The infamous polyester is a material commonly found in chain stores . Polyester dresses and shirts have their advantages, but we usually hear about their disadvantages – why? Does polyester breathe? Is it harmful to health? Below, we debunk the facts and myths surrounding this controversial material.
What is polyester?
Polyester is a synthetic material, meaning it doesn't occur naturally in nature. Polyester fibers are created by melting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) granules . Although we primarily associate them with the clothing industry, they are also used in the production of plastics, such as plastic bottles and foil. The polyester production process involves crude oil , making its production a significant environmental burden. Below, you'll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of recycled clothing.
Polyester – what is this material?
Polyester fabrics are now, alongside cotton, among the most common in clothing stores. Alongside clothes made from 100% polyester, you can also find those containing several or even several dozen percent of it. This material was first produced in the early 1940s, but it didn't gain popularity until three decades later. At the time, it was praised primarily for not requiring ironing, yet still looking great and wrinkle-free. Over time, the reputation of polyester has grown increasingly negative. Its detractors still emphasize its environmentally hazardous production and poor comfort. However, this doesn't change the fact that polyester is still plentiful in the clothing market. So, is it worth it?
Polyester – disadvantages to keep in mind
Let's start with the characteristics that cause many people to consciously avoid wearing polyester. Firstly, it's non-hygroscopic, meaning it doesn't absorb water. Secondly, it's not very breathable. The result? You can easily sweat in polyester, and the material doesn't wick away sweat. This makes polyester clothing not recommended, especially for people who sweat a lot. It's also best to avoid it on hot days. Another drawback? Many people believe that polyester (especially very cheap ones) is unpleasant to the touch and... looks cheap. But does it have any harmful health effects? In people with skin conditions or allergies, it can exacerbate inflammation – all because its fibers don't allow air to pass through. It's also worth remembering that its production releases enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is harmful to everyone's health.
Does polyester stretch? Advantages of polyester
Despite its drawbacks, polyester also has some positive properties. Primarily, it's resilient. Because it practically returns to its original shape after being wrinkled, it often doesn't need ironing, even after washing. Polyester fabrics are also stain-resistant – this is because the fibers don't absorb water . As you can see, low hygroscopicity has its advantages. In the fashion industry, polyester is also valued for its color-retaining properties, ensuring that items made from it don't fade even after numerous washes. And there's practically no need to think about how to wash polyester . Just throw it in the washing machine on a 30-40°C cycle. Even with a high spin cycle, polyester clothing will be fine. A final advantage of polyester is its price – clothes made from this material cost less than viscose, Tencel, or silk.
Polyamide and polyester
On the inside labels, you'll sometimes also see a note indicating that the item contains polyamide. It's important to remember that this isn't the same as polyester. Polyamide fibers are made from carpolactam, which is converted into polyamide by melting and combining with water . Clothing made 100% from this material is rather rare. It's usually used as an admixture to add elasticity. Polyamide is more stretchy than polyester and has slightly better hygroscopic properties, meaning less can be added to achieve satisfactory performance.
Polyester or cotton?
This is a question everyone must answer for themselves. At ANSIN, we say NO to polyester, because in our opinion, its disadvantages far outweigh its advantages. We sew our clothes from skin-friendly and environmentally friendly fabrics such as cotton , Tencel , and micromodal . Below, you'll find a few of our favorite products that will give your skin a breath of fresh air:
We know that their production isn't harmful to the Earth, and their comfort can't be imitated. Our advice when it comes to purchasing polyester clothing: if you do buy it, do it wisely and choose recycled or secondhand polyester. The planet will thank you for it!
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