TENCEL™ vs cotton: what's the difference, and which is better for you and your lifestyle?

Cotton is everywhere - trusted, familiar, and found in most wardrobes. But there's also a new fabric on the scene: TENCEL™ Lyocell.

In this guide, we'll compare the two side by side, looking at comfort, performance, and skin health.

Our goal? To help you choose a fabric that truly supports how you move, feel, and live.

Let's dive in!

Quick Guide to TENCEL™ vs Cotton
Why Fabric Choice Matters for a Healthy, More Joyful Life
TENCEL™ vs Cotton Insights: What Our Customers Say
What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?
What is Cotton?
What is the Difference Between TENCEL™ and Cotton? (Pros and Cons)
TENCEL™ vs Cotton: Key Sustainability Statistics
What About TENCEL™ vs Organic Cotton?
TENCEL™ vs Cotton: Quick FAQs
Final Thoughts

Quick Guide to TENCEL™ vs Cotton

Our Verdict

TENCEL™ Lyocell

A pure, clean fiber made from sustainably-sourced wood pulp.
One of the best natural fabrics for active movement and performance.
Silky-smooth, gentle on the skin, and free from toxic chemicals.
Offers exceptional breathability, moisture management, and odor control.
Extremely versatile - ideal for activewear, travel, and everyday comfort.
Produced within a certified, closed-loop process that maintains the highest health and sustainability standards.
Supports a better way to move and live.

Cotton

A well-known plant-based fabric that's soft and durable.
Works well for everyday basics, loungewear, and denim.
Holds moisture, making it less breathable and less odor-resistant (not ideal for active lifestyles).
Conventional cotton requires large amounts of water and land, and is often treated with harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Choose certified organic cotton for a cleaner, more sustainable choice.

Why Fabric Choice Matters for a Healthy, More Joyful Life

We often think carefully about what we put in our bodies, but what about what we put on them?

Clothing sits against your skin all day. And skin, your body's largest organ, is porous, sensitive, and responsive to what it touches.

Yet most fabrics - especially in activewear - aren't designed with your well-being in mind. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are often treated with toxic chemicals to boost performance. Even natural fibers like cotton can be processed with harmful pesticides and dyes.

The result? Clothing that traps odors, irritates the skin, and restricts movement and comfort.

Choosing the right fabrics is more than a style decision. It's an investment in your health, comfort, and how confidently you move through life.

Better fabrics really do mean better living.

TENCEL™ vs Cotton Insights: What Our Community Say

We asked our community how they rate TENCEL™ vs cotton.

Here's what they shared:

How Common Are They?

Cotton: 86% wear it regularly
TENCEL™ Lyocell: 71% wear it regularly

What Is Each Fabric Used For Most?

TENCEL™: 75% wear it for exercise and activewear
Cotton: 63% wear it for casual, everyday comfort

Which One Keeps You Dry After Sweating?

TENCEL™: 82% said yes
Cotton: 85% said no - it stays damp

Which Stays Fresher After a Workout?

TENCEL™: 88% said yes
Cotton: 81% said no - it holds odor

How Do They Feel on Skin?

TENCEL™: 81% said very soft
Cotton: 50% said somewhat soft

What About Breathability On Hot Days?

TENCEL™: 88% said very breathable
Cotton: 32% said very breathable, 68% not so much

If It Came Down to One...

82% would choose TENCEL™ Lyocell over cotton.

What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a smooth, natural performance fabric made from sustainably sourced wood, like eucalyptus or birch.

It's a relatively new material on the market. First introduced in the 1990s, TENCEL™ is the third-generation cellulosic fiber after rayon and modal. That said, it's far less impactful and doesn't rely on toxic and polluting processes.

TENCEL™ is the trademark of the Austrian-based company Lenzing. Its fibers are produced within an eco-friendly, closed-loop process that reuses water and avoids harsh chemicals. The result is a fabric that's 100% toxin-free, microplastic-free, and low-impact.

TENCEL™ is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the healthiest and most sustainable fabrics in the world. It maintains the highest standards, backed by credible certifications like OEKO-TEX®, FSC®, PEFC™, and EU Ecolabel.

