Polyester vs Cotton

Reading this, you are probably unsure of whether you should buy a polyester or cotton shirt. Or maybe a blend of the two? Now, although the polyester fabric has been around for more than 50 years, its usage continues to grow. Also, cotton usage doesn’t show any signs of reducing any time soon. They are two formidable fabrics with a large ‘fan base.’ To help you make a choice today, below is how the two fabrics compare.

Cotton

Cotton is thought of as a natural and versatile fabric. It is made from cotton plants and is used to make soft and fluffy bedding, apparel, tarps, towels, and threads. The cultivation and use of cotton date back to a couple of centuries go.

Why not also read: Facts about Cotton

In comparison to polyester, cotton has a more supple and softer feel. And because of this, there are lesser chances of it irritating the skin. Moreover, cotton s breathable. This quality further enhances the comfort of cotton. If you have sensitive skin or are buying a product for your baby, cotton is the best option. This is especially when it comes to washcloths, towels, sheets, underwear, and pillowcases.

Polyester

This is a petroleum-based fabric that was made by British and American chemists in the 1940s. In 1951, it was marketed as Dacron. Today, more than 70 years later, polyester is used in making clothing, electrical insulation, recording tapes, carpeting, drapes, and other home furnishings.

Polyester, along with other synthetic fibres results in the creation of products that are resistant to wind, water, and other environmental factors. In this light, they tramp cotton and other fibres derived from plants. Quick question, have you ever seen a raincoat labelled ‘100% cotton’?

Durability, shrinkage, wrinkling

Polyester tends to be more durable and also less prone to shrinking, wrinkling and fading. However, it is prone to pulls and runs. Also, for individuals working in industries where cleanliness is paramount, polyester is more beneficial since it can be washed often and resistant to harsh chemicals.

With that said, we cannot refute the fact that heavy cotton fabric, including jeans, has the same level of durability and resistance to detergents.

A combination of polyester and cotton yields a fabric that is durable and soft – the fabric has the best of both worlds (depending on the ratio of the mixture). Products made from this fabric tend to retain their colour and shape and aren’t prone to shrinking or wrinkling even when they are washed with hot or warm water. The cotton gives the product extra comfort.

Generally, the blended fabric is more affordable and lasts longer than pure cotton products.

Additional properties

Polyester doesn’t absorb as much water as cotton, and as such it dries faster. Some polyester garments are usually designed to wick moisture – this attribute is useful for athletes and those who take part in activities done in cold weather, including skiing and snowboarding.

The fact that polyester is less absorbent than cotton also means that it is more stain resistant. It also doesn’t need to be washed with hot water.

Environmental impact

When it comes to saving the planet, the two have their pros and cons. Though most people are almost always against polyester since it’s a petroleum-based fibre, cotton has its fair share of cons as well. Cotton is a pesticide dependent cash drop. Statistics show that it uses ¼ of all pesticides manufactured. It is also water-intensive.

But on the other hand, cotton is biodegradable, which means that old clothing or fabric will breakdown into natural products.

With this information, you can choose what type of shirt you need. Remember to factor in where, when, and how you intend to use the product. This will help you determine the fabric qualities that are important to you.