Lenzing creates matte Tencel option for menswear
Following the success of Lenzing’s matte Tencel fibres for denim launched in 2021, the Austrian fibre company has developed new matte fabrics with 15 mill partners that more closely resemble the heavier denim associated with authentic looks or menswear.
Launching next week at Kingpins in Amsterdam, this fibre development means designers will have more freedom to incorporate the Tencel fibres without the restriction of the sheen but with the comfort benefits of standard Tencel fibres, according to the Austrian company.
Tuncay Kilickan, head of global business development for denim at Lenzing, told Inside Denim: “Through our research and development with the mill partners, we found the difference with the regular Tencel and matte Tencel was more pronounced in the courser constructions, for instance 12oz weight range. Even compositions such as 50% plus-Tencel-containing fabrics just looked like cotton, there was no synthetic feeling or sheen. That made us excited.”
As well as the aesthetics, prices fluctuations in the cotton market during 2022 meant more brands are considering alternative fibres, he added. “There was a doubling of cotton prices during the year, added to harvest fluctuations, this means brands need an alternative. With our new matte Tencel, we have an alternative to cotton that keeps the soft hand feel and has a circular and sustainable backstory.”
Find out more about Lenzing’s developments in our upcoming Dialogue with Tuncay Kilickan.
