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Does Tencel Wrinkle: Answered and Explained

If you are looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable material yet good-looking and practical, you are on the right track. We present you the Tencel material. This type of fabric can be used in various ways. From underwear making to high fashion clothing pieces. But what is Tencel, and how can you maintain it? Most importantly, does Tencel wrinkle?

Tencel is widely known for its characteristic of not wrinkling. Being created by a rather interesting manufacturing process, Tencel is the best of both worlds, man-made(artificial) and natural fabric.

Key Takeaways

  • Tencel can be known in two cases. The first is as a natural fiber itself and the second one is as the Austrian clothing brand called Tencel©
  • This fabric is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Even though the dyeing process is mixed with chemicals, it is still sustainable and safe for wear.
    • Tencel doesn’t wrinkle. In fact, Tencel blends are very wrinkle-resistant because of the strong molecules that hold them together tightly.
    • it doesn’t need much of a maintaining. Just take care of the way you let it dry and read the label so you know in what kind of settings to wash it.
  • Woven Tencel should be put on a clothing hanger, while stretchy Tencel is put and folded in drawers for the best duration.
  • Clean Tencel carefully without toxic bleaches. Try cleaning it with warm water and a little bit of detergent.

What is Tencel?

Tencel as a material itself belongs in the rayon section. It is a type of rayon, just like viscose. On the other hand, Tencel is a brand name itself owned by an Austrian company named Lenzing AG. Usually, Tencel is referred to as the Tencel lyocell mix, but you need to know the variety of options where Tencel is used. As we said, sometimes it can be as the fabric itself, sometimes the brand’s name, and very usually as the mix of lyocell Tencel.

How is Tencel produced?

Tencel belongs to the rayon group. It is a type of rayon, just like viscose. The cellulose fibers can be made by dissolving the wood pulp and then spinning it (Spinning is an innovative process of drying).  Before you let it dry, the wood chips are mixed up with solvent so they can get a nice watery texture. Then, threads are made by pushing the mixture into small holes which are treated with chemicals. And last but not least, the fibers are woven so we can get a nice material.

Is Tencel ethical fabric?

Tencel is an eco-friendly and sustainable material. It is not as organic as pure cotton or linen, but it is still very friendly to the environment. For example, when we are talking about production, Tencel takes less energy or water to be produced, unlike cotton. Tencel is a plant-based fiber which also makes it biodegradable, but only if it isn’t fixed with other materials or chemicals. Although it is an ethnic fabric, Tencel absorbs harmful chemicals when it is dyed. Logically, you bust dye the Tencel because it is white when it is freshly produced, but sometimes there is no need for it since clear white is a good option to go.

Does Tencel wrinkle?

You will like this one because we have good news for you, and yes, Tencel is resistant to wrinkles. This is a very practical feature of Tencel. Tencel rarely needs ironing or steaming because its molecules make a strong and smooth bond on the surface of the fabric. Although pure Tencel doesn’t wrinkle, even if you squish it for a whole day, Tencel mixtures can wrinkle a little bit. But still, the solution is rapid and fast, just as pressing the iron for a couple of seconds on the wrinkled spot.

How to maintain Tencel?

If you want your Tencel clothes to look fresh always and forever, then you can follow these simple steps to its good maintenance. First, you should always read the etiquette label so you know what temperature or setting you should set for your washing machine. Second, it is always better to hang it to dry rather than drying it in a machine or folding it. Remember, folding creates creases and wrinkles. Make sure to choose Tencel mixtures when buying clothes. The mixtures of Tencel are more wrinkle-resistant.

Getting wrinkles out of Tencel

We already made clear that Tencel is not wrinkly material. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can’t get wrinkles ever. It can if you fold it hilariously. So, how can you get the wrinkles out if it wrinkles? Steaming and ironing always work wonders, but be very careful about what temperature you iron or steam it. Tencel doesn’t like scorching surfaces or temperatures. To make it last longer, it is preferred if you put a towel or mesh over the surface before you iron it, so it protects it from heat even more. Also, don’t hold on too long with the iron. If you hold the iron onto your Tencel blouse for more than a couple of seconds, then get ready to say bye to it since it is sensitive to heat.

How to clean Tencel?

Remember to not use harsh or bleachable products if you want to remove stains from Tencel. This fabric is very sensitive and delicate, so it doesn’t need very toxic products for cleaning. Also, try to avoid scrubbing the stains off because it will ruin your garment. If you get Tencel stained, it is best to rinse the stain with warm water right at the moment it got stained or apply a little bit of detergent and spot-clean it with your hands or other clean fabric. Also, how you store Tencel is vital. Stretchy Tencel should be folded in a drawer or wardrobe, while woven Tencel is best to be hung.


Final words

If you live a very dynamic life, hate ironing, or simply don’t have time for ironing, then Tencel is the most suitable choice for you. It doesn’t need ironing, and it is very sustainable and easy to clean or maintain. Just beware of getting it in contact with very hot temperatures, and you are fine! For best durability, leave it to dry on its own, and your Tencel clothes will look as fresh as you first bought them!

Further Reading

You can do some further reading; there is a blog that answers the question, can a tailor make a dress bigger?

Another one is a comparison between quilting and sewing. There’s also a blog that explains in detail if polyester shrink.