lyocell, cotton or viscose?
Cotton is sturdy and breathable, but creases faster and feels less smooth. Viscose is soft, but less strong when wet. Lyocell combines the softness of viscose with better strength and a calm, polished look. That is why we choose it for the fine-knit knitwear you wear every day.
How to care for lyocell
- Air the garment after wearing; washing is often not needed then.
- Wash on a delicate programme at 30 °C at most with a mild liquid detergent.
- Wash inside out with similar colours and dry flat or on the line, not in the dryer.
- Iron on a low temperature if needed.
Always check the care label of your garment as well. You will find more tips on our care instructions page.
Lyocell, modal and viscose at a glance
Lyocell, modal and viscose are all cellulose fibres, but they behave slightly differently in the wardrobe and in the wash. This comparison helps you choose.
| Lyocell | Modal | Viscose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Smooth, cool, silky | Very soft and supple | Soft with a beautiful sheen |
| Drape | Fluid | Fluid and light | Fluid |
| Strength when wet | Good | Fair | Less strong |
| Moisture regulation | Very good | Good | Good |
| Lovely for | Knitwear, polos, cardigans | Polos and shirts with stretch | Tops, blouses, fine knits |
If you would like to know more about a related fibre, also read our page on modal, the soft fibre often used in polos with stretch.
Why lyocell works so well in autumn
In October you constantly change temperature: a fresh morning outside, a warm train, a heated office. That is exactly when lyocell shows what it can do. Because the fibre absorbs moisture and releases it again, a polo or cardigan doesn't feel clammy when you go from outdoors to indoors. Fine-knit lyocell is also thin enough to wear under a coat or blazer, without bulking up at the sleeves or shoulders.
That is why lyocell is an ideal middle layer: warm enough for a cool evening, light enough for a full meeting room.
How to style lyocell knitwear
The calm sheen of lyocell instantly makes a simple garment look polished. Three formulas that always work:
- Men, office: the Edmund in dark charcoal melange, a polo with a quarter zip, over dark trousers with loafers. Zip half open over a white T-shirt for a slightly more relaxed day.
- Men, weekend: the Theodore in light blue, an open polo without buttons, with light chinos and suede loafers. Light blue and beige is a soft, fresh combination that also works in autumn.
- Women, day to evening: the Ophelia in white, a ribbed polo with a quarter zip, over navy trousers with the Veronique in light blue on top. In the evening you swap the cardigan for a dark coat.
Fit and size for fine knits
Because lyocell drapes so smoothly, it is not very forgiving if a size is too tight. The fabric then lies tight across every seam. So choose your usual size, letting the drape do its work. Check the shoulder seam, which should sit exactly on your shoulder, and the length: a polo that falls just past your waistband can be worn both untucked and tucked in. If you are torn between two sizes for a cardigan, choose the roomier one, because you often wear it over another layer.
Three mistakes you are better off avoiding
- The dryer: heat and friction can make lyocell shrink and roughen the surface.
- Hanging it wet on a hanger: wet knitwear stretches under its own weight. Let it dry flat on a towel.
- Washing it too often: lyocell naturally stays fresh for longer. A night of airing is usually enough, which also keeps the garment looking good for longer.
Storing lyocell between seasons
Fine lyocell knitwear is best stored folded on a shelf or in a drawer, not on a hanger: that keeps the shoulders in shape. Put heavier pieces at the bottom and lighter polos on top. Only store clean clothes, because skin oils and perfume can eventually cause stains. A cotton storage bag lets the fibre breathe and keeps dust out. That way next season you take a polo or cardigan out of the wardrobe that looks as polished as on the day you bought it.
Shop the look
Theodore: lyocell knit polo men, light blue
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, charcoal
Ophelia: lyocell knit polo women, white
Veronique: lyocell cardigan women, light blue
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, white
Frequently asked questions
Is lyocell the same as TENCEL™?
TENCEL™ is a brand name of the Austrian producer Lenzing for its lyocell and modal fibres. Lyocell is the generic name of the fibre.
Does lyocell shrink in the wash?
If washed or dried too hot, lyocell can shrink slightly. So wash cool and don't dry the garment in the dryer.
Does lyocell pill?
Fine-knit lyocell has a smooth fibre and therefore pills less quickly than rougher yarns. In places with a lot of friction, such as under a bag strap, a little light pilling can appear. Remove it gently with a clothes brush.
Can you wear lyocell in winter?
Yes, especially as a layer. A lyocell polo or cardigan under a wool coat or blazer feels pleasant in heated rooms and naturally stays fresh for longer.
Discover our women's knitwear and men's knitwear in lyocell, or read more on our lyocell page.
