Can I put lyocell in the dryer?

It is best to avoid the dryer. While you can technically put Lyocell in the dryer, it is a delicate, plant-based fiber that is highly sensitive to heat. Therefore, the best practice is to air dry naturally.

Can lyocell be ironed?

To keep your TENCEL™ garments in peak condition and preserve their shape, avoid exposing them to high temperatures. This means skipping hot water washes, tumble drying, and high-heat ironing.

Is Lyocell better than cotton for hot sleepers?

Yes. Lyocell is widely considered the ideal choice for hot sleepers because it is 50% more absorbent than cotton. It doesn't just trap moisture; it quickly wicks it away and releases it into the air, keeping your body temperature stable throughout the night.

Does Lyocell shrink after washing?

Lyocell is more shrink-resistant than cotton. However, it can still shrink slightly (usually around 3%) if exposed to high heat during the first wash. To prevent this, always wash in cold water and air dry or use a low-heat setting.

Is Lyocell a natural or synthetic fiber?

Lyocell is considered a semi-synthetic or "man-made cellulosic" fiber. While the raw material is 100% natural (wood pulp), it requires a specific chemical process to transform that pulp into soft, wearable fibers.

What is Lyocell Fabric and Why Choose it?

FEB 12, 2026

Last updated: FEB 12, 2026

683 views, 6 mins read

When checking labels on clothing or bedding, you may often come across the term Lyocell.

If you aren’t sure whether this fabric's unique properties are suitable for your skin type, this guide will provide everything you need to know about this eco-friendly material, from its benefits to its comparsion with other fabrics.

In this article

1. What is Lyocell Fabric？ What are the Differences Between Tencel and Lyocell 2. From Wood to Wardrobe: The Lyocell Production Process 3. Why Choose Lyocell? Key Benefits, Pros & Cons 4. Tencel Lyocell vs Cotton vs. Bamboo: A Quick Comparison 5. Common Uses for Lyocell Fabric 6. How to Care and Maintain Tencel Lyocell Bedding 7. FAQs

What is Lyocell Fabric?What are the Differences Between Tencel and Lyocell

Lyocell is a sustainable, semi-synthetic textile made from the cellulose (wood pulp) of trees—most commonly eucalyptus, beech, oak, and birch.

Note

The 300-400 Range: This is the most common for high-quality Lyocell. Because Lyocell fibers are finer and stronger than cotton, a 300 thread count Lyocell sheet often feels much softer and more luxurious than a 1000-thread-count cotton sheet.

In the world of textiles, it is categorized as a third-generation cellulosic fiber. To understand its place, think of the evolution:

First Generation (Viscose/Rayon): Soft but often chemical-heavy.
Second Generation (Modal): Softer and more durable.
Third Generation (Lyocell): High-performance, exceptionally strong, and produced via a highly eco-friendly "closed-loop" process.

Lyocell has gained massive popularity in premium bedding and apparel because it manages to combine the best traits of other fabrics: it has the breathability of cotton, the drapery of rayon, and the luxurious feel of silk.

Lyocell vs Tencel

Most people don't realize that Lyocell and Tencel are virtually identical. The only real distinction is that Tencel is a specific brand name for the generic Lyocell fiber.

Lyocell is the generic name for the fiber (like "tissue").

Tencel™ is a trademarked brand name for Lyocell (and Modal) owned by the Austrian company Lenzing AG (like "Kleenex").

Sustainability Standards

While any factory can technically produce "Lyocell," Tencel™ is held to the highest environmental standards in the industry.

Certified Sourcing: Lenzing guarantees that the wood used for Tencel comes from sustainably managed forests (FSC or PEFC certified).

Closed-Loop Innovation: While the "closed-loop" process is a hallmark of Lyocell, Lenzing perfected it, recycling more than 99.7% of the solvent used.

When a product is labeled as Tencel™ Lyocell, it acts as a seal of quality. It ensures the fiber hasn't been blended with lower-quality synthetics without disclosure and that it has been manufactured with minimal environmental impact.

From Wood to Wardrobe: The Lyocell Production Process

The production of Lyocell is a "green revolution" characterized by its revolutionary Closed-Loop system:

Sourcing: Wood is harvested from sustainably managed forests (such as Eucalyptus) and processed into wood pulp.
Eco-Friendly Dissolving: The pulp is dissolved using a non-toxic organic solvent. Unlike traditional synthetics, this process is environmentally safe.
The Closed-Loop Cycle: This is the most critical step—over 99% of the solvent and water is recovered and reused, resulting in virtually zero waste.
Spinning & Weaving: The liquid is pushed through spinnerets to form fibers, which are then washed, dried, and woven into the silk-soft fabric we love.

Summary

This process uses 20 times less water than cotton production and creates a material that is 100% biodegradable.

Why Choose Lyocell? Key Benefits, Pros & Cons

Lyocell isn’t popular by accident. With its moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and anti-mite properties, it has become a go-to fabric choice for clothing and bedding alike.

