# Modal Yarn for Athleisure. **Fiber Guide · B2B Sourcing · Data-Driven** --- ## Hero Modal is the rare fiber that closes the gap between performance activewear and premium casualwear — the exact territory athleisure occupies. Derived from beechwood cellulose via an extended viscose process, Modal yarn produces a fabric with genuine silky drape, 50% better moisture absorption than cotton, and a surface smoothness that resists pilling under repeated friction. For brands positioning themselves between the gym and the street — yoga studios, reformer pilates, lifestyle athleisure — Modal offers a hand-feel narrative that polyester blends simply cannot replicate at a comparable price point. The key differentiator: Modal fiber fineness typically runs 1.0–1.3 dtex (versus standard viscose at 1.5 dtex), which translates directly to softer surface contact and superior drape coefficient in lightweight knit constructions at 160–200 GSM. --- ## At a Glance **The comparison, summarised.** | Dimension | Rating | Notes | |---|---|---| | Softness / Hand Feel | 9/10 | 1.0–1.3 dtex fineness produces a surface touch closer to silk than standard viscose. In athleisure, where next-to-skin comfort is a primary purchase driver, this is Modal's strongest commercial asset. | | Durability / Abrasion Resistance | 6/10 | Modal's wet tensile strength (~1.8–2.2 cN/tex) is lower than polyester (4.0+ cN/tex). Athleisure garments face repeated washing and moderate stretch stress — Modal holds up for 40–60 wash cycles before visible degradation if care instructions are followed. Not a five-year daily driver. | | Colour Retention / Colorfastness | 8/10 | Excellent reactive dye uptake; wash fastness typically ISO 4/5. The fiber's hydrophilic structure allows deeper dye penetration than polyester, producing richer, more saturated colors — a significant aesthetic advantage for premium athleisure colorways. | | Breathability / Moisture Management | 8/10 | Modal absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton by weight and wicks it to the fabric surface for evaporation. Not as fast-wicking as engineered polyester mesh, but the absorption-first mechanism feels better against skin during low-intensity movement. | | Stretch & Recovery | 5/10 | Pure Modal has limited inherent stretch (3–5% elongation at break). Athleisure applications almost always require Modal/spandex or Modal/elastane blends (typically 92/8 or 90/10) to achieve the 20–30% elongation needed for yoga or movement-focused garments. | | Cost Efficiency (B2B) | 7/10 | Modal yarn prices at $5–8/kg versus cotton's $2–3.50/kg. The premium is real, but the softer hand-feel commands 20–40% higher retail price in athleisure, improving margin-per-garment rather than degrading it. | | Sustainability / Eco Credentials | 7/10 | TENCEL Modal (Lenzing) uses closed-loop solvent recovery (99.5% chemical recapture). Generic modal production is less clean. Certification matters here — ECOVERO and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 are the markers B2B buyers should specify. | | Ease of Care / Wash Durability | 6/10 | Requires cold or warm wash (30–40°C max), low tumble dry or line dry. Consumers who treat athleisure like gym kit (hot wash, high spin) will degrade Modal garments within 15–20 cycles. Sewn care labels and consumer education are non-negotiable. | --- ## Why Modal for Athleisure **What makes Modal the right choice for athleisure.** **01. Anti-Cling Drape That Bridges Gym and Street** The athleisure category's core promise is a garment that looks intentional in both a yoga studio and a brunch setting. This is where Modal's drape coefficient becomes a performance specification, not just an aesthetic one. Modal's fiber structure — longer chains of cellulose compared to standard viscose — produces a weighted, fluid drape that lies close to the body without the static cling characteristic of synthetic blends. In practical terms: a 165 GSM Modal-jersey tank drapes and moves like a lightweight woven while maintaining knit stretch. This is structurally impossible in polyester-dominant fabrications, which rely on mechanical stretch rather than natural drape. For brands selling "the perfect all-day set," Modal's behavior at rest (elegant, weighted) and in motion (non-restrictive, no cling) is the physical embodiment of the gym-to-street proposition. Compare this to a standard 150 GSM cotton-jersey tank, which tends to hold shape and feel stiffer — acceptable for gym performance, less convincing at a café post-workout. **02. Moisture Absorption Without the Wet-Cotton Problem** Active consumers know the wet-cotton problem: