Polyester: what kind of fabric, properties, advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a new dress or a well-tailored pair of skinny trousers, you should pay attention not only to the appearance of the item, but also to its composition. He can tell you how the clothes will behave when washed and ironed, whether they will last a long time or stretch quickly. True, with all the variety of artificial and natural materials, it’s easy to get confused in names like “nylon”, “polyurethane”, “viscose” and “polyester”.

Oh, my product manager Nadezhda Koltsova told The Village what materials to be careful of, why a low percentage of synthetics in woolen items is not scary, and natural cotton is good at any time of the year.

Synthetic fibers appeared at the peak of scientific progress in the 30-60s of the last century. At that time, such clothes seemed stylish and modern, but now comfort and environmental friendliness are valued first, so the choice most often falls on clothes made from natural materials. Nevertheless, synthetic additives are necessary: they increase the service life of things, prevent wrinkles and retain their shape when washed. Therefore, if clothes contain no more than 30% synthetics, there is nothing to be afraid of.

It is important to remember that synthetics are made from petroleum products with an abundance of various chemical components. The process uses volatile toxic components that can remain in the material forever. Neither washing, nor ironing, nor drying will clean the fabric completely. Therefore, synthetic clothing is contraindicated for allergy sufferers who suffer from asthma, eczema or psoriasis. Moreover, cheap 100% synthetic fabric can cause dermatitis even in an absolutely healthy person.

Synthetic fabric does not allow air to pass through. Therefore, it should not be worn in summer: in hot weather you will sweat even more. In addition, static electricity arises from the contact of fabric with skin. This, in turn, can cause increased irritability and fatigue.

History of creation and types of polyester

Polyester fibers
Developments to create durable fibers for the textile industry began back in the 30s. English scientists succeeded best of all, who, through chemical reactions through a multi-stage combination of monomers present in oil, obtained a new generation of fibers.

The name polyester is found not only on clothing labels; plastic food containers, packaging bags, and much more are made from this substance. Depending on the temperature, polyester fibers can take on different thicknesses and densities. Even for the textile industry they are produced in several versions:

volumetric threads;
staple;
monofilaments, which are produced by extruding liquid polyester through special nozzles with holes of different thicknesses;
filament fibers (many craftswomen use them for machine embroidery);
textured threads.

The variety of properties of polyester fibers makes it possible to produce from them fabrics for sewing underwear and bed linen, outerwear, toys, insulation for shoes and winter jackets (for example, padding polyester or holophane).

It is important to know : consumers know it under different names: dacron, tesil, lavsan, diolene and others, but their properties are the same.

The most popular grades of polyester:

Polyester Microfiber is a fabric created by weaving the finest threads, which makes it very light and durable.
Polyester Mini Mesh is a mesh lining material that is used when sewing sportswear. It creates the necessary aeration and removes excess moisture from the body during sports.
Polyester Peach Washer is a fabric that has the same properties as the first type, only its surface is velvety and delicate.
Polyester Polar Fleece is an unstructured type of fabric that has increased strength and a smooth surface that is pleasant to the touch.
Polyester / PVC - the back side of this type of fabric is additionally treated with polyvinyl chloride, which significantly increases its strength and moisture resistance.
Polyester Tricot - the material has shown excellent results with long-term use and numerous washes. Very durable: products made from it do not lose their shape and color for a long time.
Polyester Tricot Shiny is a fabric that, in addition to the qualities listed above, has a characteristic shine.

These types of polyester are most often found on clothing labels. They guarantee that the item will last a long time and retain its original appearance and color even after repeated washing.

Varieties

There are quite a lot of fabrics based on polyester fibers. The manufacturing method, or rather the method of processing raw materials, largely determines the type of polyester fabric. The most common varieties are the following universal materials, which are based on polyesters:

Polyester

Few people know that polyester and polyester are different fabrics, since these polymers have many similar characteristics. We can say that polyester is an improved version of polyester. Of all the varieties, polyester is considered the most moisture-resistant, and it is also the easiest to dye.

Suitable for upholstering furniture and creating textiles for both casual wear and home use.

Lavsan

Synthetic fabric made of durable and elastic polyester fibers. Popular for use as a base material for curtains, drapes, bed linens or other home textiles. The name lavsan appeared thanks to the Academy of Sciences in the 1950s in the USSR, when the Laboratory of Macromolecular Compounds received this polyester combination. In other countries this fabric is known by other names.

It is easy to use, does not fade, and lavsan is also easy to paint in a variety of shades.

Acrylic

Synthetic fabric, which has high density, lightness and tolerance to changing weather conditions, was first created in 1947 from natural gas! Outwardly, it is very reminiscent of wool, which is what it is often compared to. Acrylic clothing is very pleasant and soft to the touch, and can also be painted in the brightest shades.

Disadvantages include: stains are more difficult to remove, and washing sometimes causes items to lose shape, accumulate electricity, and pill.

Microfiber

An important difference from other representatives of polyester fabrics is the following characteristic: it has higher breathability. This difference is the main reason why sportswear, suits, tops and T-shirts are often created from this material.