TENCEL™ is breathable, versatile, and kind to the skin - fast becoming a go-to for activewear and everyday essentials alike.

"Our technical innovation unlocks the inherent potential of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers for producing stretch fabrics that move in harmony with the body. This enhances comfort with easy-to-care properties, making it ideal for lightweight apparel."
- Rex Mok, Vice President of Fiber Technical Marketing and Development, Lenzing

Learn more: Looking for more of a deep dive? Check out our complete guide to TENCEL™ Lyocell.

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a super soft and versatile natural fiber made from the fluffy seed hairs of the cotton plant.

It's been around for thousands of years and remains one of the most widely used fabrics in the world. In fact, it's the second most common textile after polyester, making up 20% of global fiber production.

There are two main types:

Conventional Cotton: Grown using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It's often associated with high water usage and labor concerns. It dominates the global cotton market and is very common in fast fashion.
Organic Cotton: Cultivated without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified seeds. It aims to minimize environmental and social impact, and is certified by organizations like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Cotton sits at the center of a complex, resource-heavy global industry worth around $50 billion. It spans continents, drives economies, and provides livelihoods for millions. Cotton farming uses around 2.5% of the world's agricultural land. It also supports roughly 100 million households - many in low-income regions.

What is the Difference Between TENCEL™ and Cotton? (Pros and Cons)

TENCEL™ Lyocell Pros

Highly Breathable and Moisture Wicking

TENCEL™ Lyocell is naturally hydrophilic. This means its unique nanofibril structure - tiny channels within the fiber - absorbs moisture away from the skin. This helps keep you dry, cool, and comfortable, even during long or active days.

TENCEL™ allows more air to flow through the fabric compared to denser, natural fibers like cotton and modal. In fact, a Lenzing study found TENCEL™ fibers absorb twice as much moisture as cotton. Hence why it's the perfect choice for activewear.

Naturally Odor-Resistant and Anti-Bacterial

Ever wondered why we just accept that most clothes need washing after every wear - especially after exercise?

Common fabrics on the market simply aren't that breathable. They trap heat, block airflow, and hold moisture. This creates the perfect haven for odor and bacteria.

That relentless cycle of smelling, washing, and repeating has become the norm. But it often costs time and comfort, and shortens the life of your clothes.

This is where TENCEL™ Lyocell really shines. Its breathable fibers wick away moisture fast, stopping odor-causing bacteria from lingering in the threads. A study found that TENCEL™ has significantly lower bacterial buildup compared to fabrics like cotton and polyester.

You'll find you won't need to wash TENCEL™ after every wear. A simple air-dry overnight, and it's fresh for the next day, even after intense activity. Pretty incredible, right?

"I didn't even realize I could wear the same fitness gear several days in a row before washing - it changed my routine completely! I've never experienced this with any other activewear."
- Laura W. wearing Original TENCEL™ Workout Leggings

Smooth, Skin-Friendly and Thermoregulating

TENCEL™ Lyocell, with its cloud-soft texture, feels like a second skin.

Its gentle, hypoallergenic fibers are smoother than other natural alternatives like cotton. This helps reduce irritation and friction. An expert handfeel panel conducted by Lenzing found cotton to have a rougher texture compared to TENCEL™.

Plus, TENCEL™ works with your body temperature, creating a comfortable microclimate against the skin. It wicks away moisture fast and releases it into the air. This helps you stay cool when it's hot and warm when it's cool-avoiding that sticky, overheated feeling.

As Lenzing explains:
"TENCEL™ combines good water absorbency with a smooth fiber surface, which makes it a fiber very gentle to the skin."

Our customers feel the difference too:

"I was going through some dramatic skin changes where repetitive sweating kept irritating the skin of my thighs, causing me to break out in hives. I couldn't do the one thing I loved - boxing. But my research led me to Tripulse... It's the best feeling in the world. Freedom from skin irritation, hives or whatever, and doing what I love."
- Sara N., wearing Original TENCEL™ Workout Leggings

Durable and Versatile

TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric isn't just soft and breathable; it's also incredibly strong. In fact, it's reportedly the only man-made cellulosic fiber that's stronger than cotton when wet. TENCEL™ keeps about 90% of its strength even after a good soaking.