standard jersey absorbs moisture but holds it, becoming cold, heavy, and clinging during and after exercise. Modal absorbs moisture at a comparable or higher rate to cotton (~50% greater by weight) but the fiber's finer cross-section (1.0–1.3 dtex) allows faster surface migration to the outer face of the fabric, reducing that saturated, heavy feel. The mechanism: Modal's micro-fibrillar structure increases the surface-area-to-mass ratio versus cotton, enabling faster moisture transport without engineered moisture-wicking chemistry. For low-to-moderate intensity athleisure — yoga, barre, reformer pilates, walking — this absorption-dominant moisture management feels premium and natural compared to polyester's synthetic quick-dry. Important caveat for manufacturers: this advantage is most pronounced in lightweight single-jersey (140–175 GSM). In heavier builds or dense interlock constructions, the drying time disadvantage relative to polyester becomes more significant. **03. Pilling Resistance Sufficient for Athleisure Wear Cycles** Athleisure garments face moderate abrasion — yoga mats, seat fabrics, bag friction, layering. Modal's fiber fineness actually reduces pilling tendency compared to standard viscose because finer fibers form smaller, less visible pills before breaking. In Martindale pilling tests, Modal-jersey typically achieves a Grade 3–4 rating at 2,000 cycles (versus standard viscose's Grade 2–3). That's not polyester's Grade 4–5, but it's acceptable for athleisure's expected wash-and-wear cycle (typically 30–50 wears before replacement, per consumer behavior data in this category). The manufacturing leverage point: yarn twist level. Increasing yarn twist from the standard 18–20 TPI to 22–25 TPI for Modal reduces pilling tendency by tightening fiber entanglement at the yarn surface. Specify this with your spinner if pilling durability is a priority for your specific application — it costs negligibly more but materially improves garment longevity perception. **04. Colour Depth That Supports Premium Positioning** Athleisure brands in the premium segment — Alo Yoga, Vuori, Lululemon alternatives — sell color stories. Sage green, dusty lilac, deep forest tones. These require deep, consistent reactive dye uptake across the full garment. Modal's hydrophilic fiber structure accepts reactive dyes at lower temperature (50–60°C exhaustion versus cotton's typical 60–80°C) with excellent level dyeing characteristics. The result: color depth ratings of 5–6% OWF (on weight of fabric) are achievable in Modal versus 3–4% OWF in equivalent cotton constructions. In practical terms, a Modal garment in a "dusty rose" colorway will read as richer, more saturated, and more premium-feeling than the same colorway in cotton-jersey at equivalent dye concentration — because more dye is actually present in the fiber. Wash fastness (ISO 105 C06) typically achieves 4–4/5 on Modal, meaning color appearance is well-maintained through 30+ wash cycles with appropriate care. --- ## Technical Specifications **Manufacturing specs for Modal Athleisure.** **GSM Range** - 140–165 GSM: Lightweight summer-weight Modal jersey for tanks, short-sleeve tees, sports bras. Optimal drape-to-coverage balance. - 165–200 GSM: Year-round Modal jersey/interlock for leggings, longer-line tops, layering pieces. Higher GSM improves opacity — critical for form-fitting athleisure. - 200–240 GSM: Heavier Modal jersey for outerwear-adjacent athleisure: bomber shells, zip-up tops. Less common; Modal's cost at this weight competes unfavorably with cotton fleece blends. **Yarn Count** - 30s–40s Ne single: Primary range for athleisure fabrics. 40s Ne delivers finer, silkier hand-feel; 30s Ne gives slightly more body and better abrasion resistance. Most athleisure applications use 36s–40s Ne. - 20s–30s Ne: Suitable for heavier-weight athleisure and outerwear constructions. Reduces cost but sacrifices the signature Modal softness. - Ring-spun Modal preferred over open-end for athleisure; ring-spun yarn surface is cleaner and softer. **Knit Construction** - Single Jersey: Most common for Modal athleisure — lightweight, good drape, cost-effective. Best for tops, tanks, short-sleeve styles. - Interlock: For leggings and fitted bottoms — two-face construction improves opacity and reduces curl at cut edges. Adds 15–20 GSM versus equivalent jersey count. - Rib (2×2 or 1×1): For waistbands, cuffs, necklines — Modal rib provides recovery and comfort without the harshness of polyester elasticated trims. - Avoid: Piqué and French terry in pure Modal — piqué's textured surface pills faster; French terry's loop structure