Polyester silk

A lightweight, shiny and well-draped fabric, which many people also know as taffeta. It is a plain weave of polyester threads of varying densities.

It has the same advantages as polyester: it does not shrink, is not afraid of sunlight, does not wrinkle and is not prone to pilling.

Biflex

The name is translated from English by the phrase “stretching in two directions.” It is an elastic synthetic fabric made partly from polyester fibers. In general, microfiber, nylon, elastane and lurex are added to the composition of stretch fabric.

Fleece

Invented in 1979 by American scientists, “artificial sheepskin”, which is used for sewing fleece fabrics, is also created from polyester. The lightweight non-woven material is brushed, retains heat well and repels moisture.

Thanks to special treatment, the fabric is not prone to fire and pilling.

Polyester production technology

Polyester for sportswear
When creating polyester, different components of products obtained from oil refining are used. This is a rather complex chemical process that involves ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate. Diglycol ether, when heated to +270 degrees, goes through the stage of polycondensation (during this process, high-molecular compounds are formed). The melted fibers are treated with ethylene oxide, which is produced by catalytic oxidation.

After a series of chemical processes, polystyrene is formed. From this, in turn, polyester fibers are produced by melting and cooling with air. The next stage is stretching the resulting synthetic threads to the required thickness and strength.

Polyester fabric is created by weaving transverse and warp threads, but such fabric is rarely used. More often, natural or synthetic threads are added to polyester fibers during the weaving process. This gives the material a number of unique properties.

Fiber dyeing

100% polyester is difficult to dye, but when combined with other fibers, the fabric easily acquires shades of the desired color. Superior in quality to materials made from nylon and nylon, polyester is durable and strong. Bright fabric colors are used in a variety of consumer goods.

Painting a product at home is in demand for difficult-to-remove chemical stains or for some other reason. Appropriate dyes for polyester are purchased and, following the dyeing instructions, the color is changed to a more suitable one. The smaller the amount of polyester contained in the material, the faster and easier the product is repainted.

Backpack

Description of fabric

Polyester down jacket
For a long time, polyester was used as packaging film or bags, and the American company DuPont began its truly commercial production. Fabrics made from its fibers are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, retain their color for a long time, are durable and are not afraid of pests, fungi and moths.

Polyester is stain resistant and stains can be easily removed when washed. However, like other synthetic types of fabrics, it has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of polyester

The chemical industry does not stand still, so every year new combinations of natural and synthetic fabrics with the addition of polyester fibers appear. In its pure form, this material is rarely used for a number of reasons, but even it has qualities that any consumer will appreciate, for example:

it is durable and wear-resistant;
it is easy to care for;
it is not affected by acids and weak alkalis;
does not lose shape with prolonged wear;
does not stretch after washing;
dries quickly;
heat resistant;
it is resistant to dirt and does not roll down;
practically does not allow moisture to pass through, which makes it suitable for sewing winter and demi-season outerwear;
does not fade in the sun.

Clothing designers use fabrics with polyester when the style requires maintaining folds and shape, which this material is famous for, but it also has a number of disadvantages.

Polyester combined with other fabrics

When polyester fibers are mixed with any types of threads, new types of materials are formed, for example:

A mixture of polyamide and polyester forms a fabric that looks like silk. It is elastic, does not deform during prolonged wear, does not fade, but does not allow moisture to pass through and is electrified. Most often it is used in the manufacture of women's underwear.
In combination with elastane, stockings and tights, tracksuits and gloves are sewn from it. The fabric stretches well, allows air to pass through, but can be of any density.
When cotton threads are woven with polyester, the fabric becomes stronger, does not wrinkle, unlike natural linen, does not deform and does not fade. In this combination, the material becomes amenable to dyeing in any color, which makes it the best option for sewing bed linen.
In combination with viscose fibers, the result is a fabric that does not fade or lose its shape after prolonged use. It is used to make casual clothing for leisure, home or work.

It is important to know : for every fiber with which polyester is mixed, it improves the original properties, adding its own positive qualities.

The textile industry continues to surprise its consumers with new types of fabrics every year, but if even a small percentage of polyester is written on the label, the product can be purchased, as it will serve its owner for a long time.

What is it used for?

Polyester fabric, what is it? One of the most common synthetic materials. Many things are made from it:

casual wear - T-shirts, tank tops and shorts, skirts, dresses, blouses;
tracksuits, trousers and jackets for winter and demi-season;
tourist and mountaineering equipment - tents, sleeping bags, awnings, backpacks;

winter jackets and trousers;
shoe insulation, stuffing for soft toys;
many types of padding polyester - filler for winter, demi-season, work and extreme clothing;

warm work uniform for workers in extreme conditions;
home textiles - curtains, curtains, tablecloths, bed linen, blankets, bedspreads;
underwear, nightgowns (100% polyester or mixed fabrics);
haberdashery - ties, gloves, stockings;
umbrellas, caps, lining fabrics for casual and outerwear.

Important!

