7 Things You Need to Know About Polyester

7 Things You Need to Know About Polyester

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic textile fiber that has been a cornerstone of the fashion industry since its creation in the 1940s. Known for its lightweight, soft, breathable, heat-resistant, and quick-drying properties, polyester is commonly used in sports and outdoor wear. However, its environmental impact has led to growing concerns. Made from various plastics, polyester contributes to environmental harm, which has prompted discussions on sustainable alternatives. Here’s everything you need to know about polyester and its effects.

1. “Polyester” Covers a Range of Textiles and Fabrics

When we talk about polyester, we’re referring to a broad category of textiles and fabrics made from polyester yarn. This includes everything from fleece and neoprene to high-stretch fabrics like running tights and swimwear, as well as softshell jackets and other athleisure wear. Most synthetic fibers used in polyester are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate, though other plastics are also used.

2. Why Activewear Often Features Polyester

Polyester fibers are incredibly fine, three times thinner than silk, allowing them to be woven into tightly-knit fabrics that are both windproof and waterproof while remaining breathable. This makes polyester a go-to material for technical textiles in the outdoor industry, including waterproof hiking clothing, compact travel gear, backpacks, insulated mats, hammocks, and tents.

3. Polyester is Easily Processed and Modified

One of polyester’s advantages is its versatility in manufacturing. The fabric can be easily modified to enhance its properties, such as adding UV protection or weather-resistant coatings, making it a popular choice for various applications.

4. Polyester Combines Well with Other Fibers

Polyester blends seamlessly with other textile fibers, often appearing in fabrics mixed with cotton or viscose. These blends benefit from polyester’s ability to improve dimensional stability, wrinkle resistance, and stretchiness, making garments easier to care for.

5. Polyester Fibers Can Harbor Unpleasant Odors

One drawback of polyester is that it tends to retain odors more than natural fibers. Unlike absorbent materials like wool or cotton, polyester fibers don’t soak up moisture but instead wick it away, which can lead to unpleasant odors during heavy sweating. Natural fibers have a protective film that helps prevent the buildup of sweat odor, a feature polyester lacks, necessitating more frequent washing.

6. Polyester’s Environmental Impact is Concerning

Polyester has a significant environmental footprint. The production process releases microplastics into the environment, particularly through washing, where microfibers break off and enter waterways. While polyester requires less water to produce than cotton, it is energy-intensive and derived from crude oil. The textile industry consumes 100 million barrels of crude oil annually, with polyester accounting for 70% of this usage.

7. Recycled Polyester is a Better, But Imperfect, Alternative

To mitigate the environmental impact, many manufacturers are turning to recycled polyester, made from PET bottles, ocean plastic, and old clothing. Brands like Patagonia have pioneered this approach, using recycled materials in their products. While recycled polyester reduces the need for new petroleum, it doesn’t completely solve the problem of microplastic pollution, and the recycling process itself is energy-intensive. Additionally, polyester from blended fabrics is difficult to recycle, and PET cannot be endlessly reused.

Conclusion

Polyester’s versatility and ease of processing make it a valuable material in the fashion and textile industries. However, its environmental drawbacks, particularly concerning microplastic pollution and its reliance on fossil fuels, present significant challenges. While recycled polyester offers a more sustainable option, the search for truly eco-friendly alternatives continues.