Style Alert: Eco-Friendly Fabric Tencel

Think you’re a tree-hugger? Wait until you start wearing trees on your body, with Tencel, the revolutionary fabric made from wood fibers.

Shopping for high-quality, luxurious clothing can be challenging for vegans, as often the typical materials used for clothes, shoes, and accessories–silk, leather, wool–are animal-based. Imagine my immense joy, then, when I stumbled upon a revolutionary new fabric making its way into mainstream fashion and stores: Tencel (R). I discovered it in my new favorite pair of pants (yes, pants! This was the most revolutionary shopping trip I’ve had in quite some time . . .) from the Gap, and many similar stores carry products made of Tencel.

Also called Lyocell, Tencel has been around since the 1980s but is recently making a come-back with new technologies and increased awareness among shoppers for environmentally sustainable textiles. Tencel is made entirely of raw wood pulp in a closed-loop production cycle, which makes it incredibly eco-friendly. The small fibers from which it is made allow it to absorb moisture at a rate much higher than polyester (yuck!) and cotton. But because the moisture is drawn inside the fabric, not left outside as a film, there’s no risk of bacterial growth–even without chemical additives. At the same time, the texture is incredibly soft and silky, which gives pieces made of Tencel a relaxed, drapey, yet polished feel and look–perfect for this season’s minimalist style. In summary, you get the performance and comfort of athletic-wear in a luxury package.

Adding Tencel to your wardrobe and home is easy. Look out for these items and more in a store near you.

Gap Jogger Pant