Tests also show that TENCEL™ has superior resistance to pulling, tearing, and wear. This is thanks to the way the fibers are structured. They're naturally tough with a smooth surface that helps prevent damage.

Whether you're sweating it out at the gym or just lounging at home, TENCEL™ keeps its shape and feels good for years. It's the kind of fabric that becomes a trusted wardrobe staple, season after season!

Toxin-Free and Low Impact

TENCEL™ Lyocell is one of the safest and most sustainable fabrics on the market. Here's why:

100% Pure and Clean

Many fabrics need toxic chemical treatments for features like moisture-management or odor control.

Powered by nature, TENCEL™ fibers perform beautifully without any harsh treatments. They're also certified safe by trusted third-party bodies OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and Bluesign. These organizations check for harmful substances and approve only the safest, cleanest fabrics.

TENCEL™ is also made using just one non-toxic solvent N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO). It's carefully recovered and reused in a clean, eco-friendly process. TENCEL™ may follow a man-made process, but the result is an exceptionally pure, skin-friendly fabric you can feel good about wearing.

Sustainably Sourced Wood

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are sourced from responsibly managed wood. No native grasslands or natural ecosystems are cleared for its production.

Much of the wood is sourced from semi-natural forests, not intensive monocultures. These forests are managed using traditional sustainable forestry practices like thinning and silviculture. This boosts biodiversity, protects the soil, and reduces wildfire risk.

Lenzing's eucalyptus trees are just as responsible. They rely on rain (no irrigation), avoid water-stressed regions, and produce high-yield, high-cellulose wood. This means TENCEL™ uses far less land and water than other natural fibers. Lenzing teams up with trusted partners Dexco (Brazil) and Sappi (South Africa), following strict standards to protect land, water, and wildlife.

What's more, all trees used for TENCEL™ are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. 99% of the wood and pulp is also FSC® and PEFC™ certified.

Close-Loop Production

TENCEL™ is made in a clever, closed-loop process that's kind to the planet.

Wood pulp is mixed with water and the single organic solvent (NMMO). After spinning the fibers, an impressive 99.8% of water and solvents are captured and reused. Only a small amount of wastewater is sent for treatment.

Leftover wood waste is even turned into renewable energy, helping power production and local grids.

This is a far cry from the mainstream viscose process used for other cellulose-based fabrics like rayon and modal. It often involves deforestation, wasted resources, and nasty chemicals like carbon disulfide. In fact, TENCEL™ uses 50% fewer carbon emissions and water than generic lyocell and modal fibers.

Learn more: Dive deeper into TENCEL™'s responsible wood sourcing and production with our in-depth guide.

Biodegradable and Compostable

TENCEL™ Lyocell is certified biodegradable and for home composting by TÜV AUSTRIA. In other words, under the right conditions, it can return safely to the earth.

This is thanks to its cellulosic fibers - a type of natural polymer microbes love to feast on. With its smooth texture, simple production, and no nasty additives, it's something microbes can easily digest and decompose.

One study even found that TENCEL™ fibers can biodegrade in just 30 days!

Note: TENCEL™ is only safe for home composting if it's not mixed with non-biodegradable materials. Always check the label of your clothes before putting them on the compost heap!

TENCEL™ Lyocell Cons

Higher Price Point

TENCEL™ Lyocell can feel pricey compared to cheaper fabrics like cotton. That said, there's a good reason for it.

TENCEL™ doesn't cut corners. It's a durable, natural fiber made with your health, comfort, and performance in mind. The production process is sustainable and free from plastics and harsh chemicals. It's also backed by many credible certifications to ensure the highest standards.

"Maintaining high standards and ensuring certified quality costs money, but it's a must if you want to make a responsible product."
- Franziska Meshe, Founder and CEO of Tripulse

So, is cheap clothing really better value?