If it is difficult to tolerate hot weather, you should not buy things made of 100% polyester. Let there be a little of it in the composition, and the rest should be cotton or linen. In the heat, it is unpleasant to wear clothes that do not allow air to pass through well.

Polyester is a popular fabric all over the world. Positive properties prevail over negative ones. The cost of the material is low, it is used in various fields.

Application of fabric

Polyester umbrella
Depending on how the material containing polyester will be used, it is impregnated with special agents, imparting the necessary properties. For example, the main characteristics of fabrics for sewing workwear are strength, lightness, good aeration and ease of care.

Among the most popular materials for work suits are:

Oxford, a combination of nylon and polyester, is used to make summer robes and warm work jackets. Among its positive qualities are strength, resistance to temperature differences and chemicals.
A mixture of cotton and varying percentages of polyester fibers creates fabrics from which workwear is sewn for working in dusty indoor spaces. They are durable, wash well, do not deform during long-term use and do not need ironing. These include Tomboy, Greta and Twill.
For uniforms that require not only comfort, but also elegance, for example, the clothing of waiters, flight attendants, medical workers and office employees, a fabric consisting of a mixture of viscose and polyester is used.

For other areas of activity or leisure, the textile industry produces fabrics with polyester:

For sewing everyday clothes - shirts, dresses, trousers, jackets, underwear and hosiery.
They are indispensable in the manufacture of tracksuits and autumn-winter outerwear.
They are used to produce home textiles, such as curtains, tablecloths, bed linen, blankets and bedspreads.

You can’t do without them when making umbrellas, gloves and bags.
They are used to make toys and camping supplies such as tents, backpacks and sleeping bags.

The scope of application of fabrics with polyester fibers is very wide due to their unique properties. One of them is the ease of care of the finished product.

Pros of clothing

They have the following advantages:

strength and wear resistance;
resistance to fading and chemical attack;
presence of water-repellent characteristics. The products are not afraid of rain or snow;
optimal price-quality ratio;
long service life;
ease of care. Easy to wash, does not wrinkle, keeps its shape well after washing;
the products are light, with a pleasant texture and hypoallergenic;
do not allow air to pass through, retain heat well;
weak antistatic effect;
A wide variety of different types of fabrics are made from polyester;
resistant to mold, moths;
the production of synthetic materials is regulated by GOST.

Due to its unique features, polyester is in demand in everyone in many areas of life. The name polyester can be found on the labels of casual, outerwear, workwear, and tracksuits. Spectacular and warm jackets and fashionable coats are given to us by models made of polyester fabrics. Sports sets combine the characteristics of comfort, warmth and aesthetic appearance. Workwear impregnated with special bases will be resistant to chemical and thermal influences.

Polyester sweater

The addition of synthetic thread gives a premium look to shirts, trousers, dresses and underwear. The softness and convenience in everyday life have long been appreciated by zealous housewives, using bedding sets, bedspreads and pajamas. Sweaters, jumpers, pullovers, turtlenecks are presentable examples of high-quality knitwear.

Customer demand has long noted the lining base as the most comfortable and durable, and the insulation as the warmest and lightest. The children's world is in constant friendship with such fabrics. Using them to sew fun, beautiful and safe toys. Polyester is indispensable in travel equipment: durable and waterproof tents and sleeping bags are very valuable for a good trip. Synthetic textures accompany us even among everyday accessories and small things: umbrellas, gloves, curtains, ties, haberdashery.

When caring for clothes, it is useful to take note:

Products should be washed in a delicate cycle, not exceeding 40;
do not use bleaching agents;
dry on a horizontal surface;
products do not need ironing.

Are there any weaknesses?

When synthetic fabrics are heated strongly, their shape may change. This can be attributed to both disadvantages and advantages. When designing clothing models, folds and flounces are sometimes needed, which are obtained by applying a higher temperature to a certain part, thereby fixing the plan.

There are different types of synthetics. Of course, being 100% present is not an acceptable option. But there are many compositions worthy of attention: lace, elastane, suplex, microfiber, fleece, stretch polyester, micro-oil, nylon, Oxford, twill and other varieties will satisfy the most fastidious.

This is interesting: Acoustic fabric: important characteristics, use

Caring for polyester products

Although materials created from a mixture of various fibers with polyester are low maintenance, there are several conditions that must be met.

Almost all products containing a percentage of polyester are machine washable, but there are exceptions, so when purchasing, you need to carefully study the label. If hand washing is required, it is carried out in a warm soapy solution.
Basically, the water for washing polyester items does not exceed +40 degrees, except in cases where the fabric is impregnated with a special mixture for high temperatures, for example, in workwear.
Polyester fabrics cannot be bleached, but it is recommended to add fabric softener, which makes them softer and reduces their electrification properties.
Products made from such fabrics do not need ironing; just shake them after washing and hang them to dry.

Thanks to polyester fibers, modern fabrics have become not only stronger and more beautiful, but also cheaper than natural materials. Their percentage indicated on the label provides information on how much the material has been improved with their help. For tailoring this is 2-30%, in other products it can be up to 50-100%, for example, in the manufacture of insulation.