How to care for natural and plant-based fabrics starts with understanding the fiber itself.
Some fabrics simply feel better to wear every day. They feel soft against the skin, allow air to move freely, and work especially well in a warm climate.
At MeLe, we love natural plant fibers such as cotton and linen, as well as plant-based materials like modal and lyocell. We also love thoughtful blends – cotton with linen, cotton with modal, linen with lyocell – where different fibers complement one another.
Every material has its own character, so the best way to care for it can vary slightly.
Cotton and linen: natural plant fibers
Cotton is soft, breathable and incredibly versatile. Depending on its weight and construction, it can feel light and airy, smooth, textured or beautifully soft when knitted.
Linen has a more distinctive natural texture and is especially comfortable in warm weather. With wear and washing, it tends to become softer, while its natural creases remain part of its character.
Hemp, ramie and nettle are other examples of natural plant fibers, each bringing its own texture and strength.
What is modal?
Modal is made from wood-based cellulose.
Its raw material comes from plants, but the textile fiber itself is formed through a manufacturing process. For that reason, modal is not technically classified as a natural fiber in the same way as cotton or linen. It is a plant-based cellulosic fiber.
Modal is exceptionally soft, smooth and comfortable against the skin. It feels breathable, manages moisture well and can be particularly pleasant in warm weather.
Because it is cellulose-based, modal can also biodegrade under suitable conditions.
We especially love modal blended with cotton: cotton provides structure, while modal adds softness and a more fluid drape.
What is lyocell? And what is TENCEL™?
Lyocell is also made from wood-based cellulose.
It is soft, smooth and lightweight, with good moisture management and a beautiful drape. Pure lyocell can also biodegrade under suitable conditions.
TENCEL™ is not a separate type of fabric. It is a trademark owned by Lenzing and includes fibers such as TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal.
Linen and lyocell make a particularly beautiful combination: linen keeps its natural texture, while lyocell adds softness and a more fluid movement.
Why do we love fiber blends?
A “100%” label does not automatically mean a fabric is better.
Different fibers can complement one another and create a better balance for a particular garment.
Cotton + linen combines the softness of cotton with the lightness, breathability and texture of linen.
Cotton + modal combines structure with exceptional softness and fluidity.
Linen + lyocell keeps linen’s natural character while adding a smoother, softer drape.
Cotton + hemp combines the softness of cotton with the strength and natural texture of hemp.
A small amount of elastane may also be added to provide stretch, comfort and better shape recovery without becoming the main fiber in the fabric.
For us, what matters most is not simply the percentage written on the label, but how the fabric feels, breathes and performs in the finished garment.
How to care for natural and plant-based fabrics: washing cotton, linen, modal and lyocell
For many of these fabrics, a gentle wash at up to 30°C is a good starting point.
Cotton
For most cotton garments, a Cotton cycle is the preferred option.
For lightweight fabrics or softer, more delicate knits, choose a gentler cycle.
Cotton — especially knitted cotton — may naturally shrink slightly during the first few washes.
Linen
Linen is best washed on a gentle cycle at up to 30°C with a moderate spin.
A small amount of natural shrinkage may also occur.
Gently reshape the garment while it is still damp.
Modal and lyocell
Modal and lyocell generally prefer a gentle cycle, a mild detergent and low to moderate spinning.
Excessive heat is unnecessary. Gentle care helps preserve their softness, shape and fluid drape.
How should these fabrics be dried?
Whenever possible, we prefer air drying.
High tumble-drying temperatures can increase shrinkage in cotton and linen and may affect the softness and shape of more delicate fibers over time.
After washing, gently reshape the garment and allow it to dry naturally.
For blended fabrics, a useful rule is to follow the needs of the most delicate fiber in the composition.
And always check the individual care label, as fabric weight, weave, knit structure and finishing can all affect the recommended care.
Fabrics for the Israeli climate
In hot weather, fiber content is only part of the story. Fabric weight, construction and the cut of the garment matter too.
Still, lightweight cotton, linen, modal, lyocell and their blends can work beautifully in a warm climate.
At MeLe, we do not choose fabrics simply by looking at the name or percentage on a label.
We think about how a material feels against the skin, how it breathes, how it moves and how comfortable it is in everyday life.
Sometimes the right choice is 100% cotton or linen.
Sometimes the right blend creates exactly the softness, lightness and drape we are looking for.
With a little thoughtful care, favourite pieces can stay soft, beautiful and comfortable for much longer.