Fast fashion might save money now, but it often wears out quickly, performs poorly, or hides bigger health and environmental costs.

The key is finding balance - and when you can, choosing fewer, better pieces that support your well-being and the planet.

Learn more: Explore our guide to the true price behind clothing and the hidden costs of choosing cheap.

Not Stretchy On Its Own

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers aren't naturally stretchy. As a workaround, brands can sometimes add plastic-based elastane to improve performance. This is especially common in activewear where extra stretch is needed.

Pro tip: Look for brands that use healthier, more sustainable alternatives like ROICA™ V550. At Tripulse, we don't compromise. We use 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell whenever possible, one of the highest percentages of pure TENCEL™ in activewear (even down to the thread!) For those products that require more stretch, we use more sustainable alternatives like ROICA™ . Every piece is designed with your well-being and performance in mind.

Requires Extra Care

As TENCEL™ Lyocell is of natural origin, it does require extra care to maintain its softness and performance. It performs best with gentle handwashing or a delicate cold-water cycle.

TENCEL™ is also sensitive to heat and can shrink slightly (about 3-5%) after the first wash. It settles and keeps its shape beautifully after that.

Learn more: Explore our TENCEL™ Lyocell activewear care guide for simple, mindful tips.

Less Widely Available

TENCEL™ Lyocell isn't as mainstream as other natural fibers like cotton. Its higher production costs and specialized manufacturing make it less common in everyday stores.

However, demand for healthier, more sustainable fabrics is rising rapidly. The global lyocell fiber market, which includes TENCEL™, is projected to grow from $1.6 billion to $4.6 billion by 2033. This growth is especially notable in activewear, where TENCEL™'s performance, comfort, and skin-friendly properties are increasingly valued.

Cotton Pros

Affordable and Widely Available

Cotton is one of the most coveted natural fibers in the world. So much so it makes up around 50% of all global textile production. Production is also rising with the USDA recently projecting a 500,000-bale increase globally.

One reason for cotton's colossal demand? It's affordable. Grown in over 70 countries, it's a profitable global cash crop with a huge supply chain that helps keep costs low.

But keeping cotton cheap often comes at a cost - to the environment and the people who grow it. More on that later!

Cotton is also a fast fashion favorite. It's easy to source, quick to process, and is used in almost every type of clothing. You only have to walk into big high-street stores like H&M and Zara to see sprawling cotton collections with attractive price tags.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Cotton has earned its reputation as a strong, dependable fabric.

According to Fiber2Fashion, 71% of consumers see cotton as durable and long-lasting. Another survey found 70% expect cotton to last longer than manmade fibers.

Cotton's natural tensile strength helps it stand up to daily wear. This makes it a versatile, go-to choice from soft t-shirts to hard-wearing denim.

Compared to other natural fibers, cotton performs well too. Studies show it has more tensile strength than wool and beats linen in wear and tear resistance.

But there's a catch: not all cotton is made the same.

Evidence shows cotton's longevity depends on how it's made - especially the quality of the fiber and the type of weave used. Here's a quick breakdown:

Plain weave (common in shirts and bedsheets): light and breathable, but less durable
Twill weave (used in denim and workwear): stronger thanks to its diagonal pattern
Satin weave (used in luxury items): smooth, sturdy, and elegant

Pro tip: If made well, cotton clothing can last for years. Look for high-quality fibers and stronger weaves when you shop. Try to avoid fast fashion cotton and opt for certified organic options.

Naturally Breathable and Moisture-Wicking

Cotton, like TENCEL™ Lyocell, is naturally hydrophilic. Its soft, open fiber structure allows air to move freely - letting heat and moisture escape.

Indeed, cotton can absorb up to 24-27 times its weight in water. Hence why it's a popular choice for everyday basics and long-lasting comfort.

Heads-up: Cotton isn't the best pick for intense workouts or hot, humid days. Keep reading to learn why.

Smooth and Skin-Friendly (if Pure and Certified)

Pure cotton is soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin - especially compared to synthetic fabrics.