degrades with athleisure-level friction. **Shrinkage** - Expected: 5–8% lengthwise, 3–5% widthwise after first wash (30°C, standard care) - Pre-shrunk/pre-washed fabric reduces to 2–3% length, 1–2% width - Specify pre-shrunk fabric for athleisure applications — consumers machine-wash activewear frequently, and dimensional instability generates returns **Pilling Resistance** - Grade 3–4 (Martindale, 2,000 cycles) for 40s Ne ring-spun Modal jersey - Grade 3 (Martindale, 2,000 cycles) for 30s Ne or open-end spun Modal - Improving: request higher twist yarn (22+ TPI) and bio-polish finishing **Colorfastness** - Wash fastness (ISO 105 C06): 4–4/5 (reactive dyed) - Light fastness (ISO 105 B02): 3–4 (adequate for indoor athleisure; outdoor/UV-exposure products should blend with UV-stable fiber) - Rubbing fastness (ISO 105 X12): 3–4 dry, 3 wet **Tensile Strength** - Dry tenacity: 2.8–3.5 cN/tex (modal fiber) - Wet tenacity: 1.8–2.2 cN/tex (significant reduction — relevant for wash durability specs) - Fabric bursting strength (single jersey, 165 GSM): 250–320 kPa **MOQ Guidance** - Yarn: 500–1,000 kg per color/count from major spinners (Lenzing, Birla Cellulose) - Fabric: 1,000–3,000 meters per color/construction from knitting mills - Garment: 300–500 pieces per style/color for cut-and-sew facilities with Modal experience --- ## Manufacturing & Sourcing Considerations **What to know before you source.** **Machine Requirements** Modal's fine fiber count (1.0–1.3 dtex) requires fine-gauge circular knitting machines — typically 28–32 gauge for athleisure jersey and interlock. Standard 24-gauge machines produce a coarser fabric that undermines Modal's hand-feel advantage. Confirm your knitting partner runs fine-gauge equipment before committing to Modal for lightweight styles. This is a commonly overlooked sourcing failure point for brands switching from cotton to Modal. **Dyeing Compatibility** Modal accepts reactive dyes (vinyl sulphone, bifunctional reactive dyes preferred for deeper shades) and vat dyes for very high wash-fastness requirements. Dyeing temperature: 50–60°C exhaustion for reactive dyes — slightly lower than cotton, which reduces energy consumption. Critical: Modal requires weaker alkali conditions than cotton during reactive dyeing (sodium carbonate at lower concentration); over-alkali conditions cause fiber swelling and fabric distortion. Specify this with your dye house — many facilities calibrated for cotton need process adjustment for Modal. **Finishing Processes** - **Bio-polishing (cellulase enzyme treatment)**: Standard for Modal athleisure — removes surface micro-fibers that cause pilling and improves initial hand-feel. Specify before dyeing for best results. - **Softener application**: Amino-silicone softeners improve fabric drape and slip — important for yoga/movement applications. Hydrophilic softeners (rather than hydrophobic) maintain Modal's moisture absorption properties. - **Pre-shrinking (compacting)**: Essential for athleisure. Specify mechanical compacting to target residual shrinkage below 3%. - **Avoid**: Heavy resin finishes — they reduce Modal's drape advantage and moisture management. **Quality Control Checkpoints** 1. Fiber certification verification (TENCEL/ECOVERO vs. generic modal — significant quality difference) 2. Yarn count and twist consistency before knitting 3. GSM verification and tolerance check (±5%) before dyeing 4. Colorfastness testing per ISO 105 before bulk shipment 5. Dimensional stability (wash test) on finished fabric before cutting 6. Pilling assessment (Martindale) on finished garment **Common Production Pitfalls** - **Fabric roll tension inconsistency**: Modal fabrics are sensitive to tension variation during knitting — causes GSM and width variation. Request tension-controlled winding. - **Wet processing damage**: Over-agitation in dyeing causes fiber damage and pilling. Specify low-liquor-ratio dyeing machines (jet dye, overflow dye) with controlled mechanical action. - **Cutting blade dullness**: Modal's smooth fiber surface causes slippage in fabric lays — dull cutting blades produce uneven cut edges. Require sharp-blade verification in cutting protocols. **Lead Times** - Yarn to fabric: 4–6 weeks (knitting + finishing) - Dyeing and finishing: 2–3 weeks - Cut-and-sew: 3–5 weeks - Total (fabric-to-garment): 10–16 weeks for new development; 8–12 weeks for repeat orders **Key Sourcing Regions** - India (Gujarat, Tamil Nadu): Strong Modal spinning base; Birla Cellulose (Birla Modal) is a primary supply source; competitive pricing - China (Jiangsu, Zhejiang): Large knitting and finishing capacity; good for higher-volume programs - Turkey: Growing Modal processing capability; favored for European brands needing shorter lead times and better compliance documentation --- ## Trade-Offs — Honest Assessment **Every fibre has limits. Here's the full picture.