Polyester

Definition and Overview

Polyester is a representative synthetic fiber material. It includes filament yarns (continuous long fibers) and spun yarns made by spinning short fibers, and it is used in a wide range of forms such as woven fabrics, knits, and nonwovens. In addition to being used alone, it is blended and union-fabric woven with cotton, rayon, wool, polyurethane, and others.

In apparel, polyester often refers to fibers whose main component is PET. However, properties vary greatly depending on the raw materials, cross-sectional shape, yarn processing, fabric structure, and after-processing, so fabric texture and performance cannot be judged uniformly from the material name alone.

Characteristics

In general, it is strong, resists wrinkling, and dries quickly after washing. Because it does not absorb water easily, it can sometimes feel sticky from sweat, but there are also fabrics whose sweat absorption and drying performance are adjusted by the yarn cross section, knit structure, and water-absorbing processing.

It is easy to design sheen, firmness, drape, and fullness, and it can also be made to resemble the appearance of natural fibers. On the other hand, pilling from friction, static electricity, and deformation or glossing due to heat require attention. For dark colors, friction fastness is also checked.

• It has dimensional stability and is easy to keep pleats and silhouettes.
• It is relatively lightweight and is used in applications that require durability.
• Color development and texture vary depending on the dyeing method and processing conditions.

Main Applications

It is used in a wide range of products, from apparel such as shirts, blouses, dresses, pants, jackets, and coats to sportswear, uniforms, linings, interlinings, tapes, ribbons, bags, and interior applications. It can be developed from lightweight to heavyweight fabrics and is adopted as a year-round material.

When combined with polyurethane, it adds stretch; when combined with cotton, it improves feel and water absorption; and when combined with rayon, it adds drape, allowing it to be paired with other fibers according to the desired wearing comfort and appearance.

How to Choose and Handling Notes

When selecting, check not only the composition but also the weave or knit structure, industry weight, thickness, stretch, surface feel, sheerness, and processing details. For the intended use, it is important to check washing durability, pilling, friction fastness, dimensional change, and, if necessary, test results such as quick-drying water absorption and water repellency.

In sewing, be careful of needle holes, seam puckering, and puckering in thin fabrics and high-density fabrics. Because it is sensitive to heat, set the iron temperature according to the care label and fabric instructions, and test on an inconspicuous area using a pressing cloth. During storage, keep it free of stains and also watch for dust adhesion caused by static electricity.

Differences from Similar Terms

Nylon is also a synthetic fiber, but in general it differs from polyester in moisture absorption, response to heat, texture, and dyeability. Nylon is often used for applications that take advantage of its suppleness and abrasion resistance, while polyester is widely used for applications that take advantage of its dimensional stability and ease of handling.

Recycled polyester is polyester made by regenerating used products or raw materials generated in the manufacturing process. Its basic properties as a material are the same, but the content and ratio of recycled raw materials, as well as the presence or absence of certification, differ from product to product, so the labeling should be checked individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is polyester a hot material in summer?

Because polyester does not absorb moisture easily, depending on the material and fabric structure, it may feel stuffy or sticky. On the other hand, fabrics that use water-absorbing processing, special cross-section yarns, or mesh structures disperse sweat and dry easily, so they are also used for summer wear. Check not only the material name but also the fabric thickness, structure, and processing.

Does polyester shrink when washed?

In general, polyester is a material with relatively little shrinkage from washing. However, dimensional change varies depending on the knit fabric, blended materials, whether it has fuzz, and whether it has heat processing. Before commercialization, it is important to conduct washing tests and check not only shrinkage rate but also twisting, wrinkling, and changes in texture.

Can polyester fabric be ironed?

Ironing is possible, but at high temperatures there is a risk of melting, shrinkage, and changes in gloss. Follow the care label and the specified fabric temperature, and start at a low temperature. To prevent surface gloss, use a pressing cloth and finish without pressing too hard.