Its smooth texture prevents friction and discomfort. Plus, its airy fibers are less likely to trap moisture or bacteria that can lead to irritation.

Pro tip: If you have sensitive skin, choose certified organic cotton. Look for trusted labels like GOTS or OEKO-TEX® to avoid harsh dyes and chemicals often used in conventional cotton.

Biodegradable and Compostable

Cotton comes from nature and under the right conditions, it can return to it.

Studies show that 100% untreated cotton can biodegrade in aquatic environments and commercial composting systems. If it's mixed with non-biodegradable materials, it cannot safely return to the earth.

Cotton Cons

Not Designed for an Active Lifestyle (Lacks Odor and Moisture Control)

Cotton is great for everyday basics but when things heat up, it can fall short. Think sweaty workouts, warm summer days, or extended wear close to the skin.

Cotton absorbs moisture, but not as efficiently as TENCEL™, which soaks up 50% more and dries faster. That means it can start to feel damp, heavy, and clingy - especially during exercise.

And because cotton holds on to more moisture, odor-causing bacteria can cling to the fabric - even after it's dry. You'll then not feel as fresh as you would in more naturally odor-resistant and anti-bacterial fabrics like TENCEL™.

TENCEL™ has a smoother fiber surface and is better at drawing sweat away from the skin. This makes it much harder for smelly bacteria to linger and multiply.

Plus, cotton's strength tends to weaken when wet. As noted above, TENCEL™ has greater tensile strength - even when damp. That's why it's a more durable option for movement and long days on the go.

So while cotton is reliable for everyday wear, TENCEL™ is the natural upgrade when performance matters.

Shrinks After Washing

Cotton's easy to care for - but it can shrink, especially after the first wash.

To avoid this, wash your cotton garment in cold water and stick to air-drying or low heat. Once the fibers shrink, they usually stay that size.

Mixed with Harsh Chemicals

Cotton may be natural, but it doesn't always stay that way. By the time it reaches your wardrobe, it's often treated with synthetic pesticides, dyes, and chemical finishes.

Studies show residues like carbaryl and permethrin can remain on cotton even after washing. Cotton also absorbs chemicals from its environment, which can linger in finished garments.

And it doesn't stop there! Other common treatments include formaldehyde (for durability) and azo dyes (for color). Both are linked to health concerns like skin allergies and even cancer.

Wearing chemically-treated cotton close to your skin - especially while sweating - can increase the risk of toxins being absorbed into your body.

Pro tip: Choose GOTS or OEKO-TEX® certified organic cotton for a safer, cleaner alternative.

Harms the Planet and People Who Grow It

Cotton may seem like a natural choice, but its supply chain often comes with serious environmental and human costs.

Here's a quick breakdown of cotton's devastating impact.

Uses Poisonous Pesticides

Cotton crops attract waves of pests, so they're sprayed heavily with pesticides. Globally, it makes up 16% of all insecticide use - more than any other crop on Earth.

These chemicals pollute ecosystems and put farmers' health at risk. Around 44% of cotton farmers are poisoned by pesticides each year, with links to cancer and chronic illness.

In the U.S., 96% of cotton is genetically modified to withstand chemical sprays. Over 5 million kilograms of glyphosate - a herbicide linked to serious health risks - is used on American cotton annually.

It's perhaps not surprising that cotton is called the "dirtiest" crop in agriculture!

Water and Land

Both water and soil are essential to life - but cotton is draining one and degrading the other.

Cotton is usually grown in hot, dry regions already under water stress. Huge amounts of ground and surface water are often diverted for irrigation.

Just one cotton shirt can use up to 2,700 litres of water. That's enough to meet a person's drinking needs for over two years!

Over time, this overuse of water and agrochemicals drains the soil of nutrients, leaving it weak, dry, and harder to farm. In many places, this leads to desertification: turning once fertile land into lifeless dust.

One of the most devastating examples is the Aral Sea. Once the world's fourth-largest lake, it has nearly vanished due to river diversion for cotton fields. Now, pesticide-laced dust storms sweep across the region, poisoning farmland and threatening human health.

