Types of Cotton

Option for cotton: understand the modal fabric

When we created the undershirt anti-spray, our first product, we restlessly researched what would be the best fabric option for it. Cotton is a traditional and widely used fabric. However, it is extremely polluting and non-functional, because it has low absorbing power and high bacteria proliferation rate.

After many analyses, we concluded that the ideal fabric for undershirts would be bamboo modal and viscose.

Comparing cotton with modal and bamboo viscose

You may have wondered what modal fabric is, how our clothes absorb sweat and why they are antiodor. To achieve this result, we use textile technology.

Although the most popular natural fiber fabric is cotton, it heats the body and does not absorb sweat efficiently. Knowing this, we started thinking about a possibility of breathable and antibacterial fabric.

After much research, we came up with two solutions. A technological and low environmental impact fabric, called modal, and bamboo viscose. We made some comparisons. In them, we used a scale from zero (not efficient) to five (very efficient).

Absorption of sweat

If your goal is to have a piece that absorbs sweat, know that it should be made of natural fibers. However, even natural fibers have different levels of absorption.

In terms of absorption, the cotton takes a three, because it doesn’t dry so fast, leaving a wet skin sensation and causing stains on the clothes. The modal and the bamboo viscose take note five.

Breathability and thermal comfort

The fabrics have similar breathability, but the cotton gets four, while the other two get five again. Besides that, the modal fabric heats up little, a factor that gives even more thermal balance to the body.

Antiodor

For a fabric to be antibacterial, it needs to be antibacterial. The odor is caused by the proliferation of bacteria, which occurs in a hot and humid environment. In other words, the odor is directly related to the drying time of its pieces.

In this sense, the cotton appears again with note three, while the modal fabric and the bamboo viscose, which have fast drying, stay with five.

Sustainability

This is one of Insider’s pillars, and having a sustainable fabric was important to us. After all, what’s the point of having the best product if it affects the environment?

Solving perspiration problems wouldn’t be enough if we didn’t do it in a conscious way. This is directly linked to our choices and fabric quality.

To produce the cotton, 2,700 liters of water are used, in addition to a huge amount of agrochemicals and pesticides. The modal requires 700 liters and does not require the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

To have an idea, cotton plantations occupy 4% of the planet’s planted surface, but are responsible for the consumption of 25% of all insecticides used in agriculture and 11% of pesticides.

These insecticides and pesticides can contaminate the water table and the soil in which they are applied. In addition, they are harmful to the health of the professionals responsible for the application, even reducing life expectancy.

Price of raw material

Cotton ends up being more important than bamboo viscose and modal. But, for us, this financial economy is not worth it. Our fabrics have more functional benefits, in the absorption and antibacterial factors, besides being less harmful to the environment.

The production of bamboo viscose and modal

There are fabrics made of natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, and synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and polyamide. The modal fabric is synthetic and also natural, as is bamboo viscose. They are mixed because the fiber is made synthetically, but the raw material is natural.

For a fabric to be created, there is a process with several transformations. First, the extraction of bamboo (bamboo fiber) and tree bark (modal) is done. Then, cellulose is made, which is transformed into fiber. With this, a thread is generated and then the fabric.

In the case of the modal fabric, we use a material originating from certified reforestation wood from forests in Austria. The whole process up to the fiber is done abroad. In Brazil, the threads are made, which result in the fabric, also made in the country.

You are part of the change

When you choose Insider, you are also opting for a positive change in the world through consumption choices. We have created a line of underwear with underwear and modal fabric t-shirt to bring comfort and functionality to your everyday life.

Get to know our anti-smell and anti-odor pieces made of modal

Our portfolio is based on parts produced within sustainable guidelines. One of them is the tech-shirt, a basic t-shirt for everyday life with anti odor and anti-smell features. In addition, it also does not need to be ironed, ie when leaving the clothesline, this clothing can go straight to the body or closet.

The fabric composition of the garment counts with 92% of modal and 8% of elastane and it is a reference shirt in durability. Finally, it also doesn’t fade and it doesn’t get hot, a factor that contributes with the balance of the body temperature.

Besides the tech t-shirt, we also have the comfort underwear, which like all the other Insider’s pieces, counts with anti-wear and anti-odor technology. It is firm, comfortable, durable and has a striking design from the samba-canção cut.