Pros (Key Features)

Superior Moisture Management: Lyocell absorbs moisture 50% more efficiently than cotton, keeping you dry and comfortable all night.
Natural Cooling: Its breathable structure makes it the ultimate fabric for "hot sleepers" and warm climates.
Gentle on Skin: The fibers are smooth and round, reducing friction. It is a top choice for those with sensitive skin or eczema.
Hygienic & Anti-Odor: Because it manages moisture so well, it creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria and dust mites to grow.
Eco-Friendly: Made from renewable wood pulp in a process that recycles 99% of its resources.

Cons

Higher Price Point: Due to the high-tech, sustainable manufacturing process, Lyocell usually costs more than cotton or polyester.
Specific Care Requirements: It can be sensitive to high heat. To prevent pilling or shrinkage, it requires gentle washing and low-heat drying.

Tencel Lyocell vs Cotton vs. Bamboo : A Quick Comparison

Feature Dimension	Tencel Lyocell	Cotton	Bamboo
Material Source	Eucalyptus wood pulp, produced through a closed-loop process	Cotton plant fiber	Bamboo pulp or fiber, mostly made through viscose process
Hand Feel & Luster	Extremely smooth, strong drape, silk-like luster	Soft and natural, finer depending on weave (such as, long-staple cotton)	Soft and smooth, similar to viscose or flat-weave silk
Breathability & Temp Control	Excellent moisture wicking, temperature regulating, ideal for sweaty sleepers	Good breathability, suitable for all seasons	Good breathability, feels cool in summer, average warmth retention in winter
Durability & Strength	High wet strength (not prone to breaking when wet), strong tear resistance, may pill	Very durable, withstands high-temp washing, softens over time	Low wet strength (prone to breaking when wet), tends to become brittle or damaged after washes
Care & Maintenance	Requires delicate care, avoid high heat, prone to wrinkles	Easy to care for, resistant to high-temp washing, but very prone to wrinkles	Requires gentle washing, prone to shrinkage or deformation
Price Positioning	Higher-end (premium eco-friendly fabric)	Wide range, from affordable to high-end options (such as , Egyptian cotton)	Low to mid-range, typically lower than Tencel
Eco-Friendliness	Excellent (99% solvent recovery rate, low carbon footprint)	Depends on farming method (organic cotton is more eco-friendly)	Depends on process; traditional viscose method may cause pollution

Common Uses for Lyocell Fabric

Lyocell’s unique combination of strength, softness, and moisture-wicking properties makes it a "super-fiber" used in much more than just bed sheets.

1. Premium Bedding & Home Textiles

This is where Lyocell truly shines. Because of its thermal regulation, it is the top choice for:

Luxury Sheets & Pillowcases: Offering a silk-like feel that stays cool.
Tencel Mattress Protectors: Providing a breathable, hygienic barrier that doesn't feel like plastic.
Towels: Often blended with cotton to make towels softer and more absorbent.

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2. Sustainable Fashion & Apparel

Fashion designers love Lyocell for its beautiful "drape" (the way it hangs on the body).

Everyday Wear: Soft t-shirts, flowy dresses, and button-down shirts.

Denim: "Tencel Denim" is a popular trend where Lyocell is mixed with cotton to create jeans that are incredibly soft and flexible.

Activewear: Because it wicks sweat 50% better than cotton, it’s used in yoga wear and light performance gear.

3. Intimate Apparel

Since Lyocell is hypoallergenic and inhibits bacterial growth, it is ideal for clothing that sits closest to the skin:

Underwear & Lingerie: Providing breathability where it’s needed most.
Sleepwear: Pajamas that help prevent night sweats.

4. Industrial & Medical Applications

The strength of Lyocell fibers (even when wet) makes it useful in specialized fields:

Eco-friendly Wipes: Biodegradable baby wipes and makeup remover pads.
Medical Dressings: Used in bandages because of its high absorbency and clean production process.

How to Care for and Maintain Tencel Lyocell Bedding

how to care and maintain tencel lyocell bedding

Step 1. Wash in Cold Water
Always use cold or lukewarm water (below 30°C/86°F) and select a gentle or delicate wash cycle. High temperatures can shrink natural fibers and cause the fabric to lose its signature soft feel. To prevent pilling, turn your bedding inside out before washing and avoid washing it with rough items like towels or denim.

Step 2. Use a Mild Liquid Detergent
Choose a mild, pH-neutral liquid detergent. Avoid any products containing bleach, optical brighteners, or strong enzymes, as these ingredients can damage cellulose fibers, leading to yellowing or premature wear.

Step 3. Skip the Fabric Softener
Lyocell fibers are naturally soft. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets leave a waxy coating on the fiber surface, clogging the fabric's "pores." This reduces the fabric's natural ability to wick moisture and regulate body temperature.

Step 4. Air Dry Whenever Possible
The best way to preserve Lyocell is to line dry it in the shade. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting (air fluff mode) and remove the bedding while it is still slightly damp. Over-drying with high heat can make the fibers brittle and cause excessive wrinkling.

Step 5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
When not in use, store your bedding in a breathable cotton bag or on a linen shelf. Avoid plastic storage bins, as they trap moisture, which can lead to musty odors or yellowing of white fibers over time.

Botton Lines

Whether used for clothing or as cool, comfortable bedding, Lyocell fabric is an excellent choice. The Newentor Lyocell waterproof mattress protector features 100% Lyocell fibers and protects your mattress against damage, staining, spills, and accidents.