Modal and TENCEL™ Lyocell are often mentioned in the same breath — both are plant-based, both are softer than cotton, and both are positioned as premium fabric choices for underwear. But they're meaningfully different materials, and the difference matters when you're buying boxer briefs you'll wear every day.
What Is Modal?
Modal is a semi-synthetic fibre made from beech tree pulp, processed into a soft, stretchy fabric. It's been around since the 1960s and is widely used in premium underwear, loungewear, and activewear.
Modal is notably soft, drapes well, and retains colour effectively. It's a genuine step up from cotton.
What Is TENCEL™ Lyocell?
TENCEL™ is a branded Lyocell fibre produced by Lenzing AG from wood pulp. The wood comes from certified or controlled sources, and the closed loop process recovers more than 99.8% of its solvent. It's newer than Modal and less widely known, but it outperforms it in several key categories.
It's the fabric behind the Nether Roam Boxer Brief and Boxer Brief I. See how Nether uses it in TENCEL™ Lyocell underwear.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | Modal | TENCEL™ Lyocell |
|---|---|---|
| Source material | Beech tree pulp | Wood pulp |
| Softness | Very soft; slightly heavier feel | Exceptionally smooth; lighter, silkier drape |
| Moisture management | Absorbs well; slower to release | Absorbs and releases faster; stays drier |
| Stretch | Naturally stretchy | Less inherent stretch; relies on blend |
| Sustainability | Better than cotton; open-loop process | Closed-loop; 99%+ solvent recovery |
| Durability | Good; can weaken when wet | Strong wet and dry; holds shape well |
| Pilling | Moderate tendency | Low pilling tendency |
| Availability | Widely used across many brands | Less common; signals deliberate fabric choice |
Where Modal Has the Edge
Modal's natural stretch makes it forgiving across a wider range of body shapes without needing significant elastane content. If you prefer a fabric that moves with you intuitively — like a second skin with give — Modal is a strong choice.
It's also more widely available, so you'll find more brands and price points to compare.
Where TENCEL™ Lyocell Pulls Ahead
In everyday wear conditions — especially heat, extended wear, and active movement — TENCEL™ has a real edge:
- Moisture management — Lyocell and Modal fibers support a natural dry feeling through moisture control. In warm weather or heated offices, you notice it.
- Durability when wet — Modal can weaken slightly when saturated; Lyocell maintains its structural integrity.
- Sustainability credentials — TENCEL™'s closed-loop process is more tightly controlled than standard Modal production, with stronger certification and traceability.
- Pilling resistance — TENCEL™ holds its surface appearance longer with regular washing.
Which Should You Choose?
If you're choosing between the two for everyday boxer briefs:
- Choose Modal if you prioritize natural stretch and a familiar, broken-in softness.
- Choose TENCEL™ Lyocell if you prioritize moisture management and long-term durability — particularly if you run warm or wear them for extended periods.
For most men in most conditions, TENCEL™ Lyocell is the stronger performer. It's why Nether chose it as the foundation fabric for the Roam Boxer Brief — and why the difference is apparent from the first wear.
Not sure which is right for you? The 30-Day First Pair Guarantee covers your first pair while you find out. Check the Size Guide and order your size today.