Discover the Benefits of Polyester T-Shirts: Comfort, Performance, and Longevity

We’ve all heard of polyester, but do we really know what it’s made of and how to care for it? Let’s uncover the secrets of this ubiquitous fabric in our simple guide.

Polyester: The Ubiquitous Fabric

Polyester is everywhere—durable, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and inexpensive. But what exactly is polyester? What types of polyester fabric exist? Let’s dive in and explore.

What is Polyester Made Of?

Polyester refers to a group of different plastics, the most common of which is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). If “polyethylene terephthalate” is a bit of a mouthful, think of it this way: the same material used in plastic bottles and food containers is what makes up your polyester clothing.

Yes, that’s right—your polyester shirt and that plastic water bottle are likely made from the same material. When you recycle a plastic bottle, it can be melted down, stretched into threads, and woven into new polyester fabric. That’s pretty amazing, right?

As a clothing material, polyester is relatively young. Polyester fabric began to be widely used in the 1940s, shortly after the introduction of nylon, though polyester in its non-fabric form was patented as early as 1928.

What is Polyester Used For?

While polyester is used in plastic packaging, we’re more interested in its role in textiles. Polyester fabric is incredibly versatile, used in everything from upholstery and bedding to tents, umbrellas, and, of course, clothing.

Take a look at your quilted winter jacket—it’s likely made entirely of polyester. The outer fabric might be polyester, the warm inner lining could be polyester, and even the faux fur trimmings might be polyester. It’s a material with a vast range of applications.

Polyester is everywhere in clothing: gloves, hats, scarves, coats, jumpers, shirts, trousers, skirts, dresses, socks, shoes, and even underwear. Whatever type of garment you’re looking for, there’s probably a version made with polyester.

Types of Polyester Fabric

Polyester fabrics generally share several key qualities:

• Lightweight
• Non-absorbent
• Quick drying
• Durable
• Easy to wash
• Resistant to wrinkling and pilling

However, polyester does have some drawbacks. It can melt if ironed at high temperatures and tends to build up static electricity. You can reduce static by using a fabric conditioner like Comfort Intense Fresh Sky.

There are three main types of polyester fiber:

1. PET Polyester: The most common form, used in most polyester clothing.
2. PCDT Polyester: More elastic than PET, often used in upholstery.
3. Plant-Based Polyester: Developed in the 2010s as an environmentally friendly alternative, though still in the early stages of adoption.

Many polyester fabrics are actually blends, combining polyester with other materials to enhance their properties.

Common Polyester Blends

• Polyester-Cotton Blends: These blends offer breathability from cotton and durability from polyester, making them popular for T-shirts.
• Polylinen (Polyester-Linen Blends): Wrinkle-resistant and colorfast, these blends are ideal for those who love linen but want less maintenance.
• Polyester-Elastane Blends: Popular in sportswear, these blends combine polyester’s durability with elastane’s stretch, perfect for form-fitting garments.
• Polyester-Wool Blends: Used for suits, these blends offer a less expensive, more wrinkle-resistant alternative to pure wool.
• Polyviscose (Polyester-Viscose Blends): Easier to care for than pure viscose, these blends mimic the look and feel of wool, making them great for vegans or those with wool allergies.

Polyester’s versatility is impressive, making it a staple in the fashion industry and beyond. Whether you’re looking for durable outdoor gear or a wrinkle-resistant suit, polyester has you covered.