What Cuurve's Fabrics Are Made From, and Why I Chose Them
Cuurve uses three main fabrics: TENCEL™ Modal, ECONYL® regenerated nylon and lyocell. I chose them for how they feel against the skin first, and for where they come from second. This post sets out what each one is, where each piece is made, and what we can honestly say about them.
What is TENCEL™ Modal?
TENCEL™ Modal is a fibre made from beech wood pulp. It is soft, breathable and lightly stretchy, which is why we use it for the Cosy Charlotte shorts, the Sleek Sophie brief and the Calm Clara cami. Our modal is OEKO-TEX® certified, which means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances.
What is ECONYL® regenerated nylon?
ECONYL® is nylon made from nylon waste rather than new raw material. Its maker, Aquafil, says that waste includes fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic (econyl.com). We use it for pieces that need a smoother, cooler feel, such as our Midnight Navy and Black Beauty colours.
What is lyocell?
Lyocell is another wood-based fibre. It is light and breathable, and we use it for the Sweet Sienna cami and short set.
Where is each piece made?
- Cosy Charlotte, Sleek Sophie, Calm Clara and our other UK pieces: made in small batches in our women-led studio in Yorkshire.
- Sweet Sienna set: made by our maker in Portugal.
Each product page states where that piece is made.
What we don't claim
An earlier version of this post gave carbon-saving figures for our fabrics and our supply chain. I have removed them because I can't show you the evidence behind them for our own production. When I can measure something properly, I'll share it with the source.
Why the fabric matters for comfort
Fabric is only half of it. Our briefs and shorts also have an 8cm gusset, wider than the 5.5–6cm we measured on four well-known brands, to give your body and your pad more room. Read why the gusset is different.
FAQ
Is TENCEL™ Modal the same as cotton?
No. Modal is made from wood pulp, not cotton. It feels smoother and softer than most cotton jersey.
Where is Cuurve made?
Our UK pieces are made in Yorkshire. The Sweet Sienna set is made in Portugal.
How should I wash it?
Machine wash at 30°, line dry, and avoid tumble drying and fabric softener.
Aileen Gana, founder of Cuurve