'In the pursuit of sartorial splendour', a wise man once eloquently stated, 'one must not overlook the humble underwear, for it is the foundation upon which elegance is built'. At Eustace, we embarked on a quest to redefine these essentials of the quintessential wardrobe, weaving beauty with practicality. The key element to that? Fabric.
When pondering the creation of the undershirt or boxer briefs, we delved into the depths of desirability, seeking textiles that embodied breathability, softness, stretchiness, and sustainability – all keeping in mind the future. As perfectionists, we consulted our own preferences and the opinions of those who would wear our creations.
Among the diversity of opinions, one type of fabric emerged supreme: Tencel – modal and lyocell. TENCEL™ Modal was the fit for our undershirts and TENCEL™ Lyocell for our boxer briefs. While TENCEL™ Modal is born from the majestic beechwood, Lyocell is from eucalyptus. Both are testament to Lenzing’s ingenuity, which transforms wood pulp into a fabric fit for the gods. Discovered from the lands that gave us Mozart, Kipferl, and the first electric car, the Austrian origins of TENCEL™ lend it an air of ingenuity. However, its unmatched qualities extend beyond its origins.
In a rigorous examination against its respected competitors, organic cotton, bamboo, polyester, and even seaweed, Tencel came out on top. The reason behind this is that it boasts unparalleled breathability, natural antibacterial properties, moisture control and a capacity for stretchiness that elevates the body. As Oscar Wilde once put it, “nothing should reveal the body but the body”.
Compared to cotton, Tencel is more breathable, uses less water, and requires no pesticides. Unlike bamboo, Tencel's production is free of harmful chemicals. Polyester’s synthetic origins undermine its sustainability, while seaweed fabric, though interesting, lacks Tencel's stretch and comfort.
What was important for us in choosing the fabrics of both the upper and lower underwear was absorption and texture. We know that men sweat more in the upper part than the lower part of the body because of the higher number of sweat glands in areas like the chest, back and armpits. We also know that men experience chafing and friction more in the lower part of the body than the upper part because areas such as the male anatomy, inner thigh, and haunches are more prone to rubbing against the skin during physical activities such as walking and running. So, for us, TENCEL™ Modal suited the undershirt because aside from its long-lasting quality, its moisture management properties provide a strong reliable base as an underlay. For the boxer briefs, the stretchability and silky drape and feel of the lyocell was important for ensuring maximum comfort around the sensitive areas such as the male anatomy.
Indeed, Tencel is not merely a fabric; it is a badge of honour worn by those who not only appreciate the finer things in life but how those things come to be. TENCEL™ not only prides itself on the clean processes from which its fabrics like Modal and Lyocell are produced, it also supports a multitude of campaigns such as true carbon zero, #MakeItFeelRight, Tencel™X and Feel Good Fibres Since 1992. Aware of the need to conserve its surrounding ecology, Lenzing the owner of TENCEL™, majorly sources its wood and pulp from sustainably managed forests, using only trees felled during forest thinning. Lenzing has been a stable partner for European forestry for decades.
In a world consumed by fast fashion and consumption, TENCEL™ is a vehicle for circular fashion. It is driving global initiatives such as its “Fiber Recycling Initiative” which involves the mechanical recycling of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres. These are the kind of ideals Roger Scruton, one of England's finest thinkers and philosophers of our time, defended, and which is reflected in his work on Green Philosophy. In it, he states that conservation is about 'husbanding resources and ensuring their renewal'. These resources in the case of Lenzing being social capital (consent to deforestation and the equivalent afforestation); material capital (wood and pulp); and economic capital (sustainable closed loop production processes).
In conclusion, the reputation of TENCEL™ as a reliable, sustainable, high-quality fabric makes it the ideal choice for premium brands like Eustace who craft premium men's essentials for the discerning gentleman.