You might not be familiar with specific fabrics that you read on your washing labels but you may have noticed that polyester is a very popular fabric that you see; whether it’s 100% or a blend with other fabrics, it’s very likely that the clothing you are wearing right now has some element of polyester in it.
Polyester is one of the most popular textiles in modern times, from cargo pants to pyjamas, but what exactly is it? Can it be trusted and should it be used more in the future?
What Is Polyester?
Polyester fabric is a synthetic fabric that is derived from petroleum. It is composed of polymers that come from fossil fuels. While some polyester is biodegradable, not all of it is, which is not sustainable and bad for our environment. Non-biodegradable products such as these types of polyester contribute massively to environmental waste.
While it’s unfortunate that not everyone recycles their clothes or fashions something new out of old bits but also not everyone chooses to donate. That also being said, in most cases, donated clothes still end up in landfills. This vicious cycle doesn’t help when these products are bad for our environment.
The problem is that when people are buying products, they aren’t always aware of the fabric unless they look so it’s harder for individuals to be 100% environmentally aware if that product is biodegradable. Therefore, small fashion designers, fashion enthusiasts and the general public face a dilemma when they are asked to boycott or continue to buy products that have polyester in them.
Advantages of Polyester
Blends Easily
There is the reason why most people have already heard of polyester or seen it written in their washing labels before and it’s because it’s such an easy fabric to blend with others. So it’s likely that almost every piece of clothing you have already includes some level of polyester.
This is primarily done to reduce the cost of materials so it makes sense, while large fast fashion companies are usually high in polyester. However, there are also benefits beyond the cost that people use polyester blends, such as durability and shrinkage. Products like wool and cotton when created, might be perfect but after that first wash, they shrink, which makes it harder for designers and so forth to master the sizing of their products but polyester helps that process.
Easy To Maintain
Polyester is easy to clean and dries quickly, which is extremely beneficial for most people. This material is also extremely easy to iron and wash and is harder for the likes of stains and bugs to ruin, which is a huge bonus.
Non-Absorbent
Polyester doesn’t absorb anything. Polyester is waterproof because of its features. Polyester fabric is ideal for creating athletic wear because of its non-absorbent properties, which control sweat and keep you comfortable. Polyester microfibre is one such type of polyester. This fabric wicks moisture to the surface, causing it to evaporate rapidly.
Disadvantages of Polyester
Eco-system
As mentioned above, some polyesters aren’t biodegradable, but it’s beyond that. From the production through to the end of its use, these polyester pieces are environmentally damaging, which isn’t good for advocating sustainability as a brand.
It begins with materials from fossil fuels, which are limited resources as it is. During production, toxins and emissions are discharged into the water bodies. Also, research suggests that polyester can be harmful to those with skin conditions, making it more apparent that polyester is a foe to many.
Not Breathable
As polyester isn’t a natural fabric, it’s not very breathable. This can be uncomfortable for people and be an unpleasant material to wear, especially around summer or with sporting clothes. However, the polyester fabrics, like microfibre polyester, are comfortable and breathable.
Microfibers
When you wash your polyester, it releases plastic microfibres in the washing machine, which then get collected and discharged into our oceans and sea. These plastic microfibers add to the already plastic waste issue that we have currently. This is something that the general person would have no idea about and it’s a serious issue that isn’t talked about enough.
Also, these microplastics are often breathed in or eaten by us when we eat seafood and even when we wear polyester-rich clothing.
Bad For Skin Conditions
Wearing polyester-rich clothing has been linked to increased flare-ups of dermatitis and acne, as well as itching and redness of the skin. As these are more than common skin conditions, it’s not a good sign that this product can damage us from the outside in. So this promotes the notion that spending a little bit more money will ensure that your clothes aren’t affecting your skin.
Picking clothing that is cotton, linen and other naturally sourced materials to ensure no flare-ups and skin conditions develop.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there is a clear list of pros and cons and they may only apply to specific people and third parties but it’s clear that 100% polyester clothing isn’t good for both ourselves and our environment. While having a blend with biodegradable polyester with a natural product can add some benefits, it’s likely that these cons won’t have a significant impact.
While it’s a more financially viable option for fast fashion and cheap companies, it’s becoming more apparent that people are aware of how bad this fabric is. Investing in natural products that are sustainable should be the top priority for brand image, reputation and overall long term success.
