Modal Vs Elastane: What is the Difference?

In the dynamic world of textiles, the choice of fabrics plays a crucial role in shaping our clothing and daily comfort. Two prominent contenders, modal and elastane, have emerged as versatile options with distinct characteristics.

Modal, derived from beech tree cellulose, is applauded for its eco-friendliness and softness, while elastane, a synthetic fiber, boasts unparalleled stretch and flexibility.

As consumers become increasingly conscious of environmental impact and fabric performance, understanding the differences between modal and elastane becomes essential.

In this exploration, we delve into their unique attributes, applications, and sustainability factors to help make informed decisions in the realm of fashion and beyond.

Key Differences Between Modal and Elastane

Material Source

• Modal: Modal is a bio-based fabric derived from beech tree cellulose. The process of creating modal involves harvesting beech tree wood, which is then broken down into pulp through chemical processing. The pulp is spun into fibers, resulting in a soft, smooth textile material. The use of renewable beech trees as the primary material source makes modal a more sustainable option compared to conventional cotton.
• Elastane: Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fiber derived from petrochemicals. It is composed of long-chain polymers that offer superior elasticity and stretch. The production of elastane involves a complex chemical synthesis process, which is energy-intensive and has a higher environmental impact compared to natural fibers like modal.

Environmental Impact

• Modal: Modal is often touted as an eco-friendly alternative to cotton due to its lower water consumption during production. Beech trees used for modal cultivation require significantly less water to grow compared to the water-intensive cotton crop. Additionally, modal production involves fewer chemicals and pesticides, reducing its impact on the environment.
• Elastane: On the other hand, elastane’s environmental impact is less favorable. Being a synthetic fiber, it relies heavily on petrochemicals, which are derived from non-renewable resources. The manufacturing process of elastane involves the use of various chemicals, solvents, and energy, contributing to air and water pollution.

Stretch and Flexibility

• Modal: Modal fabric offers a moderate level of stretch and flexibility. While it may provide some give, it cannot match the remarkable elasticity of elastane. Modal’s stretch is generally sufficient for comfortable wear, but it is not the best choice for garments that require significant stretch or recovery.
• Elastane: Elastane is renowned for its exceptional stretch and flexibility. Its molecular structure enables it to stretch up to 600% of its original length and quickly return to its initial form when released. This property makes elastane a key component in activewear, sportswear, and form-fitting garments that require a high degree of elasticity.

Softness and Comfort

• Modal: Modal fabric is prized for its soft and luxurious feel. The fibers are naturally smooth, resulting in a gentle touch against the skin. This inherent softness makes modal a popular choice for clothing items like shirts, dresses, and sleepwear. Modal’s comfort, combined with its breathability, enhances the overall wearing experience.
• Elastane: While elastane does possess some softness, its primary attribute is elasticity rather than comfort. Elastane is typically blended with other fibers, such as cotton or polyester, to add stretch and improve the garment’s fit. When used in the right blend, elastane can contribute to the overall comfort of the fabric.

Breathability

• Modal: Modal fabric is highly breathable, allowing air to circulate freely through the fibers. Its excellent moisture-wicking properties help to keep the wearer cool and dry by absorbing and releasing moisture. This breathability makes modal an ideal choice for warm weather or active pursuits.
• Elastane: Elastane, being a synthetic fiber, has lower breathability compared to natural fibers like modal. It does not absorb moisture but can retain it, leading to potential discomfort during prolonged wear. However, when blended with breathable fabrics like cotton, elastane can enhance the overall breathability and performance of the garment.

Moisture Absorption

• Modal: Modal fabric exhibits high moisture absorption capabilities, making it an excellent choice for garments worn in hot and humid conditions. The fibers can absorb and wick away moisture, keeping the wearer feeling dry and comfortable throughout the day. Modal’s moisture-wicking properties contribute to its breathability and prevent the growth of bacteria and odors.
• Elastane: Elastane, being a synthetic fiber, does not possess significant moisture absorption properties. Instead, it tends to retain moisture, which can lead to discomfort during prolonged wear. However, when combined with moisture-absorbing fabrics like cotton, elastane’s stretch and recovery properties complement the overall comfort of the garment.