** ### Strengths - **Exceptional hand-feel for the price point.** Modal at $5–8/kg produces a softer, silkier garment feel than Egyptian cotton at $4–6/kg. For athleisure brands where softness is the primary touch-point in the buying decision, Modal delivers disproportionate premium perception per dollar of fabric cost. - **Drape behavior that polyester cannot replicate.** Modal's natural cellulosic drape produces fluid, weighted movement that reads as expensive. Polyester jersey can approximate drape through fiber denier selection, but it never eliminates synthetic surface feel — a tactile signal that self-aware athleisure consumers detect. - **Reactive dye depth produces rich, premium colorways.** Modal accepts color more deeply than polyester or nylon. For brands building identity around specific seasonal color palettes, Modal's color depth and consistency across bulk production is a genuine sourcing advantage. - **Moisture absorption suited to low-intensity activewear.** For yoga, pilates, barre, walking — activities where sweat volume is moderate — Modal's absorption-first moisture management feels more comfortable and natural than engineered wicking synthetics. - **Biodegradable end-of-life.** Modal is cellulosic and will biodegrade under composting conditions. For brands with sustainability commitments, this is a genuine differentiator versus polyester-dominant athleisure. - **Blends well with spandex for stretch performance.** 92/8 Modal-spandex is a proven athleisure construction — delivers the softness and drape of Modal with the stretch-recovery needed for movement garments. ### Limitations - **Wet tensile strength is a real concern.** Modal's strength drops by approximately 35–40% when wet (~1.8–2.2 cN/tex wet versus 2.8–3.5 cN/tex dry). This means athleisure garments worn during intense perspiration face increased stress on seams and knit structure. Mitigation: use flatlock or coverlock seaming rather than standard single-needle lockstitch; specify reinforced seam allowances at stress points (crotch, underarm, shoulder). - **Not suitable for high-impact, high-sweat performance categories.** Modal's moisture absorption advantage disappears in high-volume sweat scenarios (HIIT, running, cycling). At saturation, Modal fabric becomes heavy and slow-drying. Brands targeting high-performance categories should use Modal for the "lifestyle" end of their range and polyester or polyester-modal blends for performance-focused styles. - **Care requirement creates consumer friction.** Cold/warm wash, no hot tumble dry. In a market where consumers machine-wash activewear on default settings, Modal garments degrade faster than polyester alternatives. Care label communication and consumer education are production costs that brands often underestimate. - **Supply chain concentration risk.** Quality Modal fiber is dominated by two suppliers globally: Lenzing (TENCEL Modal, Austria) and Birla Cellulose (Birla Modal, India). Generic modal from less-traceable sources shows significant quality variability in fiber fineness, strength, and dyeability. Brands should specify certified fiber sources — this adds $0.80–1.50/kg premium but eliminates quality consistency risk. --- ## Cost Analysis **The economics of Modal for Athleisure.** **Yarn Pricing** - Generic Modal (unbranded): $4.50–6.00/kg - Certified TENCEL Modal (Lenzing): $7.00–9.50/kg - Modal/Spandex blend yarn (92/8): $8.00–11.00/kg - Modal fabric (single jersey, 165 GSM, undyed): $3.50–5.50/meter (India/China origin) - Modal fabric (finished, dyed, pre-shrunk): $5.00–8.00/meter **Cost Per Garment (Indicative)** For a 165 GSM Modal jersey tank top (athleisure): - Fabric: 0.7m × $6.00 = $4.20 - Trim/thread/labels: $0.40 - CMT: $1.80–2.50 - Total factory cost: $6.40–7.10 - Compare to equivalent 160 GSM cotton jersey tank: $4.80–5.50 factory cost The Modal premium is approximately $1.50–2.00 per garment at factory. At retail, Modal athleisure tanks typically sell at $55–95 versus cotton jersey tanks at $35–65 — a retail premium of $15–30 against a production premium of $1.50–2.00. The margin math favors Modal for brands positioned at $50+ retail. **Cost Per Wear** Modal athleisure, properly cared for: 40–55 wear cycles before visible degradation. Cotton jersey athleisure: 50–70 wear cycles. Polyester athleisure: 80–120 wear cycles. At $75 retail and 50 wears: Modal = $1.50/wear. At $55 retail and 60 wears: Cotton = $0.92/wear. At $65 retail and 100 wears: Polyester = $0.65/wear. Modal does not win the cost-per-wear calculation. The sourcing argument is not longevity — it is brand positioning and the willingness-to-pay premium in the lifestyle athleisure segment. Modal's higher repurchase frequency (due to shorter garment life) also supports DTC brands with retention-based business models. **Comparison to Alternatives** - vs. Polyester-spandex: 30–40% higher fabric cost, significantly softer hand-feel, lower wash durability - vs. Merino-wool: 40–60% lower cost than fine merino; less thermoregulation but more practical care requirements - vs. Tri-blend (cotton/poly/rayon): Similar price range; tri-blend offers better durability; Modal offers better drape and softness --- ## Sustainability Profile **Environmental and ethical considerations.** **Production Footprint** Standard modal production follows the viscose process — it uses chemical solvents (carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide) that require careful effluent management. Generic modal mills vary significantly in environmental compliance. Lenzing's TENCEL Modal production uses a closed-loop process that recovers 99.5% of solvents, substantially reducing water and chemical discharge versus standard viscose. Birla Modal's production uses similar closed-loop technology at scale. Water consumption for Modal production is lower than cotton — beechwood plantations are generally rain-fed without irrigation. Carbon footprint is estimated at 3.5–5.0 kg CO2e per kg of fiber (versus cotton at 5.5–9.0 kg CO2e per kg including irrigation and pesticide impact, and polyester at 5.5–7.5 kg CO2e per kg from petrochemical origin). **Available Certifications** - OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: Tests for harmful substances in finished fabric — widely available for Modal - ECOVERO (Lenzing): Verified lower environmental impact versus generic viscose; relevant marker for EU market - FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Certifies responsible forest management for beechwood source - GOTS: Available for organic modal variants but uncommon; standard modal is not eligible - ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals): Relevant for dyeing and finishing compliance **Biodegradability** Modal fiber is cellulosic and biodegradable — it will break down in industrial composting conditions within 1–5 years. However, Modal-spandex blends (the athleisure standard) are not meaningfully biodegradable due to the elastane component. End-of-life recyclability for blended fabrics remains an industry-level challenge without a commercial solution. **Consumer Perception** In athleisure, sustainability positioning is commercially meaningful — particularly for the 28–40 demographic that dominates premium yoga and lifestyle activewear purchases. "Made from beechwood" and "sustainably sourced cellulose" are resonant consumer-facing claims when backed by genuine certification. Overclaiming biodegradability on Modal-spandex blends is a greenwashing risk; brands should be specific about what the certification covers. --- ## FAQ **Modal for Athleisure — answered.** **1. How does Modal compare to polyester for athleisure, specifically?** Polyester wins on durability, wash cycles, and moisture-wicking speed for high-intensity use. Modal wins on softness, drape, color depth, and premium consumer positioning. The practical split: specify polyester or polyester-modal blends for performance-heavy styles (HIIT, cycling, running), and Modal or Modal-spandex for lifestyle-dominant styles (yoga, studio, casual wear, street). The brands that confuse these categories — putting Modal into product they market as performance activewear — generate customer complaints about wet weight and durability. Keep the applications distinct. **2. What's the minimum order for Modal athleisure fabric?** For TENCEL Modal fabric from established mills in India or China: 1,000–2,000 meters per color per construction is typical for standard orders. Some mills offer 500-meter minimums for established buyer relationships or sampling programs, but at meaningfully higher price per meter ($1.00–1.50/meter premium). At garment level, expect 300–500 pieces per style/color as a realistic MOQ with Modal-experienced CMTs. Smaller runs are possible at sample-house pricing (typically 2–3× production unit cost). **3. How does Modal athleisure perform after 30+ wash cycles?