Polyester
Polyester is a type of synthetic fiber made mainly from petroleum-derived raw materials, and it is widely used from apparel to industrial materials for its strength, dimensional stability, and quick-drying properties.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Polyester is a representative material among synthetic fibers. It comes in filament yarns (continuous long fibers) and spun yarns made by spinning short fibers, and 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 woven with cotton, rayon, wool, polyurethane, and other materials.
In apparel, polyester usually refers to fibers whose main component is PET. However, because properties vary greatly depending on the raw material, cross-sectional shape, yarn processing, weave structure, and post-processing, the feel and performance of the textile cannot be judged uniformly from the material name alone.
Features
In general, it is strong, wrinkle resistant, and dries quickly after washing. Because it does not absorb water easily, it may feel sticky with sweat, but there are also textiles whose sweat absorption and drying performance are adjusted through yarn cross-section, knitting structure, and water-absorbent processing.
It is easy to design gloss, crispness, drape, and fullness, and it can also be made to look similar to natural fibers. On the other hand, pilling from friction, static electricity, and deformation or glossiness caused by heat require attention. For dark colors, colorfastness to rubbing should also be checked.
- It has dimensional stability and helps maintain pleats and silhouette.
- It is relatively lightweight and used for applications that require durability.
- Depending on the dyeing method and processing conditions, color development and texture change.
Main Applications
It is widely used for shirts, blouses, dresses, pants, jackets, coats, and other apparel, as well as sportswear, uniforms, linings, interlinings, tapes, ribbons, bags, and interior applications. It can be produced from lightweight to heavyweight types and is used as a year-round material.
When combined with polyurethane, it adds stretch; when combined with cotton, it improves skin feel and water absorption; and when combined with rayon, it adds drape. It is combined with other fibers according to the desired wearing comfort and appearance.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, check not only the composition but also the weave or knit structure, fabric weight, thickness, stretch, surface texture, sheerness, and processing details. For the intended use, it is important to check the results of tests such as washing durability, pilling, colorfastness to rubbing, dimensional change, and, when necessary, water absorption and quick-drying performance or water repellency.
In sewing, pay attention to needle holes, seam shrinkage, and puckering in thin or high-density textiles. Because it is sensitive to heat, iron at the temperature specified on the care label or for the textile, and test on an inconspicuous area using a pressing cloth. During storage, keep it free of dirt and be careful of dust adhering due to static electricity.
Differences from Similar Terms
Nylon is also a synthetic fiber, but its moisture absorption, reaction to heat, texture, and dyeability generally differ from polyester. Nylon is often used for applications that take advantage of its flexibility 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 reprocessing used products or raw materials generated during manufacturing. Its basic properties as a material are the same, but the content and ratio of recycled raw materials, as well as whether certification is present, differ from product to product, so the label details should be checked individually.
FAQ
Is polyester a hot material in summer?
Because polyester does not absorb moisture easily, some materials and textile structures can feel stuffy or sticky. On the other hand, textiles using water-absorbent processing, modified cross-section yarns, mesh structures, and similar features disperse sweat and dry easily, so they are also used for summer items. Check not only the material name but also the textile thickness, structure, and processing.
Does polyester shrink when washed?
In general, polyester is a material with relatively little shrinkage from washing. However, dimensional change differs depending on the knitted fabric, blended materials, brushing, and whether heat processing was used. Before productization, it is important to conduct washing tests and check not only shrinkage but also twisting, wrinkling, and changes in texture.
Can polyester textile be ironed?
Ironing is possible, but high temperatures may cause melting, shrinkage, or changes in gloss. Follow the care label and the specified fabric temperature, and start with a low setting. To prevent surface shine, it is safer to use a pressing cloth and finish without pressing hard.
