Polyester Fabric Guide

Chiffon, crepe, denim, poplin - there are a variety of fashionable fabrics on the market, each with its own history, characteristics, and uses. Most fabrics fall into two categories: natural fabrics (like linen and silk) and synthetic fabrics (like neoprene and spandex/lycra). One of the most widely known synthetic fabrics is polyester.

Polyester fabric (polyethylene terephthalate) is a synthetic woven material known for being durable and relatively inexpensive to produce. It was invented by British chemists in 1941 and brought to the United States by DuPont. Polyester rose to prominence in the 1970s as an inexpensive material for suits and other clothing. Polyester and polyester blends are now the most popular man-made fabrics in the world, and one of the most popular synthetic fabrics overall.

Polyester fabric is a synthetic material made from the polymerization of petroleum-derived ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid, which is melted to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Manufacturers push molten PET through spinnerets to form semi-crystalline fibers, which are sometimes chemically treated before being woven together to form polyester fabrics.

From faux leather to velvet, from off-white organza to burgundy broadcloth, all fabrics will have unique properties that determine their best use. Some of the most prominent properties of polyester are:

Polyester fibers are very strong, which means they don't tear, stretch, or pill as easily as cotton and other natural fibers. This strength means polyester garments can easily handle machine wash wear and require no special care. The durability of polyester fabric makes it especially suitable for outdoor clothing.

Polyester is resistant to droplets, which means the fabric wicks away moisture rather than absorbs it - making it a popular material for outdoor clothing and gear, such as tents, that need protection from rain and rain. In addition, polyester's moisture resistance helps keep it stain-resistant. However, polyester's moisture resistance makes it a less breathable fabric. If you sweat while wearing polyester, the fabric will absorb moisture (rather than wick it away), leaving you feeling hot and sticky.

While linen and cotton fabrics can retain wrinkles and require ironing, polyester is wrinkle-resistant and better holds its shape, drape, and stiffness. Polyester's wrinkle resistance made it particularly popular in the 1970s as an alternative to garments that required constant washing and ironing to avoid wrinkling.

Unlike many natural fabrics, polyester doesn't have a very luxurious feel; inexpensively manufactured polyester has a slightly rough feel to sensitive skin. However, there are a few different ways to make and weave polyester fabrics that can affect their texture, making some polyester rough. Other types of polyester, such as Chinese silk fabrics, are almost as smooth as natural silk or satin fabrics.

Many natural fibers are biodegradable, which means they break down over time and avoid clogging up landfills. Most polyester yarns have the opposite impact on the environment - polyester does not break down easily and is generally not biodegradable.

Polyester fabrics have many uses in fashion:

Because polyester clothing is both durable and moisture resistant, it's a common choice for outdoor clothing that needs to stay dry in inclement weather. Parkas, trench coats, and other outerwear are often made of polyester.

Handbags, sports bags, and backpacks are often made of polyester or polyester blends because it's inexpensive, durable, and resistant to moisture.

Polyester and polyester/nylon blends are the basis of microfiber fabrics. While not strictly for fashion, microfiber fabrics are great for keeping out moisture or delicately cleaning glass surfaces.

Outside of clothing fashion, polyester is also a common choice for interior design and home decor, used in everything from curtains to tablecloths to cheap linens.

The above briefly describes some characteristics of polyester fabrics. If you want to know more or want to buy polyester woven fabrics, please contact us.

QIKUN is a professional custom polyester fabric manufacturer. We are always proud of our quality, if there is any quality problem with our products, we will provide product replacement until you are satisfied to protect the rights and interests of our customers.