What is lyocell? The material that's changing men's underwear comfort

Lyocell is a natural textile fiber produced from wood pulp—primarily eucalyptus—processed using a closed-loop system that recycles 99% of the solvents used. Today, it is one of the softest, most breathable, and most environmentally friendly materials available for making men's underwear.

How is lyocell made?

Lyocell is manufactured by dissolving wood cellulose in a non-toxic organic solvent and then spinning it into fibers. This patented process—originally developed under the Tencel™ brand by Lenzing AG—differs from synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) due to its natural origin, and from viscose due to its closed-loop process, which is far less polluting.

The Tencel™ brand is the certified version of lyocell produced by Lenzing, used by premium brands concerned with traceability. At Akinom, the PREMIUM range is made from Lenzing™ lyocell.

What are the properties of lyocell for underwear?

Lyocell possesses five properties that make it the benchmark material for high-quality men's underwear.

1. Exceptional softness Lyocell fiber has a smooth surface on a microscopic scale. To the touch, it is comparable to silk—without the demanding maintenance of silk. For daily wear against the skin, this is a decisive advantage, especially for sensitive skin.

2. Breathability and thermoregulation Lyocell absorbs moisture up to 50% better than cotton and releases it quickly. The result: no feeling of moisture remaining against the skin, even on active days. The skin stays dry, and the temperature regulates naturally.

3. Bacterial resistance Active moisture management limits bacterial proliferation—and therefore odors. Lyocell underwear stays fresh longer than standard cotton underwear.

4. Shape retention Lyocell stands up well to repeated washing and retains its shape without excessive stretching. Well-designed lyocell underwear maintains its fit for two to four years of regular wear.

5. Lightweight Lyocell is inherently lightweight. A quality lyocell boxer brief weighs less than 70 grams—about a third less than an equivalent made of thick ribbed cotton.

→ view the guide "How to choose your men's underwear"

Is lyocell a natural or synthetic material?

Lyocell is a natural fiber of plant origin—neither synthetic nor artificial in the chemical sense of the term. It is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, which guarantees the absence of harmful substances in the final fiber.

The confusion with synthetics comes from its industrial manufacturing process. However, the raw material is 100% plant-based, the fiber is biodegradable, and the closed-loop process limits environmental impact at every stage. It is one of the few textile fibers that combines performance in wear with manufacturing responsibility.

What is the difference between lyocell and modal?

Lyocell and modal are both cellulose-based (wood) fibers, but their manufacturing processes and properties differ slightly. Modal is produced from beech pulp, mainly by Lenzing as well (Tencel™ Modal brand). It is slightly more supple and drapes better than lyocell, but is slightly less breathable.

In practice, for quality underwear, both materials offer superior comfort to standard cotton. Lyocell is often preferred for its lightness and active breathability. Modal is preferred for its maximum softness and "second skin" effect.

→ read the cotton vs. lyocell comparison

How to care for lyocell underwear?

Lyocell is simple to care for, with two rules to follow:

• Wash at 30°C maximum — lyocell is sensitive to high temperatures, which can shrink the fiber or alter its softness.
• No tumble drying — air dry flat or hanging. Tumble drying accelerates the wear of all premium fibers.

These two rules apply to all quality underwear, regardless of the material. Careful washing doubles the lifespan of a garment.

Why Akinom chose lyocell for the PREMIUM range

When I launched Akinom in 2021, I had a simple constraint: the material had to keep a promise that the cut could fulfill. FrontNest® solves the anatomical problem—but if the material generates heat or irritation, the problem comes back through the window.

Lyocell is the only material that combines lightness, thermoregulation, and softness at this level. That is why it became the material for the PREMIUM range—our most technical pieces, designed for men who no longer want to compromise on comfort.

→ Discover the PREMIUM range in Lenzing™ lyocell

Frequently asked questions about lyocell

Is lyocell suitable for sensitive skin? Yes. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified lyocell fiber is free of irritating chemical substances. Its smooth surface and moisture management make it one of the materials best tolerated by reactive skin or skin prone to redness.

Does lyocell shrink when washed? Slight shrinkage is possible if the first wash is done at too high a temperature. At 30°C, lyocell retains its shape wash after wash.

Is lyocell more fragile than cotton? No—well-constructed lyocell underwear resists washing just as well as cotton underwear, provided the washing instructions are followed (30°C, no tumble drying). The perceived fragility often comes from improper washing, not the fiber.

What is Tencel™? Tencel™ is the registered trademark of Lenzing AG for its certified lyocell. It is the market's quality benchmark: the closed-loop production process is certified, and the fiber's traceability is guaranteed from the forest to the finished product. Akinom uses Lenzing™ lyocell in its PREMIUM range.

Is lyocell biodegradable? Yes. Lyocell is a plant-based fiber that is biodegradable under appropriate conditions. It represents an alternative to synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) that persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Is lyocell worth the higher price compared to organic cotton?
Yes, in the sense that the price difference reflects a real difference in properties: better thermal regulation, faster drying, and a more pronounced second-skin feel than organic cotton. For standard daily use, INITIALE organic cotton remains an excellent choice. For regular physical activity or skin sensitive to heat, PREMIUM lyocell justifies its positioning.