Lyocell 101

Lyocell 101

The most innovative natural fiber in your wardrobe

Fatima Sandoval, Quality Control Lead @ Son of a Tailor
03/06/25

Lyocell is one of those fabrics that almost feels futuristic: feather-light, breathable, soft enough to rival silk, and… made of wood pulp. Seriously.

Originally introduced under the trade name TENCEL™, Lyocell has since become the industry-standard name for this versatile, plant-based fiber. We use it in our collection where flow, drape, breathability and all-day comfort come first. To put it another way, it’s a perfect and unique fiber for the warm summer months.

What is Lyocell?

Lyocell is a cellulosic fiber, meaning it is made from wood pulp, typically sourced from a mix of certified and controlled trees, including eucalyptus, beech, and spruce. The pulp is processed into fiber through a closed-loop system that recovers and reuses more than 99% of the solvent used; a major win for low-impact production.

The result: a semi-synthetic fabric that blends natural origins with modern functionality.

Why Lyocell stands out

Lyocell is one of the most advanced fibers available today, with many qualities. These features are valuable year-round, but especially relevant when temperatures rise:

  • Breathability: Lyocell's structure allows for excellent airflow and moisture control, making it unfavorable to odor-causing bacteria. It absorbs sweat efficiently and releases it quickly, helping your body stay cool and dry, a key reason we turn to it for summer staples.
  • Softness: Exceptionally smooth and almost silky, Lyocell feels gentle against the skin, even on the hottest days.
  • Drape: Its lightweight, fluid nature gives garments an airy movement, ideal for warm-weather silhouettes.
  • Temperature regulation: Thanks to its moisture-wicking ability, Lyocell helps regulate body temperature more naturally than synthetic alternatives.
  • Low creasing: Great for travel and everyday wear; garments stay fresh and polished with less effort.
  • The fabric of the season, and beyond

    We lean on Lyocell when creating garments that need to perform in summer: lightweight enough to breathe, strong enough to last, and soft enough to feel luxurious all day. Its ability to regulate moisture and temperature makes it a smarter, more sustainable alternative to traditional cotton and synthetics, particularly in hot or humid climates.

    How we use Lyocell

    While Lyocell is a powerhouse fiber, we think it works best paired with cotton (67/33 split) to give your shirt a bit of extra strength, heft, and a subtle melange look. At 170 g/m2, our Lyocell T-shirt feels light and has an airy drape without feeling throwaway or shapeless.

    Whether you’re encountering Lyocell for the first time or have already made it a seasonal staple, we hope this gives you a deeper understanding of why we believe in it as a fiber. Roll on summer: it’s Lyocell season.

    Further Reading

    Field Notes # 1

    Field Notes # 1

    A farm of ideas in Mallorca with Giuliano D’Amico

    In living color

    In living color

    A conversation with Jason Tessier.

    Son Supply

    Son Supply

    A peek at our Portuguese production facility.