From the very beginning, ANSIN knew that the brand's pillar would be high-quality materials , carefully selected for classic products. That's why, before introducing each new design to our store, we dedicate so much time to trial sewing and testing the product's performance in use. We always want to ensure that we're providing our customers with high-quality, basic clothing that will perform well in any situation. In October, we decided to dedicate more space to our blog content, and as part of the #fabricoctober campaign, we'll be featuring posts about the materials we use at ANSIN.
We're kicking off our series of publications on materials with our favorite – TENCEL™ , also known as the fiber of the future due to its properties. You might also encounter the term lyocell in many sources, but the fabric we use at ANSIN holds the rights to the TENCEL™ name and the appropriate certifications, which we'll definitely tell you about later in this article.
What is lyocell and is TENCEL the same?
Lyocell is a material with many advantages, combining the benefits of cotton and viscose. On the one hand, lyocell is very soft and flowing, with a texture reminiscent of silk, and on the other, it also has a warming or cooling effect thanks to its excellent thermoregulation. Before we move on to a more detailed description of the material's properties and methods of obtaining it, it's worth clearing up any doubts right away! We hear both the names lyocell and TENCEL frequently in the fashion industry, and the terms are often used interchangeably, which can raise some doubts. So, are lyocell and TENCEL the same thing? We're here to answer! TENCEL™ is the name for lyocell, but it's trademarked by a single company – Lenzing, which we'll discuss later today. Legally, only material produced by this company, bearing the appropriate certificates, can be called that. So yes, TENCEL is, in fact, lyocell, but the term only applies to specific fabrics.
How is TENCEL™ (Lyocell) made?
To describe the characteristics of lyocell, it's worth mentioning right from the start that it's a material derived 100% from nature, specifically from wood cellulose . Wood-based cellulose fibers are produced from natural polymer cellulose. Production begins with wood or other plants, extracting the cellulose pulp from them, and then shaping the polymer into fibers using the latest technology. The creation process involves dissolving the cellulose and then creating threads from it. For this reason, Tencel is often compared to viscose, but there is a significant difference between the two fabrics. The substances that dissolve cellulose are corrosive in the case of viscose, while lyocell uses a non-toxic and biodegradable solvent , making it safe for both us and the environment. A great advantage of its use is that it can be almost 100% reused in subsequent production cycles, which is extremely ecological.
TENCEL and its properties (not only for our skin)
Tencel is highly durable and performs well in a variety of conditions – both high and low temperatures. It also handles humidity well, as its fibers absorb moisture and release it into the atmosphere. This makes it very breathable for our skin and has excellent thermal regulation properties – it cools in the summer and warms in the winter. You can wear it successfully year-round! Tencel nanofibers, the material from which it is composed, are exceptionally smooth and have low stiffness . This makes the material exceptionally soft to the touch, making it skin-friendly, especially for sensitive skin, which requires special care. Furthermore, it has been proven to be non-irritating and significantly prevents the formation and growth of bacteria on the skin .
The environmental aspect, i.e. the important advantages of TENCEL™
Tencel has many advantages that will delight those who support ecology and a responsible approach to shopping. First and foremost, Tencel is a completely biodegradable material , meaning its fibers are 100% biodegradable. A difference in decomposition may occur in blends with additional materials. At ANSIN, we source TENCEL from the aforementioned Austrian manufacturer Leizing , which has extensive experience in this field and places environmental considerations at the forefront of our material selection. This company holds numerous certifications, including compliance with the Lenzing Group environmental standard , which is based on the best available technology (BAT) emission values. This environmental label recognizes products and services that have a lower impact on the environment and human health, and also meet strict standards for the production and use of water and chemicals in their processes.
Lyocell is very durable – it doesn't stretch or shrink in water, so with proper care, you'll be able to enjoy clothes made from Tencel for a long time. Importantly, the material is particularly wrinkle-resistant . Unlike linen, which we love in the summer, clothes made from 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 won't pose many care-related problems. Washing this material is really easy, but gentleness and care are essential. So how should you wash Tencel? First and foremost, pay attention to the inside label on the garment and the manufacturer's instructions. Follow these recommendations. Remember that Tencel has a low stretch resistance, so avoid high spin cycles. Hand-washing Tencel is also a good idea. It's the most gentle on the material. Many websites state that Tencel can be washed at temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius, but we recommend sticking to recommendations similar to cotton, meaning a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius . We hope that this short paragraph has answered the frequently asked question " how to wash Tencel " and that your clothes made of this material will last a long time. If you have any further questions, remember that recommended care is usually included in the product descriptions of many online stores. However, this doesn't exempt you from checking the instructions on the inside label – regardless of the material.
We hope that this post, devoted entirely to the characteristics of Tencel, will help you learn more about this material and perhaps fall in love with it as much as our team at ANSIN. If you're looking to test it out for yourself, the Miss Classic T-shirt from our collection is the perfect choice. We made it from Tencel by the Austrian company Lenzing. We've added a touch of elastane to the top, giving it an even lighter, more airy feel and adapting to a wide range of body shapes.
Patricia from ANSIN