Durability

• Modal: Modal fabric is relatively durable, with strength comparable to or slightly higher than cotton. The fibers can withstand regular wear and tear, making modal garments long-lasting when cared for properly. However, modal may be less resistant to abrasion compared to more robust synthetic fibers.
• Elastane: Elastane is highly durable and resilient due to its elastic nature. The fibers can stretch and recover repeatedly without losing their original shape or strength. This characteristic makes elastane an indispensable component in sportswear, activewear, and other garments that require frequent stretching and movement.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Modal: Modal fabric has moderate wrinkle resistance. While it is not entirely wrinkle-free, modal garments tend to hold their shape relatively well, even after extended periods of wear. However, heavy creasing or folding may result in some wrinkles, particularly if not properly stored or cared for.
• Elastane: Elastane, as a synthetic fiber, generally exhibits good wrinkle resistance. Its inherent elasticity helps garments bounce back to their original shape, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and creases. When blended with other fibers, elastane contributes to the overall wrinkle resistance of the fabric.

Shrinkage

• Modal: Modal fabric has minimal shrinkage when washed and dried following the care instructions. Proper handling and washing at appropriate temperatures can help maintain the garment’s original size and shape. Modal’s ability to retain its dimensions contributes to its durability.
• Elastane: Elastane, like many synthetic fibers, is prone to some shrinkage when exposed to high heat during washing or drying. However, when used in small percentages as a blending fiber, the shrinkage of elastane is typically well-controlled, allowing the garment to maintain its shape.

Pilling

• Modal: Modal fabric is relatively resistant to pilling, which occurs when small balls of fibers form on the surface of the fabric due to friction and wear. The smooth surface of modal fibers contributes to a reduced likelihood of pilling, ensuring that the fabric maintains its appearance over time.
• Elastane: Elastane, being a synthetic fiber, is generally resistant to pilling. Its smooth texture and elasticity prevent the formation of pills on the fabric’s surface. However, in some cases where elastane is heavily blended with other fibers, there may be a slightly increased risk of pilling.

Color Retention

• Modal: Modal fabric is known for its excellent color retention. The fibers hold dye well, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors in garments. Modal’s ability to retain color over time makes it an attractive choice for clothing manufacturers and consumers seeking enduring and aesthetically pleasing fabrics.
• Elastane: Elastane does not contribute directly to color retention as it is primarily used as a blending fiber in fabrics. The color retention of elastane-containing garments depends on the other fibers used in the blend. In general, synthetic fibers like elastane tend to have good colorfastness, especially when blended with other color-retaining fibers like polyester.

Abrasion Resistance

• Modal: Modal fabric has moderate abrasion resistance, which means it can withstand some wear and rubbing without showing signs of damage or fraying. However, compared to more durable synthetic fibers, modal may experience slight wear in high-friction areas over time.
• Elastane: Elastane exhibits high abrasion resistance due to its inherent elasticity and strength. Garments with elastane are less likely to show signs of wear in areas prone to frequent stretching and movement. This property is particularly advantageous in activewear and sportswear, where durability is essential.

Biodegradability

• Modal: Modal is considered a biodegradable fabric, meaning it can naturally break down over time when exposed to environmental conditions. This characteristic aligns with sustainability goals and reduces the environmental impact of modal garments when they reach the end of their life cycle.
• Elastane: Elastane is not biodegradable, and its synthetic nature makes it resistant to natural decomposition processes. When discarded, elastane-containing garments can contribute to microplastic pollution, emphasizing the need for responsible disposal or recycling.

Manufacturing Process

• Modal: The manufacturing process of modal involves extracting cellulose from beech tree wood pulp through chemical processing. The pulp is then spun into fibers, which are subsequently woven into fabric. While modal production does involve chemical treatments, efforts are made to ensure environmentally friendly processing, reducing water and energy consumption.
• Elastane: The manufacturing process of elastane, a synthetic fiber, is more complex and energy-intensive. Elastane is derived from petrochemicals, which undergo polymerization and extrusion to create the long-chain fibers. This process requires careful management of chemicals and energy resources.

Uses

• Modal: Modal is commonly used in various types of clothing due to its softness, comfort, and breathability. It is particularly favored for lightweight and flowing garments like dresses, blouses, and skirts. Additionally, modal is widely used for loungewear, underwear, and sleepwear due to its smooth texture and moisture-wicking properties.
• Elastane: Elastane is primarily used as a blending fiber to add stretch and flexibility to fabrics. It is a crucial component in sportswear, activewear, and other garments that require a high level of elasticity, support, and shape retention. Elastane is often combined with fabrics like cotton, polyester, and nylon to create comfortable and form-fitting clothing.

