Modal vs cotton
Modal is softer and silkier and fades less; cotton is tougher and cheaper. For underwear and pyjamas, modal wins.
Choose modal
Underwear, pyjamas, soft tees
Choose cotton
Everyday, often-washed clothes
Modal
- Softer than cotton
- Shrinks and fades less than viscose
- Can pill
- Weakened by heat
Cotton
- Breathes and absorbs moisture
- Hypoallergenic, good for sensitive skin
- Washes easily, even hot
- Creases
- Shrinks in heat, especially jersey
- Slow to dry
| Modal | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Regenerated (from cellulose) | Natural plant fibre |
| Made from | Beech wood cellulose. | The fluffy fibre around cotton plant seeds. |
| Feel | Very soft, silky and cool. | Cool, dry and kind to skin; softens with age. |
| Shrinks? | A little: modal can shrink 1–2%, mostly in the first wash. | Yes – cotton shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. |
| Used for | Underwear, pyjamas, T-shirts, bedding. | T-shirts, shirts, jeans, underwear, bedding. |
More comparisons
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, modal or cotton?
Modal is softer and silkier and fades less; cotton is tougher and cheaper. For underwear and pyjamas, modal wins.
02Which is more breathable?
Cotton breathes better.
03Which creases less?
Modal creases less.