Modal is a plant-based cellulose fibre made from wood pulp. It is processed into soft, smooth yarn, then woven or knit into fabric. The result is a lightweight material with a matte finish and a soft drape.
Knowing what the fabric is made from is useful before you buy because it affects how the hijab feels, how it drapes and how you care for it.
How it is made
Wood pulp is dissolved using chemical solvents, spun into fibre and then woven or knit into fabric. How the solvents are handled during this process varies between manufacturers. Some production methods recover and reuse the solvents more efficiently than others, which affects the overall environmental footprint of the fabric.
Not all modal is produced identically, and the actual environmental impact of any modal product depends on the specific sourcing, manufacturing process and finishing used. If these details matter to you, looking for brands that document their supply chain is a reasonable approach.
What the fabric does in practice
Modal has a soft, lightweight drape. It tends to create less bulk around the neckline than a firmer fabric, which is useful when wearing a hijab under a blazer or against a tailored collar.
The smooth matte finish means the fabric tends to sit alongside most outfits without drawing attention to itself. VELA’s solid shades like Morning Roast and Honey Beige, and printed styles like Orchid Bloom and Sunset Floral, all share this quality.
How it differs from synthetic fabrics
Synthetic fabrics like polyester are made from petroleum rather than plant-based sources. The wearing experience and the surface quality differ from modal, and synthetic fabrics do not biodegrade the way plant-based fibres can under the right conditions.
Whether plant-based fibres like modal have a meaningfully lower environmental impact in practice depends on how they are produced, dyed and finished. The fibre origin is one part of the picture, not the whole story. Learn more about modal hijab fabric
Care
Hand wash in cold water or use a delicate machine cycle with a laundry bag. Use mild liquid detergent. Air dry flat away from direct sunlight. Follow the individual product care label.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is modal soft?
Yes. Modal has a smooth, soft surface that tends to feel comfortable against the skin.
Is modal better for the environment than synthetic fabrics?
Modal is plant-derived, which puts it in a different category from petroleum-based synthetics. Whether a specific modal product has a meaningfully lower environmental impact depends on how it is produced, dyed and transported. The fibre itself is one part of that picture.
Does modal hold its colour after washing?
Washing in cold water on a delicate cycle inside a laundry bag and air drying away from direct sunlight is the best approach for maintaining colour over time. How well the colour holds can vary depending on the specific dye and finish used.
Is modal suitable for sensitive skin?
Modal’s smooth surface tends to feel comfortable against most skin types. Testing with one piece before buying several is a practical approach if you have sensitive skin.
Does VELA’s modal need ironing?
Modal tends to resist heavy creasing better than many fabrics. If wrinkles form from storage, a garment steamer on low heat is a good option for smoothing them out without direct contact with the fabric.
Shop VELA’s modal hijab range at velascarves.com/collections/modal-hijab.
