How Tencel Modal Improves Fabric Flexibility for Activewear

There's something special that activewear needs. It has to stretch and return to shape. It has to be comfortable against the skin during strenuous activity. And now it must come from sustainable sources. It's precisely this amazing flexibility that is causing Tencel Modal to quickly emerge as an excellent fiber for activewear.

Natural Elasticity That Supports Dynamic Movement

The foundation of an activewear fabric's elasticity lies in its ability to stretch and snap back, properties that are naturally strong in Tencel Modal. Tencel Modal has inherently excellent elasticity. The fiber is able to be stretched and will return to its original shape. Many cellulosic fibers may stretch out too much or not have enough "springiness."

This means garments made from this fiber will move smoothly with the body. A Tencel Modal yoga top bends with you without stretching out. Modal knit leggings will move through a lunge or squat with no pull or tightness. At Ohyeah Textile, we ensure high elasticity throughout our range of products. Over one hundred circular knitting machines enable that the fabric structure does not constrict the body's movement. The knitted fabric supports active movement with no binding or tightness.

Blending Capabilities That Enhance Performance Characteristics

Even though Tencel Modal is an excellent fiber for activewear on its own, its true strength emerges when blended with other fibers. It blends with other materials wonderfully. Recycled polyester or elastane can be added to Tencel Modal blends to produce activewear fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, four way stretch, or compression.

Here at Ohyeah Textile our main products are recycled polyester fabric and activewear fabrics made from Tencel Modal blends. Our team of five expert eco-friendly fabric specialists uses research and analysis to provide recommendations for the ideal blend for your application. Whatever your need for lightweight base layers, medium weight leggings, or hardy outerwear fabrics, a blend can be engineered. We control all aspects of our process, from pre-treatment to finishing, across our twenty dye vats. We never sacrifice elasticity from harsh chemical processes.

Moisture Management That Maintains Flexibility When Wet

Wet fabrics tend to stretch out or cling to the skin become heavy. Tencel Modal fiber not only absorbs moisture extremely well but also maintains its fluidity and flexibility even when thoroughly wet, it will not stiffen up.

This property is an important one for activewear that is intended for high intensity activities or humid climates. A Tencel Modal runner's shirt stays soft and wearable after long miles and heavy sweat. A Tencel Modal training shirt is still soft and pliable when hot, and won't become stiff at your yoga workout. We monitor this flexibility of the moisture-wicking Tencel Modal fiber closely throughout the entire process of production to ensure this property is never damaged. We monitor the dyeing and finishing processes to prevent harsh finishes which would cause a coating on the fiber. The result is a flexible activewear fabric, even when moisture could otherwise affect the garment’s performance.

Reduced Fabric Drag for Unrestricted Motion

Low fabric drag is a less commonly considered but important requirement for activewear. When a fabric adheres to itself or to the wearer, resistance is created. The surface of Tencel Modal, however, is extremely smooth so it has extremely low fabric drag against itself or against the skin for truly unrestricted, free-flowing motion.

This is key to categories of activewear that involve repetitive motion such as running, cycling, or even gymnastics. We produce a Tencel Modal knit fabric with the surface characteristics controlled. Our complete quality control team makes sure each yard of fabric that leaves the building is consistent in its texture and finish. Our shrinkage is less than 5% and the colorfastness of our fabrics is a minimum of level 4 to 5.

Breathable Flexibility for Temperature Regulation

It is also crucial for an activewear fabric to be able to manage the body temperature of its wearer. It would be pointless for a fabric to be highly elastic if it only causes overheating and leaves the wearer feeling uncomfortable. Tencel Modal is inherently breathable. The fiber will allow free air circulation keeping the body at its optimal temperature. This works wonderfully with the fiber's flexibility and will create the perfect garment for the athlete without unnecessary heating of the body.

This makes Tencel Modal fantastic for staying warm during winter training or staying breathable during summer workouts. It is the combination of breathability and flexibility that truly makes Tencel Modal a fantastic and popular activewear fiber today. Our warehouse of over a thousand square meters stocks nearly two hundred tons of Tencel Modal knit fabrics per month that range in a wide variety of different styles and weight, suitable for all seasons and types of activities. We will have 200 workers here on site at all times to ensure that you get quality and excellent service!

Certified Sustainability for Responsible Activewear

In today's world, the origin and manufacturing process of materials are major concerns for activewear customers. At Ohyeah Textile we carry OEKO-TEX certificates on our entire supply chain including our yarn, all dyeing process, and finally the knitting of our activewear fabrics. In addition, we hold GOTS, OCS, and GRS certificates for Tencel Modal blends when applicable. Please reach out to us to inquire about how our Tencel Modal knits could enhance the flexibility of your activewear.