Human Exploitation

The global cotton empire is worth billions, yet it's built on the shoulders of people who face extreme cruelty and exploitation.

A 2025 investigation by Transparentem uncovered serious violations on cotton farms in Madhya Pradesh, India. They found child labor, wage theft, and debt bondage (a practice similar to slavery). The report even uncovered children working with toxic pesticides. Shockingly, these farms supply over 60 major global brands.

Adding to the exploitation is the spread of genetically modified (GM) cotton. Farmers were often misled about the benefits and suffered huge financial losses. In some areas, this has contributed to a tragic wave of farmer suicides.

TENCEL™ vs Cotton: Key Sustainability Statistics

Water Use

Cotton can use up to 20 times more water than TENCEL™ Lyocell.
TENCEL™ doesn't need artificial irrigation. Water is carefully managed, and reused, with 75% of freshwater sourced from forested catchments.
TENCEL™ has a 99.3% lower water scarcity score than conventional cotton.

Land Use

Cotton cultivation takes up almost 6% of total agricultural land worldwide.
TENCEL™ trees grow on land not suitable for food crops. Lenzing's fibers also yield four times more fiber per acre than cotton.

Chemical Use

Conventional cotton production uses more chemicals than TENCEL™.
According to Lenzing, TENCEL™ has a 33.5% lower chemistry score. This is because it only uses one non-toxic organic solvent.
As noted above, cotton is produced with synthetic pesticides and can be processed and dyed with synthetic chemicals.

Carbon Emissions

Globally, cotton farming emits around 220 million tonnes of CO2 annually. In contrast, TENCEL™ production has a much lower carbon footprint.
Lenzing uses 100% green electricity at several sites and aims for a 90% emissions reduction by 2050.

Per kilo of fiber:

TENCEL™ Lyocell: 0.05-2.3 kg CO₂/kg (thanks to its closed-loop, low impact production)
Conventional cotton: 1.15-7.48 kg CO₂/kg (mostly from synthetic fertilizers and intensive irrigation)
Organic cotton: 0.98-3.18 kg CO₂/kg, depending on region (lower due to natural farming methods - but still higher than TENCEL™)

What About TENCEL™ vs Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is a strong step up from conventional cotton. It skips synthetic pesticides, protects biodiversity, and supports farmer livelihoods.

But if you're looking for the next level in both sustainability and performance, TENCEL™ Lyocell takes the lead.

Organic Cotton: A Cleaner Alternative (with Limits)

"Organic cotton is grown in agricultural systems that work with nature, rather than against it." - Textile Exchange

Uses natural farming practices and grown without toxic pesticides or fertilizers.
Often certified by GOTS or Fairtrade - ensuring high social and environmental standards.
80% rainfed, reducing water stress in many regions.
Supports healthier soil, more biodiversity, and higher farmer incomes.
Biodegradable when untreated - and often grown with food crops for better food security.

But organic cotton is not perfect:

Produces less fiber per acre, requiring more land and water overall.
Can still require significant irrigation in dry regions.
In some cases it has been vulnerable to fraud, mislabeling, and chemical contamination.
Comes with performance drawbacks. Organic cotton is soft and breathable but struggles with moisture and odor control. Not ideal for movement or activewear.

How TENCEL™ Lyocell Outperforms Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a strong choice for everyday basics - but TENCEL™ is built for movement.

It's noticeably smoother, wicks sweat faster, and naturally resists odor. You'll really feel the difference during workouts or long, active days.

TENCEL™ is also made more sustainably and upholds some of the highest sustainability certifications. It's made from high-yield wood that grows with natural rainfall - no farmland or irrigation needed! Plus, as noted above, its carbon footprint is even lower than organic cotton's.

What's more, TENCEL™'s supply chain is far less complex. Lenzing oversees the entire process, and Fiber ID technology tracks every strand. This reduces the risk of fraud and greenwashing.

TENCEL™ is hands-down one of the best natural fabrics for activewear - combining comfort, performance, and sustainability like no other.

TENCEL™ vs Cotton: Quick FAQs

Is TENCEL™ As Breathable As Cotton?

