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Modal Rib Fabric
-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --
Overview
Modal rib is a ribbed knit made from modal fiber, combining the stretch and recovery of rib construction with modal's well-known softness and color depth. Used both as body fabric in fitted styles and as trim in premium basics, it is a step up from cotton rib in hand feel and appearance. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
Introduction
Modal rib shares the alternating wale structure of all rib knits — producing a fabric with strong transverse stretch and reliable recovery. What sets modal rib apart from cotton rib is the fiber itself: modal produces a smoother, finer yarn that translates into a rib with a softer surface and richer color when dyed, making it the preferred choice for premium underwear and loungewear trims and fitted tops.
We offer modal rib in 1x1 and 2x2 configurations as standard, with custom constructions available. Spandex blends are available for applications requiring more elastic behavior. Matching modal jersey and modal rib in the same colorway is possible — useful for coordinated sets where the trim and body fabric need to align.
Specification
| Fiber Composition | Modal 95% / Spandex 5%; Modal 50% / Cotton 45% / Spandex 5%; custom blends on request |
| Fabric Structure | 1x1 Rib; 2x2 Rib; custom configurations available |
| Weight (GSM) | 180 – 300 gsm |
| Width | Tubular or open width; confirm at order stage |
| Stretch | Strong 2-way; 4-way with higher spandex content |
| Dyeing Method | Reactive dyeing |
| Certifications | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
| MOQ | 300 – 500 kg per color |
| Lead Time | Sample within 15 days; bulk confirmed at order stage |
Application
- Garment Trims: Neckbands, cuffs, waistbands, and hem bindings on premium T-shirts, sweatshirts, and loungewear where a softer, more refined trim is preferred over standard cotton rib.
- Fitted Tops and Tank Tops: 2x2 modal rib as body fabric produces a textured, fitted top with strong visual appeal — a popular silhouette in the basics and loungewear market.
- Underwear Waistbands: Modal rib's combination of softness and recovery makes it the natural choice for premium waistband trims in briefs and boxers.
- Coordinated Sets: When matched with modal jersey in the same dye batch, modal rib enables consistent color across trim and body fabric in loungewear and underwear sets.
Advantage
- Softer than Cotton Rib: Modal fiber produces a finer, smoother yarn than cotton at the same count — the resulting rib is noticeably gentler against skin, particularly relevant for waistbands and necklines in direct skin contact.
- Better Color Depth: Modal takes reactive dye more evenly and deeply than cotton, producing richer, more consistent color in the finished rib — important when coordinating with dyed jersey fabric in the same colorway.
- Good Wash Durability: Modal rib maintains its softness and stretch recovery through repeated laundering, keeping trims and fitted panels looking clean and performing correctly over the garment's lifespan.
- Colorway Coordination: Available in matching colorways with our modal jersey range, simplifying development of coordinated underwear and loungewear sets from a single supplier.
Payment & Shipping
- Trade Terms: FOB, CIF, CNF, or as agreed at quotation stage.
- Payment: T/T primary; L/C accepted. 30% deposit before production, 70% on bill of lading.
- Shipping: From Nantong via Shanghai or Ningbo.
- Sample Lead Time: Communication within 3 business days; samples within 15 days.
FAQ
- Q: Can modal rib and modal jersey be ordered in matching colors?
- A: Yes. We can develop modal rib and modal jersey in matching colorways, dyed in the same batch where possible to ensure color consistency. This is a common requirement for coordinated underwear and loungewear sets. Please specify this need at the development stage so we can set up the dye process accordingly.
- Q: What is the typical spandex content for modal rib used as waistbands?
- A: For waistband trim applications, 5–8% spandex is typically sufficient to deliver the elastic recovery a waistband needs while keeping the fabric's softness intact. For body-fabric use in highly fitted styles, a slightly higher spandex content may be specified. We can produce lab samples at different spandex levels for comparison if needed.
- Q: How does modal rib compare to bamboo viscose rib?
- A: Modal rib generally has better wet strength and wash durability than bamboo viscose rib, which is an advantage for frequently laundered items like underwear waistbands. Bamboo viscose rib is often described as slightly softer on initial touch. In practice, the difference is marginal — both perform well in their primary use cases. Fiber certification requirements and price are typically the deciding factors when choosing between them.
Our R&D Team
The R&D team at Tianhong is typically made up of expert technicians and innovation teams that are focused on the advancement of technology and solutions for fabrics.
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