Is Modal Good for Underwear? The Truth for Sensitive Skin
Yes, modal is one of the best underwear fabrics for sensitive skin. Its fibres are finer and smoother than cotton, and it lets air through and absorbs moisture, so it rubs less and doesn't trap heat.
If you’ve ever struggled to find gentle underwear for sensitive skin, you’re not alone. As someone living with lipoedema and lifelong skin sensitivities, I know how tricky it is to find fabrics that truly feel soft and non-irritating. That’s why I want to share my journey with TENCEL™ Modal—what it is, why I chose it for Cuurve, and how it’s helped me and many customers.
Want more room and less pressure?
Cosy Charlotte has an 8cm gusset and soft modal.
My First Encounter with Modal
Back in 2021, I went to a local fabric shop in Islington to learn how to sew a tote bag because I was fed up of flimsy tote bags that I wanted to create a sturdier one (notice the pattern here). After the class, when browsing fabrics in the store, that’s when I first held micro modal—an ultra-soft version of modal—in my hands. I’d read that modal was supposed to be a better, softer alternative to cotton, but hadn’t found any local suppliers until then. After Brexit, it was even harder to source modal from Europe, so finding it in a small shop just 15 minutes from home felt like a big win. The softness was unbelievable, and I instantly knew I wanted to make underwear out of it. My first design I made with modal was the Cosy Charlotte shorts - comfort boxer shorts for lounging at home in total ease.
What Customers Say
Since launching Cuurve, I’ve heard from so many clients and friends who say they “can’t believe how soft it is.” At pop-up events, people are always surprised when they compare cotton jersey to modal—modal feels silkier, lighter, and just more comfortable. Because I only buy high-quality fabric and don’t mass produce, the softness and feel stand out even more.
Why TENCEL™ Modal Is Different
TENCEL™ Modal, made by Lenzing in Austria, is a premium modal fabric with several benefits:
- Softer than cotton: The fibres are finer and smoother, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking: It keeps skin cool and dry, which is especially helpful for those with lipoedema, chronic skin conditions, or anyone prone to irritation.
- Dermatologist-recommended qualities: Dermatologists often suggest smooth, breathable, non-irritating fabrics for sensitive skin—modal fits this perfectly.
- Eco-friendly: Produced from sustainably managed beech wood in a closed-loop process, TENCEL™ Modal is better for the environment than most cotton or synthetic fabrics.
Why Modal Suits Sensitive Skin Day and Night
- It doesn’t rub: the fibres are so fine and smooth that they glide over delicate skin, which matters if you live with eczema, scarring or lipoedema.
- It stays cool: modal lets air through and absorbs moisture, so it doesn’t trap heat the way synthetics do, whether you wear it all day or sleep in it.
- It drapes lightly: modal sits softly on the body rather than clinging, so you barely notice it.
Why Quality Matters for Sensitive Skin
I often get asked why modal is better for sensitive skin and why it’s so important. My own journey taught me the hard way: as a uni student, I tried to save money by buying a cheap polyester jumper. It made me itch non-stop and eventually led to my diagnosis of macular amyloidosis. That shortcut ended up costing me more—both financially and emotionally. It took four years to get answers.
So my advice is: don’t scrimp on your personal comfort. Go for quality, because you’ll thank yourself in the long term. Underwear is something you wear every day, right next to your most sensitive skin—so why compromise? It’s a lot of trial and error to find what truly works, but always check credentials, the story of the brand, and how they produce their products.
I've talked about this before in my previous blog post on underwear that doesn't cause irritation and what to look for.
Sourcing and Trust
My Black and Burgundy pieces are made from TENCEL™ Modal, which I buy from small business owners who import it directly from Lenzing in Austria. Each batch comes with a sustainability passport, so you know exactly where the fabric comes from. My other colours use a different modal. Being open about where every fabric comes from is a big part of Cuurve's mission.
Modal underwear: quick answers
Is modal better than cotton for underwear?
For sensitive skin, often yes. Modal fibres are finer and smoother than cotton, so the fabric feels softer and rubs less. Both fabrics breathe.
Is modal good to sleep in?
Yes. Modal stays cool and drapes lightly rather than clinging. Cuurve customers wear the Cosy Charlotte shorts to sleep and lounge in.
What is TENCEL™ Modal?
TENCEL™ Modal is modal made by Lenzing in Austria from beech wood, in a closed-loop process.
Which Cuurve pieces come in modal?
The Cosy Charlotte shorts, the Sleek Sophie low rise brief and the Calm Clara cami. Black and Burgundy are TENCEL™ Modal; other colours use a different modal.
