if you've ever pulled on a piece of loungewear and thought, why is this so soft?, there's a good chance the answer was micro modal. it's the fabric behind every ociasoft™ piece we make, so here's what it is, how it compares to cotton, and how to care for it so it stays soft for years.
what is modal?
modal is a fiber made from the pulp of beech trees. the wood pulp is dissolved and spun into long, fine fibers, which puts modal in the same family as rayon and lyocell: fabrics that start with natural plant material and are refined into a smooth, consistent thread. the result feels closer to silk than to the cotton most t-shirts are made from.
what makes it micro modal?
micro modal is modal spun into especially fine fibers. finer fibers make a denser, smoother fabric with more drape, which is why micro modal feels lighter and softer against the skin than standard modal.
our ociasoft™ knits are 93% siro micro modal and 7% spandex. siro refers to a spinning method that twists fibers into a smoother yarn, and the spandex adds just enough stretch for each piece to move with you and hold its shape.
micro modal vs. cotton
cotton is a natural, durable, familiar fiber, and there's a lot to love about it. micro modal makes a different set of trade-offs:
- softness: micro modal is noticeably smoother and silkier, especially in a fine knit.
- drape: it falls and moves rather than holding a stiff shape, which gives relaxed lounge pieces their easy look.
- breathability: micro modal is breathable and absorbs a lot of moisture, more than cotton in many cases, which helps it stay comfortable through a long day.
- care: cotton handles hot washes and dryers well, while micro modal lasts longest with gentler care.
if you want a sturdy everyday tee you can toss in a hot dryer, cotton is a great choice. if you want something that feels weightless and soft enough to forget you're wearing it, that's where micro modal shines.
is micro modal sustainable?
the beech trees modal comes from are a renewable resource, and modal production can be more water-efficient than growing cotton. like any fabric, the full picture depends on how it's made and dyed. we finish our pieces with bluesign® approved dyes, package them in biodegradable materials, and cut and sew every ociasoft™ piece in minnesota. you can read more about how we make things on our mindfully made page.
how to care for micro modal
- wash before wearing
- machine wash cold
- lay flat to dry
skipping the dryer is the single best thing you can do to keep micro modal soft and in shape.
the ociasoft™ knits
we make ociasoft™ in two micro modal knits, each with its own feel:
- ociasoft™ loft: a brushed, weightless knit for relaxed long sleeves, lounge pants and shorts, plus our men's hoodie and jogger.
- ociasoft™ ribbed: a close, structured fine rib for tanks, crop tops, lounge pants and accessories.
every top and bottom is designed to mix and match, so you can pair them into a matching lounge set in either knit or color. pair any ociasoft™ top with a bottom and the bottom is 10% off at checkout.
shop the ociasoft™ edit or explore men's loungewear.