Softer than silk, cooler than cotton — here's the fabric behind it
At Maison Sarava, almost everything we carry begins with the same quiet promise: softer than silk, cooler than cotton. That isn't marketing shorthand — it's the genuine feel of two remarkable fibres, lyocell and modal, woven in Europe and worn next to the skin. If you've ever wondered why a simple tee or pair of boxers from a European house feels so different from the high-street version, this guide is for you.
What is lyocell?
Lyocell is a botanic fibre spun from the wood pulp of sustainably grown trees — most famously as TENCEL™ Lyocell, produced by the Austrian innovator Lenzing. The pulp is dissolved and spun in a closed-loop process that reuses more than 99% of its water and solvent, making it one of the most resource-efficient fabrics in the world.
On the body, lyocell is prized for three things: it's exceptionally soft, with a silk-like drape; it's highly breathable; and it manages moisture, wicking it away to keep skin cool and dry. Its smooth surface is also less hospitable to odour-causing bacteria — which is why it's a favourite for underwear and base layers.
What is modal?
Modal is a close cousin — also botanic, also from Lenzing as TENCEL™ Modal — but spun for an even softer, more fluid hand-feel. It's the fibre you'll find in our most luxurious loungewear and sleepwear, where drape and next-to-skin softness matter most. Modal holds colour beautifully and resists the shrinking and fading that tire ordinary fabrics out.
Many of our pieces use ProModal®, a 65/35 blend of TENCEL™ Modal and Lyocell that marries modal's softness with lyocell's strength and moisture management — ideal for everyday essentials meant to feel luxurious and last.
Lyocell & modal vs. cotton: the honest comparison
Cotton is comfortable and familiar — but lyocell and modal outperform it where it counts:
- Softness: noticeably smoother than even premium cotton — the "softer than silk" feel.
- Temperature: more breathable and better at wicking moisture, so they stay cooler in summer heat — "cooler than cotton."
- Drape: a fluid, elevated drape rather than cotton's stiffer hand.
- Lasting feel: resist the pilling, stiffening and fading that wear cotton down.
- Sustainability: botanic origin and a closed-loop process that uses a fraction of the water cotton demands.
The trade-off? These fibres cost more to make and to buy — which is exactly why they're the mark of a considered, slow-fashion wardrobe rather than a fast-fashion one.
Why it matters for what you wear every day
Underwear & basics. Breathability, moisture-wicking and that anti-odour smoothness make lyocell and modal ideal next to the skin. Explore our men's underwear & boxer briefs and women's underwear & bras, crafted in Portugal by Impetus. For a deeper dive, read why TENCEL™ lyocell is the underwear upgrade worth making.
Loungewear & sleepwear. This is where modal's softness shines. Our women's loungewear and men's loungewear are made to be lived in, from slow mornings to early nights. See our edit of the best European loungewear & sleepwear in Canada.
Tees & everyday layers. A lyocell or lyocell-blend tee breathes and drapes in a way a basic cotton tee simply can't. Browse our women's tops & tees and men's apparel.
How to care for lyocell & modal
Both fibres are easy to live with. As a rule: machine wash cold or warm on a gentle cycle, wash with similar colours, and skip the tumble dryer where you can — line- or flat-drying keeps the fibres their softest and the fit true. A cool iron is rarely needed thanks to their natural drape. Always follow the care note on each piece; you'll find the exact composition listed on every product page.
Made in Portugal since 1973
Much of our innerwear and loungewear is crafted by Impetus — a family-founded Portuguese house that has been making fine seamless garments since 1973. Every Maison Sarava piece is made in Portugal with European craftsmanship and traceable, EU-sourced materials — standards that align with the quality and responsibility Canadian shoppers value. It's slow fashion in the truest sense: fewer, better things, made to be worn for years.
Feel the difference
The best way to understand "softer than silk, cooler than cotton" is to feel it. Shop online with free shipping across Canada on orders over $98 and easy 30-day returns — or visit us in person at our boutique on the PATH at First Canadian Place in downtown Toronto. New to these fabrics? Start with What is TENCEL™ Lyocell? or our guide to buying natural, breathable fabrics.