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. It is currently one of the softest, most breathable, and most environmentally friendly materials available for men's underwear.
How is lyocell made?
Lyocell is made by dissolving wood cellulose in a non-toxic organic solvent, 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 much 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 lyocell's properties for underwear?
Lyocell has five properties that make it the benchmark material for quality men's underwear.
1. Exceptional softness Lyocell fiber has a smooth surface at the microscopic level. To the touch, it is comparable to silk — without the demanding care 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 clammy feeling against the skin, even during active days. The skin stays dry, and 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 withstands repeated washing well and retains its shape without excessive stretching. Well-designed lyocell underwear maintains its fit for two to four years of regular wear.
5. Lightness Lyocell is intrinsically lightweight. A quality lyocell boxer weighs less than 70 grams — about a third less than an equivalent in thick ribbed cotton.
| Property | Lyocell | Organic cotton | Modal | Standard cotton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Moisture absorption | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Lightness | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Wash resistance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Environmental impact | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Is lyocell a natural or synthetic material?
Lyocell is a natural fiber of plant origin — neither synthetic nor artificial in the chemical sense. It is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, guaranteeing the absence of harmful substances in the final fiber.
The confusion with synthetics comes from its industrial manufacturing process. But 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 wearing performance with manufacturing responsibility.
What is the difference between lyocell and modal?
Lyocell and modal are both cellulosic fibers (wood-based), but their manufacturing process and properties differ slightly. Modal is produced from beech pulp, mainly by Lenzing as well (Tencel™ Modal brand). It is a bit softer and drapes better than lyocell, but 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.
How to care for lyocell underwear?
Lyocell is easy to care for, with two rules to follow:
- Wash at 30°C maximum — lyocell is sensitive to high temperatures that can shrink the fiber or alter its softness.
- Do not tumble dry — 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 an item.
Why Akinom chose lyocell for the PREMIUM range
When I launched Akinom in 2021, I had a simple constraint: the material had to deliver on the promise the cut could make. 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's 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 most tolerated materials for 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 withstands washing as well as cotton underwear, provided washing instructions are followed (30°C, no tumble dry). Perceived fragility often comes from inappropriate washing, not from the fiber itself.
What is Tencel™? Tencel™ is the trademark registered by Lenzing AG for its certified lyocell. It is the quality standard on the market: the closed-loop production process is certified, and fiber traceability is guaranteed from the forest to manufacturing. Akinom uses Lenzing™ lyocell in its PREMIUM range.
Is lyocell biodegradable? Yes. Lyocell is a biodegradable fiber of plant origin under appropriate conditions. It represents an alternative to synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) that persist for hundreds of years in the environment.
Written by Florian Wernert
