When you hear the name Lyocell fabric, you may have an idea of the feel of the material. The softness and drape feature it has been hard to forget. However, what is Lyocell fabric is a question that does not get a lot of answers.
The knowledge behind its creation process, traits, utilization in the industry, and ecological impact is minor. So, if you find yourself being curious about what lyocell fabric is, this is the right article.
What is Lyocell Fabric?
Lyocell fabric can be defined as a subtype of rayon that is made through an artificial process of dissolving and spinning wood pulp, especially eucalyptus wood. Throughout this process, a mixture of chemicals is added as well, but a majority of the manufacturing progression is thanks to the natural wood cellulose.
Although Lyocell is a descendant of rayon, that does not imply that they are identical fibers. Lyocell has its own set of properties with its benefits and drawbacks.
Invented in 1972, Lyocell gained popularity from its looks, feel, and the element that creates it. There is a chance you have heard about Tencel. While most think that it is a different material from Lyocell, it’s not. It is not a synonym of Lyocell either. Tencel is just the company name that manufactures Lyocell successfully. Therefore, the next time the material Tencel is mentioned, just keeps in mind that it is simply Lyocell with a company name on it.
Ending the history lesson here, Lyocell can be identified through its texture as well. Lyocell is a fabric that gets to enjoyed considerable popularity and awe due to its properties and usage. However, it would be unfair to explain these features in a single paragraph. To resolve this, I have assigned each a separate discussion space.
You can also read whether lyocell wrinkles.
Lyocell Traits
Lyocell’s admiration comes from the texture that it delivers to the consumer. It has silk-like qualities that hugely impact its presence in the market, raising it to levels comparable with a lot of lavish fabric.
The massive use of Lyocell is also thanks to the impression upon touch that it delivers. This impression includes the material softness and smoothness, which provides the customer with comfort. Lyocell also gives the purchaser a sense of being lightweight which you can correlate with the drape effect that it gives; these two features alone qualify Lyocell for many apparel categories.
Another quality Lyocell has is its ability to be extremely absorbent but lightweight and breathable at the same time. This is a trait that is very useful for its usage in activewear, a topic that we will surely discuss later on. A significant advantage to all of this is Lyocell’s capability to maintain the color that it is given.
As you may have noticed, Lyocell possesses a number of traits that work very well together to create a material that is desired by all. The presence of natural oil in its cellulose fiber is the cause of all these qualities, which include smoothness, softness, and color maintenance. Once again demonstrating the significance of the main component that creates Lyocell.
Lyocell Utilization
All of the above-mentioned qualities are thoroughly used in a lot of different industries. The manufacturers that use Lyocell are aware of this and know how to utilize it in extremely creative ways.
Lyocell is able to provide a lot to the apparel department. Features like being lightweight and absorbent make it an ideal choice for consumers that have an active lifestyle. The softness that it offers pairs well with the previously mentioned feature that also goes hand in hand with the material drape. With just these three qualities, Lyocell can be used in more elegant environments as well, giving the consumer a sense of luxury at half the cost.
This artificial silk replica is widely used in other productions also. One of these is house accessories. This synthetic fiber’s main characteristics go greatly with the sophisticated ambiance that most homeowners and designers try to reach. You can find pure Lyocell and Lyocell blends in towels, drapery, lavish upholstery, and so on.
Being a versatile thread, Lyocell is a fabric that can be found in a lot of places. An achievement that it deserves since it does have some remarkable features that would be a shame to not utilize.
You can also read what is rayon fabric.
The Effect Lyocell Has On The Environment
A key component to understanding and giving a knowledgeable definition of a material is the impact it has on the atmosphere around us. This, of course, involves Lyocell fabric as well.
Since Lyocell is made from natural wood cellulose, one would assume that it is very safe for the environment. This is true to an extent. Lyocell decomposes at a wonderful rate giving satisfactory results. It takes a minimum of 90 days for Lyocell to biodegrade and return to its natural first state. Of course, this is great news considering that plant-based materials are used to create it. Lyocell seems like never-ending excellence.
What people tend to forget when thinking about Lyocells’ footprint on the environment around us is the manufacturing process. To bring this synthetically made material, it is required for heavy machinery to be used as well as chemicals. Now, by no end does this mean that Lyocell is single-handedly destroying our environment, but it is important information that I feel the need to highlight.
Apart from that, Lyocell does not harm the earth we live in; this is the reason why it is used by a lot of brands that have a good image when it comes to environmental friendliness and safety.
Downsides of Lyocell
Like any other material, Lyocell thread has an irritating attribute also. While most do not see a problem with this downside, others find it tiresome.
Lyocell maintenance after purchase is a bother to many. Because it is a rayon derivative, special precautions need to be taken to keep it clean and in its original condition. Sensitivity towards high heat temperatures is a tedious trait that not everyone can deal with. Although I am aware that this is not a groundbreaking downside, it is an existing one that Lyocell has.
You can also read what is polyester fabric.
Final Words
Hopefully, I have been of assistance in understanding what Lyocell fabric is. It is a very interesting thread with a lot of beneficial traits for almost everyone. You may begin to notice Lyocell fabric all around you now and feel appreciative for all it provides with the minimum amount of cost and harm.
Sewing is definitely one of my biggest hobbies. I’ve been doing it since i was young, thanks to my mother. I specialize in sewing, and that’s what i mostly write about.