Yes - and in many ways, it's even more breathable. TENCEL™ has a smooth, lightweight structure. It allows more airflow than cotton, helping your skin breathe naturally.

It feels soft, airy, and less dense against the body, making it ideal for people who want breathable comfort without bulk.

Is TENCEL™ More Odor-Resistant Than Cotton?

Yes - TENCEL™ Lyocell naturally resists odors better than cotton. This is thanks to the way it handles moisture. TENCEL™ fibers are made from ultra-fine, water-loving structures that pull sweat away from your skin and help it evaporate quickly.

Less surface moisture means less chance for odor-causing bacteria to grow. The result? You stay fresher, more comfortable, and confident for longer. Plus you can enjoy fewer washes in between!

Cotton, by contrast, tends to hold on to moisture more than TENCEL™. It can feel damp against the skin and allows bacteria to cling. This tends to happen most during active movement or extended wear in warmer weather.

Is TENCEL™ or Cotton More Cooling?

TENCEL™ Lyocell keeps you cooler than cotton. It pulls sweat away from your skin and dries quickly. This helps regulate your body temperature, especially during intense activity or hot weather.

Cotton is less absorbing and holds onto moisture longer, which can leave clothes feeling damp and clammy. TENCEL™'s superior moisture management is why many choose it for activewear.

Here's what one of our customers recently shared:

"I have hypersensitive, atopic skin and wearing this tank top feels like a cooling relief on my skin! Sweat usually makes my skin worse but when I wear this top, it kind of sucks the sweat from my back in it and dries incredibly fast, so I don't even feel the sweat itching."
- Elina B., wearing Tripulse TENCEL™ activewear

What Are the Disadvantages of TENCEL™?

TENCEL™ Lyocell is often more expensive and not as widely available as cotton. It also needs a little extra care. It's sensitive to heat and can shrink if not washed gently.

TENCEL™ also doesn't have a great deal of natural stretch. This means it can be blended with synthetics like elastane, reducing its sustainability and skin-friendly benefits.

Pro tip: For the best results, check the label and choose brands that use a high percentage of TENCEL™, ideally paired with cleaner alternatives like ROICA™ V550.

Is TENCEL™ a Good Fabric?

Yes - TENCEL™ Lyocell is a game-changing fabric. It's breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle to wear. It delivers smooth, second-skin comfort - no clinging, itching or bad odors.

TENCEL™ is also one of the healthiest and most sustainable fabrics in the world. It's made from responsibly sourced wood in a closed-loop process, is biodegradable, and free from toxic chemicals.

TENCEL™ is also certified skin-safe by OEKO-TEX® and Bluesign®, and meets strict environmental standards like FSC® and EU Ecolabel.

"As a Registered Dietitian, I am very conscientious and prioritize what I put IN my body, so I've been searching for healthier activewear fabrics to put ON my body... very glad to have found Tripulse!"
- Laura D., wearing Next Gen Sports Bra with TENCEL™

Final Thoughts

A small switch in fabric can make a big difference in how you move, feel, and live.

Organic cotton - when certified and responsibly made - is a great choice for everyday basics. It's soft, familiar, and ideal for pieces where breathability and comfort matter most.

But when it comes to performance, movement, and staying fresh, TENCEL™ Lyocell stands out. It's naturally durable and better at managing moisture and resisting odors. That makes it ideal for your most active days - from workouts to travel and everything in between.

So if you want better performance, skin health, and a lighter impact on the planet, TENCEL™ Lyocell is the natural next step.

Choose better. Live better. Start with what you wear.

For more, visit:

About the Author

This article is written in collaboration with Christie Johnson (B.A. Hons, PGCert), a health and sustainability writer with over five years of experience in the conscious fashion space. She explores how the clothes we wear affect our skin, well-being, and the planet - translating complex ideas into clear, empowering insights. With a strong foundation in clean materials and non-toxic living, Christie's work is grounded in integrity, curiosity, and a deep care for people and the world we share.

juni 27, 2025 — Franziska Mesche