What Is Lyocell Fabric?
Lyocell is the generic name for a regenerated cellulosic fiber normally made by dissolving cellulose pulp and spinning the solution into fiber. TENCEL is a Lenzing trademark covering branded lyocell and modal products, while 天丝 is its Chinese brand name. In Chinese textile trading, 天丝 may also be used loosely for generic lyocell, so buyers should confirm the fiber producer, generic composition, brand authorization and supporting documents.
Common Specifications Buyers Compare
SpecificationCommon OptionsBuyer Note
Fiber identityGeneric lyocell, branded TENCEL Lyocell, or supplier-declared lyocell from a named producer.State whether the order requires generic lyocell or documented branded TENCEL fiber, because naming affects claims, labeling, traceability and price.
Fiber composition100% lyocell or blends with cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon or elastane.Confirm percentages by weight and test the final fabric, because blends may be sold under abbreviated or commercially convenient descriptions.
Fibrillation gradeStandard fibrillating, low-fibrillation, non-fibrillating or other supplier-specific fiber grades.Specify the grade when surface stability matters, because standard and low-fibrillation fibers can require different wet-processing routes.
Fabric constructionPlain weave, twill, sateen, denim, jersey, rib, interlock or French terry.Name the exact structure because similar fiber contents can produce very different stretch, opacity, strength and drape.
Yarn specificationRing-spun, compact-spun, open-end, blended staple yarn or supplier-dependent filament yarn.Record count, ply, spinning system and density because yarn structure influences hairiness, strength, pilling and surface uniformity.
Finished GSM and widthIndicative apparel weights range from lightweight shirtings to heavier knits and denim, with exact GSM agreed by quality.Set finished values and tolerances because dyeing, washing, relaxation and compaction can shift both weight and usable width.
Dimensional stabilityBuyer-defined limits after washing, drying, steaming or dry cleaning, depending on the product.Test the proposed care cycle because lyocell content alone does not predict warp, weft, length or width change.
Surface appearance after washing and abrasion testing.Clean surface, controlled low fibrillation, enzyme-cleaned finish or intentionally fibrillated effect.Approve washed panels under agreed lighting because fibrillation may appear as haze, whitening, fuzz or a deliberate peach-skin surface.
Main Applications
Woven lyocell is used for shirts, dresses, trousers, linings, soft denim and lightweight home textiles.Knitted lyocell is used for T-shirts, underwear, sleepwear, loungewear, dresses and soft next-to-skin products.Lyocell blends with cotton can add drape and softness while retaining a familiar cotton-led appearance.Lyocell blends with linen, wool or synthetic fibers can balance handle, durability, recovery, cost and processing behavior.
How Buyers Should Source It
- Separate the generic fiber requirement from the brand requirement so suppliers cannot quote unbranded lyocell against a TENCEL request.
- Ask whether the yarn uses standard, low-fibrillation or specially modified lyocell, because this choice affects processing routes, surface durability and price.
- Evaluate woven qualities for tear strength, seam slippage and wet surface change, especially in lightweight sateens, twills and garment-washed fabrics.
- Evaluate knits for spirality, pilling, bursting strength, recovery and shrinkage after relaxation and laundering.
- Approve lab dips and wash panels on the final construction, because dyeing and mechanical finishing can change shade depth, sheen and handle.
- Use a sealed bulk standard that records face side, surface character, drape, color, width and GSM.
- Confirm whether the quoted width and GSM apply before or after finishing, because relaxation and compaction can materially change both values.
- Test dark colors for wet rubbing and cross-staining where the fabric will contact light panels, linings or trims.
- Review fabric and garment care together, because tumble drying, agitation and high-temperature pressing can alter dimensions and surface appearance.
RFQ Checklist
- State the generic fiber percentages and identify any required branded fiber separately.
- Name the required woven or knitted construction and provide an approved reference swatch when handle is critical.
- Specify finished GSM, usable width and acceptable production tolerances.
- List yarn count, spinning system, filament or staple form, and elastane details where applicable.
- Define whether the target surface is clean, low-fibrillation, peach-skin, washed, brushed or sueded.
- Provide color standards, light source, shade tolerance and colorfastness requirements.
- State the intended laundering method and dimensional-stability limits after the required number of cycles.
- Specify pilling, abrasion, tensile, tear, bursting, seam and spirality requirements relevant to the construction.
- List restricted-substance, finishing-chemistry and chemical-management requirements for the destination market.
- Request fiber-producer evidence, brand authorization, chain-of-custody records and recycled-input documents required for product claims.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not treat 天丝 as proof of branded TENCEL fiber, because Chinese suppliers may use the term loosely for generic lyocell.
- Do not specify only fiber content, because construction, yarn, weight and finishing largely determine drape, stretch, opacity and durability.
- Do not approve surface appearance before laundering, because uncontrolled fibrillation may create whitening, fuzziness or localized abrasion afterward.
- Do not assume all lyocell fabrics use identical pulp sources, solvent recovery systems, recycled inputs or environmental controls.
- Do not substitute modal, viscose and lyocell without testing, because their production routes and wet-processing behavior differ.
- Do not evaluate shrinkage from fabric weight alone, because knit geometry, relaxation, compaction and garment construction also affect dimensional change.
- Do not accept sustainability logos or brand names without checking valid transaction, scope, composition and traceability documents.