Blend Potential

• Modal: Modal fibers have excellent blend potential, as they can be combined with various other fibers to enhance specific properties. Common blends include modal with cotton for added strength and durability, or modal with elastane for improved stretch and flexibility. Modal’s ability to blend well with other fibers allows for a wide range of fabric compositions to meet different garment requirements.
• Elastane: Elastane is primarily used as a blending fiber to impart stretch and elasticity to fabrics. It is commonly blended with natural fibers like cotton or synthetic fibers like polyester to create flexible and form-fitting materials. Elastane’s blend potential allows garment manufacturers to create stretchy and comfortable clothing suitable for various activities.

Environmental Sustainability

• Modal: Modal is considered more environmentally sustainable compared to many other fabrics. The production process uses beech tree cellulose, which comes from renewable and fast-growing trees. Modal’s lower water consumption during cultivation and eco-friendly manufacturing processes contribute to its positive environmental profile.
• Elastane: Elastane is not considered environmentally sustainable due to its synthetic nature and reliance on petrochemicals for production. The petrochemical industry has significant environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and non-renewable resource consumption. Additionally, elastane’s slow biodegradability can lead to microplastic pollution when discarded.

Weight

• Modal: Modal fabric is lightweight, making it comfortable and suitable for use in light and airy clothing. Its soft and flowy texture contributes to the overall lightweight feel, making modal garments ideal for warm weather or relaxed wear.
• Elastane: Elastane fibers are also lightweight, which helps maintain the overall weight of the fabric when blended with other materials. Garments with elastane are easy to wear and provide freedom of movement due to their light and stretchy properties.

Cost

• Modal: The cost of modal fabric varies depending on factors like the quality of the fibers and the manufacturing process. Generally, modal is considered affordable and falls within a similar price range to cotton. However, it can be slightly more expensive than basic synthetic fabrics due to its eco-friendly production methods.
• Elastane: Elastane is relatively more expensive than natural fibers like cotton due to the complexity of its production process and the cost of petrochemicals. However, because elastane is often used as a blending fiber rather than the primary fabric, the overall cost of elastane-containing garments may not be significantly higher.

Allergenic Potential

• Modal: Modal fabric is known for its hypoallergenic properties, as it is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies. The smooth and soft fibers of modal make it gentle on the skin, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to other materials.
• Elastane: Elastane itself is not a common allergen, but some individuals may experience skin sensitivity when in direct contact with elastane-containing garments. However, when blended with other fabrics, the risk of allergenic reactions is generally low.

Modal Vs Elastane: Comparison Table

Criteria	Modal	Elastane
Material Source	Beech tree cellulose	Petrochemical-derived polymers
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly, low water usage	Synthetic, higher environmental impact
Stretch and Flexibility	Moderate stretch	Highly elastic, stretches up to 600% of its length
Softness and Comfort	Soft and smooth texture	Lightweight and soft, comfortable
Breathability	Good	Varies, depending on fabric blend
Moisture Absorption	High	Low, moisture-wicking properties when blended
Durability	Moderate	High
Wrinkle Resistance	Moderate	Low
Shrinkage	Minimal	Minimal
Pilling	Minimal	Low
Color Retention	Good	Good
Abrasion Resistance	Moderate	High
Biodegradability	Yes	No
Manufacturing Process	Spinning cellulose fibers	Synthetic polymer extrusion
Uses	Shirts, dresses, underwear, sleepwear	Activewear, swimwear, leggings, tight-fitting garments
Blend Potential	Blends well with other fibers	Used as a blending fiber for stretch
Environmental Sustainability	Yes	No
Weight	Lightweight	Lightweight
Cost	Generally affordable	Generally affordable
Allergenic Potential	Low	Low

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The comparison between modal and elastane reveals a diverse array of features that cater to different needs and preferences. Modal’s eco-friendly nature, softness, and breathability make it an excellent choice for comfortable, sustainable clothing.

On the other hand, elastane’s exceptional stretch and flexibility make it indispensable in sportswear and form-fitting garments.

Both fabrics have their strengths and applications, allowing consumers and manufacturers to tailor their choices based on performance requirements and environmental considerations.

By understanding the unique characteristics of modal and elastane, we can make conscious decisions that strike a balance between style, comfort, and sustainability in the ever-evolving world of textiles.