What Is Polyester Fabric And Why Is It Important?

Polyester fabric (polyethylene terephthalate) is a synthetic woven material known for its durability and relatively low production costs. It was invented in 1941 by British chemists and brought to the United States by the DuPont Company. Polyester came to prominence in the 1970s as an inexpensive material for suits and other garments. Polyester and polyester blends are now the most popular man-made fabrics in the world, and one of the most popular synthetic fabrics overall.

 

Polyester fabrics are one of the world's best-known fibres in the textile industry. The fabrics are strong, durable, easy to care for, versatile and cheaper than natural fibres.

Polyester Fluorescent Fabric



Polyester Fluorescent Fabric

4 uses for polyester fabrics

Polyester fabrics have a variety of uses in the fashion world.

 

1. Outdoor clothing. Because polyester clothing is both durable and moisture resistant, it is a common choice for outdoor clothing that needs to be able to stay dry in inclement weather. Pike coats, windbreakers and other outerwear are often made from polyester.

 

2. Bags and backpacks. Handbags, sports bags and rucksacks are often made from polyester or polyester blends because they are cheap, durable and moisture resistant.

 

3. Microfibre items. Polyester and polyester/nylon blends are the basis of microfibre fabrics. Although not strictly fashionable, microfibre fabrics are ideal for moisture resistance or fine cleaning of glass surfaces.

 

4. Upholstery and furniture. Outside of clothing fashion, polyester is also a common choice for interior design and home décor, used for everything from curtains to tablecloths to inexpensive bed linen.

Polyester Hexgonal Eyelet Cloth for Knapsack or Suitcase



Polyester fabric properties

It is commonly used for clothing, accessories and home décor. When choosing a polyester fabric for your project, it is important to consider its properties.

 

1. Weight

The weight of a polyester fabric can affect its waviness or stability. Lightweight polyester fabrics are ideal for projects that require a lot of wave, such as T-shirts or tablecloths. Heavier polyester fabrics are more suitable for projects that require more stability, such as upholstery or sofa covers.

 

2. Texture

The structure of a polyester knitted fabric affects how it feels when worn or touched. Polyester fabrics can be woven in a variety of ways, resulting in different textures. Smooth polyester fabrics are ideal for garments, while rough polyester fabrics are more suitable for home décor products.

Polyester Fabric for Household



3. Colours

Colour is also important. It depends on the use or the activity. The following are tips.

For the fashion industry, such as fashion clothing or cloth bags, any colour is suitable.

For everyday wear, such as T-shirts or uniforms, colours should be appropriate, appear polite and easy to wear.

Outdoor items, such as street wear, should be a medium to dark colour. It hides stains, sweat and dirt better than lighter colours. In practice, however, lighter colours are fine as polyester fabrics dry quickly and are easier to clean than natural fibres.

 

4. Breathability

Polyester fabrics have different levels of breathability. Some polyester fabrics are chemically treated to be as breathable as natural fabrics, making them suitable for T-shirts, casual wear etc. On the other hand, there are polyester fabrics that are mechanically pile treated for warmth, ideal for hoodies, blankets, jumpers, etc.

 

Once you have considered the weight, knit, colour and breathability of the fabric, you can choose the right polyester fabric for your project. At Qicai Knitting, we have a wide range of polyester fabrics for every project you want!

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