What Is Polyester? The 2 Most Vital Questions Answered

1. What is polyester?

Polyester is a generalized term for any fabric or textile, which is made using polyester yarns or fibers. The name is shortened from a synthetic, man-made polymer, which is most commonly referred to as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. That all sounds extremely scientific.

2.Why choose polyester?

It is a popular choice for apparel because polyester fibers are thermoplastic, or heat-sensitive. This means that fabrics, which are 100% polyester, can be given permanent pleats and decorative shapes and patterns can be laser-cut into them. They are also highly stain-resistant, so great for cleaning.

You might notice that when a garment is 100% polyester, that is it prone to static build-up. This is a nightmare when it comes to ensuring your hair looks good, and you might find yourself being able to give people static shocks – which, although harmless, can be pretty annoying! To eliminate this issue, polyester is often blended with more stable fibers, such as cotton. This is then known as polycotton and it embodies the benefits of both fabrics; strong, durable, wrinkle-resistant and far more breathable than 100% polyester.

Polyester clothing tends to be slippery and almost silky to touch. The fibers can be woven or knitted to create the fabric, although knitted will maximize its flexibility. It is a naturally bright fiber and can be modified easily for different uses.