The notorious polyester is a material commonly found in so-called chain stores. Polyester dresses and shirts have their advantages, yet we usually hear about their drawbacks – why? Does polyester breathe? Is it harmful to health? Below, we debunk the facts and myths regarding this controversial material.
What is polyester?
Polyester is a synthetic material, meaning it does not occur naturally in nature. Polyester fibers are created in the process of melting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) granules and, although we associate them mainly with the clothing industry, they are also used in the production of plastics, e.g., plastic bottles and films. Crude oil plays a part in the manufacturing process of polyester, which makes the production of this material a major burden on the environment. Below, you will find out what the advantages and disadvantages of recycled clothing are.
Polyester – what kind of material is it?
Polyester fabrics are currently, alongside cotton, some of the most commonly found in clothing stores. Alongside clothes made of 100% polyester, one can also find those containing mixtures of several to several dozen percent. This material was first produced in the early 1940s, but it only gained popularity three decades later. At that time, it was praised primarily for the fact that it did not need to be ironed, yet it looked great for a long time and did not wrinkle. Over time, people began to speak worse and worse of polyester. Its opponents still emphasize its environmentally threatening production and low comfort of wear. This does not change the fact, however, that there is still a lot of polyester on the clothing market. So, is it worth reaching for it?
Polyester – disadvantages to keep in mind
Let's start with the features that make many people consciously refrain from wearing polyester. Firstly, it is not hygroscopic, meaning it does not absorb water. Secondly, it is not very breathable. The result? You can easily sweat in polyester, and the material will not wick the sweat away. This makes wearing polyester clothing especially unadvisable for people who sweat a lot. It is also better not to wear it on hot days. Other downsides? Many people believe that polyester (especially the very cheap kind) is unpleasant to the touch and... looks tacky. And does it have a harmful effect on health? In people with skin conditions or allergies, it may exacerbate inflammatory foci – all because its fibers do not allow air to pass through. It is also worth remembering that vast amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere during its production, which harms everyone's health.
Does polyester stretch? Advantages of polyester
In addition to disadvantages, polyester also has certain positive properties. Primarily, it is resilient. Because it practically returns to its original state after being crumpled, it often does not need ironing even after washing. Polyester fabrics are also stain-resistant – this is because the fibers do not absorb water. As you can see, low hygroscopicity has its advantages. In the fashion industry, polyester is also valued for the fact that dyed fibers do not lose their color, so even after many washes, items made from them do not fade. And you practically don't have to think about how to wash polyester. Just throw it in the washing machine on a 30-40 degree cycle. Even with a high spin speed, nothing will happen to polyester clothing. The last plus of polyester is its price – we will pay less for clothes made of this material than for viscose, Tencel, or silk.
Polyamide vs. polyester
On internal tags, you can sometimes see text informing that an item contains polyamide. It is worth remembering that this is not the same as polyester. Polyamide fibers are created from caprolactam, which is processed into polyamide in the process of melting and combining with water. Clothes made 100% of this material are a rarity. It usually appears as an additive intended to add resilience to the material. Polyamide is more stretchy than polyester and has slightly better hygroscopic properties, so less of it can be added to achieve satisfactory parameters of the target material.
Polyester or cotton?
Everyone must answer this question for themselves. At ANSIN, we say NO to polyester because, in our opinion, its disadvantages definitely outweigh its advantages. We sew our clothes from skin-friendly and environmentally friendly knits, such as cotton, Tencel, or micromodal. Below you will find some of our favorite products that will let your skin breathe:
We know that their production is not harmful to the Earth, and the comfort of wearing them cannot be faked. Regarding the purchase of polyester clothing, we advise: if you are already buying it, do it wisely and reach for recycled or second-hand polyester. The planet will thank you for it!
FAQ - polyester
Does polyester breathe?
Does polyester stretch?
Polyester or cotton – which material is better?
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