When it comes to choosing the perfect pajama, fabric matters just as much as design. Comfort, breathability, and skin sensitivity all depend on what touches your skin for hours each night.
Two of the most loved materials in sleepwear are modal and cotton. Both are soft and natural in feel, yet their performance differs in subtle but important ways.
This article explores how these fabrics compare in softness, breathability, sustainability, and durability to help you decide which one suits your sleep style best.
Key Takeaways
• Both modal and cotton are breathable and soft but differ in texture and moisture control.
• Modal is smoother and more resistant to shrinkage and fading.
• Cotton provides a cozy, familiar texture and strong moisture absorption.
• Modal is more sustainable due to lower water usage and renewable sourcing.
What Is Modal Fabric?
Modal is a semi-synthetic fabric derived from beech tree pulp, known for its silky softness and flexibility. Developed as a more luxurious alternative to cotton, modal is often used in premium loungewear and bedding.
According to Textile Exchange (2024), modal uses significantly less water and energy during production than conventional cotton, making it a more sustainable option.
Its smooth, lightweight texture allows it to drape beautifully, giving pajamas a refined look and exceptionally soft touch against the skin.
What Makes Cotton So Popular?
Cotton is a natural fiber loved for its breathability and familiar comfort. It absorbs moisture effectively, making it a dependable choice for sleepwear in most climates. Cotton’s long history in textiles gives it a trusted reputation. However, it can sometimes shrink or lose softness after repeated washing if not blended or pre-treated.
The Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor (2023) reports that more than 80% of consumers still prefer cotton for its natural feel and breathability, proving its enduring appeal.
Which Fabric Feels Softer?
Softness can be subjective, but in controlled textile testing, modal typically ranks higher for smoothness and drape. Its fine, long fibers create a silky, almost weightless feel. Cotton, especially high-quality combed or pima cotton, offers a plush comfort but tends to have more surface texture.
In comparative studies by Lenzing AG (one of the largest modal producers), modal fibers showed 50% greater softness retention after multiple washes compared to cotton, due to their smoother fiber structure and resistance to pilling.
How Do They Compare in Breathability and Moisture Control?
Both fabrics allow airflow, but modal excels in moisture-wicking performance. It can absorb about 50% more moisture than cotton and releases it faster, keeping the body cooler and drier at night.
For sleepers who tend to overheat or sweat, modal provides better temperature regulation. Cotton, on the other hand, offers a cozy, insulating comfort for cooler nights.
Which Is More Sustainable?
Modal is often the more eco-conscious choice. Made from renewable wood sources and processed in closed-loop systems, it reduces environmental impact compared to traditional cotton farming, which requires high water and pesticide use.
Textile Exchange (2024) and Lenzing’s sustainability reports note that certified modal production uses up to 90% less water and reuses up to 95% of processing chemicals.
Which Lasts Longer?
Modal is less prone to shrinking, fading, or losing shape. Cotton’s durability depends on its weave and quality, but it generally requires gentler care to maintain softness. Modal pajamas tend to stay smoother and newer for longer periods, especially after repeated washes.
Why Choose That Girl Pajamas
That Girl Pajamas designs each collection using OEKO-TEX® certified modal, ensuring the fabric is gentle on sensitive skin and sustainably sourced. The brand’s striped sets are tailored for comfort stretch, longevity, and effortless elegance, sleepwear that looks as good as it feels.
Bottom Line
Both modal and cotton are excellent sleepwear fabrics, but for those seeking modern comfort, superior softness, and sustainable production, modal stands out. It offers long-lasting smoothness, better moisture control, and an eco-friendly story that aligns with conscious living.
At That Girl Pajamas, we bring the softness of premium modal to your everyday rituals, because what you wear to rest should feel as good as your best day.
FAQs
1. Is modal softer than cotton?
Yes. Modal’s fiber structure gives it a smoother, silkier feel that lasts longer after washing.
2. Is modal more breathable than cotton?
Modal is more moisture-wicking and breathable, helping regulate temperature during sleep.
3. Is modal fabric safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Modal is hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals.
4. Does modal shrink like cotton?
No. Modal is resistant to shrinking and fading, maintaining shape even after multiple washes.
5. Which is more eco-friendly: modal or cotton?
Modal uses renewable resources and closed-loop production, consuming less water and chemicals than conventional cotton.