** At 30 wash cycles (cold wash, line dry): expect 5–10% reduction in softness perception as surface fibrils flatten, minimal color change (1/2 shade if reactive dyed), and possible Grade 2–3 surface pilling at high-abrasion zones (inner thigh on leggings, underarm on tops). At 50+ wash cycles: visible softness degradation, potential dimensional instability if pre-shrinking was inadequate. Key variable is care compliance — consumers who machine wash warm and tumble dry see meaningful degradation by cycle 20. If your customer base is not careful laundering, Modal's lifecycle advantage narrows considerably. **4. What GSM should I specify for Modal athleisure?** Application-specific guidance: tanks and bralettes (140–155 GSM), short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops (155–175 GSM), fitted leggings (170–200 GSM, interlock preferred for opacity), yoga shorts (145–165 GSM). The leggings specification deserves attention — Modal single jersey below 170 GSM is often insufficiently opaque for form-fitting bottoms, a common complaint that drives returns. Either increase GSM or specify interlock construction for leggings regardless of weight. **5. Can Modal work for sports bras and bra tops in athleisure?** Yes, for low-impact bra tops — the bralette aesthetic dominant in yoga and pilates athleisure. Modal's softness is particularly valued in sports bra applications where extended skin contact matters. Construction requirement: Modal-spandex (90/10 or 88/12) for adequate stretch recovery; powernet or warp-knit backing for support zones. Modal is not suitable for high-support performance sports bras where lycra-dominant fabrics with engineered compression are required. The design spec matters: Modal bra tops for athleisure aesthetics, polyester-spandex or nylon-spandex for performance support. **6. What certifications should I require when sourcing Modal yarn for athleisure?** Minimum: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 on finished fabric (ensures no harmful substance residues — non-negotiable for next-to-skin garments). Recommended: ECOVERO certification (Lenzing) or equivalent closed-loop verification if using sustainability claims in marketing. Optional but valuable for EU market: FSC certification on fiber source. For GOTS: standard modal is not GOTS-eligible; if organic supply chain is a brand requirement, you need specifically certified organic viscose programs, which are commercially limited in modal. **7. How does Modal handle heat — both during wear and laundering?** During wear: Modal is thermally neutral — it doesn't generate or retain body heat the way synthetic fabrics can. In warm yoga studios (26–35°C), this is an advantage versus polyester, which can feel warm and clammy. During laundering: Modal degrades meaningfully above 40°C wash temperatures. High-temperature washing (60°C+) causes fiber swelling, fabric distortion, and accelerated pilling. This is the number-one care failure mode for Modal athleisure. Heat damage is largely irreversible — no finishing treatment recovers a heat-damaged Modal garment. Wash care labels must specify 30°C maximum for Modal-spandex athleisure. **8. What's the typical lead time for Modal athleisure development?** First-development (new fabric, new style): 14–20 weeks from yarn sourcing to finished garment, including sampling rounds. Repeat production (confirmed fabric, established style): 10–14 weeks. Rush programs with airfreight and stock fabric: 6–8 weeks possible but at 25–40% cost premium. The longest variable is fabric development — custom GSM/construction takes 4–6 weeks of knitting and finishing trials before production approval. Brands that maintain approved fabric libraries with their mill partners reduce development lead time by 4–6 weeks on repeat programs. --- ## Related Links **Related Applications for Modal:** - [Modal for Activewear](/yarn/modal/activewear) - [Modal for Premium Apparel](/yarn/modal/premium-apparel) - [Modal for Casualwear](/yarn/modal/casualwear) - [Modal for Loungewear](/yarn/modal/loungewear) - [Modal for Underwear & Basics](/yarn/modal/underwear-basics) **Alternative Fibers for Athleisure:** - [Polyester for Athleisure](/yarn/polyester/athleisure) - [Merino Wool for Athleisure](/yarn/merino-wool/athleisure) - [Nylon for Athleisure](/yarn/nylon/athleisure) - [Tri-Blend for Athleisure](/yarn/tri-blend/athleisure) - [Spandex for Athleisure](/yarn/spandex/athleisure) **Glossary Terms:** - [Hand Feel — what it means in fabric specification](/glossary/hand-feel) - [Drape — measurement and application](/glossary/drape) - [Breathability — testing methods and standards](/glossary/breathability) **Compare Modal:** - [Modal vs. alternatives — full comparison](/compare/modal)