Polyester is among the most popular synthetic materials in the world. It is known for its remarkable characteristics, including durability and versatility. Polyester material is affordable, making it a staple in textiles, upholstery, apparel, and industrial applications.
However, the real questions are what polyester exactly is, why it is so popular in the clothing industry, and what traits, functions, applications, pros and cons it has. This comprehensive guide explains all the answers and essential information about polyester fabric.
Polyester Fabric Explained
Polyester is a man-made, synthetic fabric made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a chemical compound used to make polyester fabric. Moreover, polyester material is made using polymerization, a chemical process in which alcohols and esters are combined to create long polymer chains.
The polymer chains are spun into fibers and woven into material. Polyester has high resistance to stretching, wrinkles, and shrinking. All these traits make this material a popular and preferred choice in the textile and fashion industries.
How is Polyester Fabric Made?
Like any other synthetic material, polyester also requires a proper process to be formed properly. Let’s have a look at its making process:
Polymerization
In order to create polyester fabric, heat is applied to form the long chains to induce the fluidity of terephthalic and ethylene glycol. The process refers to creating polymers by heating petroleum products.
Spinning Fiber
The next step involves passing the solution of liquid polymer through a spinneret to create polyester fibers.
Drawing Fibers
In this step, the polymer fibers are made durable and stretchy by casting them out of their solids.
Fabrication
The extracted fibers are either woven or knitted to create polyester fabric in its fine form.
What Are the Different Types of Polyester Fabric?
Different types of polyester with unique applications and characteristics are:
1- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is the most common type of polyester that is commonly used in manufacturing clothes, plastic bottles and home textiles.
2- Poly-1, 4-Cyclohexylene-Dimethylene Terephthalate (PCDT)
PCDT is another type of polyester that is employed in heavy-duty applications such as industrial materials and upholstery. It has higher strength and elasticity than PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
3- Microfiber Polyester
The third type of polyester fabric is microfiber polyester, which is a high-quality fiber used to create smooth and soft textures. Its fine quality makes it a popular choice for making bedsheets, cleaning cloths, and activewear.
4- Recycled Polyester (rPET)
Recycled polyester comes from plastic bottles, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to other polyester types.
5- Blended Polyester
Blended means combining or blending two or more materials together to either create a new one or to add more characteristics to a fabric. In the case of polyester, blended refers to combining different types of fabrics, including spandex, nylon, wool, cotton, and other materials. Blending the fabrics with polyester can enhance its breathability, durability, elasticity, and other traits.
What Is Polyester Fabric Used For?
Since polyester is very popular due to its texture, durability, and affordability, it is used in several industries. Here are the common uses of polyester:
Clothing Products
Polyester is used to make t-shirts, trousers, jackets, raincoats, and dresses.
Outdoor Products
The most common outdoor products made from polyester are backpacks and tents.
Sportswear Items
Polyester material is a popular choice to create sports apparel, including jerseys, activewear, leggings, and more.
Home Essentials
High-quality curtains, bedsheets, and upholstery are the most common byproducts of polyester.
Industrial Applications
Polyester is widely used in making safety gear, conveyor belts, and ropes.
Automotive Industry
Airbags and outstanding car seat covers are made from polyester.
Polyester Fabric Characteristics
Polyester material features unique properties:
Lightweight
Polyester is lightweight, which is why it is suitable for fitness and sports clothing.
Durability
Polyester has high strength. It is not easily torn, making it a perfect material to make durable clothing products.
Moisture-Wicking
Polyester wicks moisture quickly. This is why manufacturers use this fabric to make sports clothing.
Quick-Drying
Since polyester is a synthetic material made of alcohols and esters, it dries quickly.
Wrinkle Resistance
It is very unlikely for polyester to wrinkle easily. This is a very unique trait that reduces the need for ironing clothes made of polyester.
Shape Retention
Polyester doesn’t lose its shape. It doesn’t shrink or ruin its texture and structure.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Polyester Fabric
Polyester is a wonderful material with many advantages. However, despite many pros, it also has some disadvantages that people should consider before getting polyester-made products. Let’s get to know about the pros and cons of polyester:
Pros of Polyester
- Polyester is a cost-effective fabric. It is cheaper than cotton, which is an organic material.
- Polyester is easy to care for and maintain. It rarely requires ironing.
- Polyester material dries faster and wicks moisture quickly.
- The strength of polyester is remarkable. It can withstand wear and tear easily. It doesn’t deform for a long time. Therefore, it is recommended and frequently used in sportswear as well as daily wear.
Cons of Polyester Fabric
- Polyester is a non-biodegradable material due to its synthetic manufacturing and nature. It is not sustainable and hence hazardous to the environment.
- It is not a wise choice if you are looking for a breathable material. Polyester becomes very uncomfortable when wearing it in warm or hot climates.
What Is the Cost of Polyester?
The cost of polyester depends on various factors, including quality, quantity, type, and the process of its production. However, it ranges between $2 and $10 per yard, on average. Moreover, you can get common clothing products and upholstery made out of polyester at cheaper rates.
But recycled polyester is more costly due to being eco-friendly. Moreover, if you want fabric blends, it can cost you a bit more due to different costs of materials.
Conclusion
Polyester is a unique and commonly used fabric that is employed in manufacturing fashion clothes, athletic apparel, home essentials, and other industrial products. It is a valuable option due to its durability, reasonable cost, and other properties mentioned in the above sections.
However, polyester material also has some disadvantages along with promising pros. Every individual or clothing business willing to get polyester should know its risks and benefits.
It is always better to consult a manufacturing company that employs polyester for sportswear manufacturing. This way, the buyers would have a better idea regarding the fabric and the products it is used to make.
FAQs
Is polyester natural or synthetic?
Polyester is a synthetic fabric since it is made by man using polyethylene terephthalate.
Does polyester shrink in the dryer?
It can shrink in the dryer if used on high heat.
Is 100% polyester better than cotton?
Both polyester and cotton have unique properties. 100% polyester is wrinkle-resistant and durable, whereas cotton is more breathable and comfortable.
Is polyester a fiber or a fabric?
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is used to make fabric.
What’s the difference between polyester and nylon?
Polyester is moisture-wicking with less elasticity, whereas nylon has high elasticity and a softer texture.
