Quick answer: Tencel is the brand name for lyocell, a plant-based fiber made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood pulp in a closed-loop process that recycles 99% of the solvent used. It's silky-soft, highly breathable, moisture-wicking, biodegradable, and drapes beautifully — which is why it's a favorite for dresses, shirts, and loungewear.
How is Tencel lyocell made?
Eucalyptus (fast-growing, no irrigation or pesticides needed) is pulped, dissolved in a non-toxic organic solvent, and spun into fiber. The closed-loop process recovers and reuses nearly all water and solvent, making lyocell one of the lowest-impact fibers in production today.
What does Tencel feel like?
Softer than cotton, cooler than rayon, with a smooth, almost silk-like hand and a heavy, fluid drape. It resists wrinkles better than linen and wicks moisture better than cotton, so it stays comfortable in heat.
Is Tencel sustainable?
Yes — among the most sustainable fibers you can buy. Key facts: renewable eucalyptus feedstock, ~99% solvent recovery in the closed loop, roughly 20x less water than cotton, and fully biodegradable. If sustainability is your priority, Tencel lyocell, bamboo, and modal are the three fibers to know (see our Tencel vs modal vs bamboo comparison).
What should you sew with Tencel?
Tencel twill and gabardine make excellent pants, jackets, and structured dresses. Tencel satin and voile suit blouses, linings, and flowy dresses. Tencel jersey works for tees and loungewear. It takes dye richly, so colors read deep and saturated.
Where can you buy Tencel fabric by the yard?
APC Fabrics in Los Angeles stocks one of the largest Tencel selections in the US — 140+ Tencel fabrics including gabardine twill, satin, voile, chambray, and jersey, starting around $8/yard, with automatic bulk discounts (10% off 2+ yards, 20% off 5+, 30% off 10+) and free US shipping over $65. Browse the Tencel collection or order a swatch first.