Modal Fabric
Ultra-soft, breathable modal fabric - the premium viscose alternative for luxury innerwear, kurtis, and sustainable fashion collections.
What is Modal Fabric?
Modal is a type of rayon (regenerated cellulose fibre) made specifically from beechwood pulp. It is known for being exceptionally soft - often described as softer than cotton - while also being more breathable and moisture-absorbent. Modal has a natural sheen similar to silk and drapes beautifully. It is resistant to shrinkage and pilling compared to regular rayon/viscose, and retains its softness after multiple washes. Modal blended with cotton or spandex is popular for premium innerwear, loungewear, and athleisure fabrics.
Key Properties
Key properties: exceptionally soft hand feel (softer than cotton), excellent moisture absorption (50% more than cotton), natural sheen and silky appearance, good drape, resistant to shrinkage and pilling, breathable and comfortable, biodegradable (plant-based fibre), retains colour well. Modal is often considered a sustainable alternative to synthetic fabrics due to its biodegradable nature and efficient production process.
Origin & History
Modal fibre was developed in the 1950s in Japan and later commercialised by Austrian company Lenzing AG, which produces the premium MicroModal brand. The beechwood trees used for modal are primarily grown in European managed forests. In India, modal fabric manufacturing has grown significantly as demand for premium innerwear and sustainable fashion has increased. Brands like Jockey, Amul Macho, and premium fashion labels use modal extensively.
Why Brands Choose Modal
Modal's premium softness positions it above regular cotton and viscose in the value chain. For innerwear and loungewear brands, modal is the premium material of choice. The sustainable fashion movement has boosted modal's appeal - its biodegradable, plant-based origins resonate with eco-conscious buyers. For ethnic wear brands, modal fabric produces exceptionally soft kurtis and dupattas with a premium feel. Export demand for modal-blend fabrics from Europe and USA is strong and growing.
Print Types for Modal
Modal's smooth surface takes printing beautifully. Best prints at Clothwala:
Digital Print
High-definition digital prints on modal fabric with exceptional colour vibrancy
Screen Print
Multi-colour screen prints on modal for fashion collections
Natural Dye
Naturally dyed modal fabric for sustainable and eco-fashion brands
Discharge Print
Discharge printing on modal for soft-hand premium casual wear
From Our Warehouse - Sahil Luthra, Clothwala
Written by Sahil Luthra, Founder - Clothwala.com | Based in Surat, India
At Clothwala, we have been in the textile wholesale business since 2018, operating from Surat - India's largest synthetic fabric hub. We work directly with 40+ mills, which means our buyers get factory-level pricing without middleman markup. Every fabric we list has been tested by our team for wash durability, colour fastness, and drape quality before it goes on the website. We ship to garment units, boutiques, and exporters across India with a minimum order of 200 meters.
Buying Tips for Modal
Tip 1: Order winter fabrics (velvet, wool-blend) by July-August. Prices go up 15-20% after September.
Tip 2: For digital printing, always use RFD (Ready for Dyeing) finish fabric. Pre-dyed fabric does not take digital prints cleanly.
Surat to Delhi NCR fabric shipments take 3-4 days by road. We also offer express courier for urgent orders.
Common Questions About Modal
Q: Do you ship outside India?
Yes. We export to UAE, USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, and 15+ countries. International shipping takes 7-15 days. We handle all export documentation.
Q: Do you provide fabric samples?
Yes. We send free samples for orders above Rs 10,000. For smaller enquiries, we charge Rs 50-100 per sample cut which is adjusted against your first bulk order.
Q: Can I get custom printing done?
Yes. We offer digital, screen, and rotary printing. Digital printing MOQ is 200 meters. Share your design files and we will send a printed sample before bulk production.
Last updated: April 2026 | Reviewed by Sahil Luthra, Clothwala Textile Exports | Surat, Gujarat, India
Uses & Applications
Premium Innerwear
Modal for soft, breathable innerwear and intimate apparel collections
Kurti Fabric
Soft modal kurtis for premium everyday ethnic wear
Loungewear
Modal loungewear sets for comfort and premium home wear
Sustainable Fashion
Modal for eco-conscious domestic and export fashion brands
Activewear Blends
Modal-spandex blends for yoga wear and premium activewear
Export Premium
Modal fabric for European and US premium sustainable fashion export
Source Modal Fabric in Bulk
Talk to Clothwala for wholesale pricing, samples, and custom print options on Modal fabric.
WhatsApp for Bulk Inquiry