Have you ever thought of how many complex and even strange materials exist in the world and, what is even more surprising, how many of those we wear daily?
Polyester, a well-known all over the world fabric, is one of those “hidden surprises”.
Are you eager to find out what exactly it is?
Then keep on reading!
The Way It Is Manufactured
The widely known polyester fabric is an artificial material that was first created in the French lab in the 1930s – quite long ago. Nevertheless, after the British manufacturers bought the rights to this invention, the popularity of the material started growing, and soon this artificial textile was already used in clothing.
The way it is produced is rather time-consuming. It is made of purified terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol using a reaction that happens between the air, water, coal, and petroleum – all to receive those threads that will be woven into artificial cloth.That is why polyester can be 100% called a synthetic fabric.
Distinctive Features Of the Fabric
Like many artificial materials, polyester has certain distinctive features that make it stand out among the natural fabrics.
For instance, the main peculiarity mentioned by the owners is the way the fabric is felt on the skin. Due to its origin, polyester often feels like a harsh, even scratchy material. Fortunately, modern manufacturers found ways to make it smoother and almost as pleasant as the natural fibers.
Except for this, the fiber has other distinctive characteristics:
- strength
- durability
- short drying time
- high resistance
- easy maintenance
- resilience
- chemicals-proof
The only thing that must be kept in mind is that polyester is highly flammable so wearing such items close to the fire can be dangerous.
Is Polyester Truly Plastic?
It may sound surprising but yes, this material is a sort of plastic! All because to make it, the plastic needs to be heated and passed through the special machines to create fibers. Then those are stretched several times, transformed into yarn, and later weaved to create a fabric we all know.
Another proof that shows polyester is really plastic is the way it melts.
If we take a piece of this material and set it on fire, it will not turn into ash as would a natural material do. Instead, polyester will melt into a black blot of plastic, and the smell will be the same as burning plastic has.
Though this material is a true find and a dream of every human being due to its durability, simple maintenance, and lots of other beneficial traits, polyester is artificial and is often reported to cause allergic reactions on the skin. Moreover, its impact on our bodies is the same harmful as the one of plastic.
So whether to wear it or not is your choice, but decide reasonably!
[wp-faq-schema title=”Frequently Asked Questions”]
Is polyester better than cotton? I can’t figure out which material will be better for the new apron I’m sewing. Thanks for your help in advance!
I assume polyester is better since it is more durable and wrinkles resistant. Besides, it is less absorbent so you won’t have to worry about stains so much.
Hi! Can anyone tell me: what’s wrong with polyester? I was going to buy a shirt made of it these days but my friend said this fabric is better not to be worn often. Why is that?
I guess, your friend meant that this material needs a lot of harsh chemicals while being produced, and those chemicals can affect the one who’s wearing an item later. Besides, our skin breathes worse with this fabric on, so this can be another reason.
Is polyester plastic safe? How safe is it to wear regularly?
I’d say you should not wear it constantly. Polyester uses strong and toxic chemicals when produced, and those influence our health if we wear such items all the time.
I’d assume this fabric is better not to be used for daily clothing at all.
I heard many times that polyester is bad to wear. What is polyester fabric made out of? Why is it so harmful?
Hello! Shortly speaking, it is made of purified terephthalic acid and monoethylene glycol.
There were so many talks about polyester being harmful that I started to doubt. Is polyester cancerous? Do you know anything about it?
Well, I read somewhere that it was proved this material contains carcinogens and must not be in constant contact with the human skin.
What are the pros and cons of polyester? Shall I or shall I not use this fabric?
Among the benefits, I would name its durability, wrinkling resistance, and long lifespan. Besides, it fades less. But since it’s produced with the use of harsh and even toxic chemicals…I’d not want to have it in my house, I can tell you that.
I heard that polyester breathes poorly. So I’m wondering: is 100% polyester breathable?
I would not say so. Blended polyester fabrics are way more breathable than the pure material.