There are many different types of polyester, and each has its own unique properties that can be beneficial or detrimental to the finished product. It is important to be aware of each type of polyester's properties so you can determine which one is best for your project. Here are the main types of polyester you should be aware of.
Blended Polyester
Polyester blended with other fibers, such as cotton or acrylic, is known as blended polyester. This is a very versatile type of polyester because it can be engineered to have multiple different properties depending on the fiber content used to create it. It can be woven into a material that has a very soft, fuzzy texture while also having a durable finish that is resistant to wrinkles and stains.
Purposely shrinking blended polyester textiles can also make them wrinkle-resistant, making them ideal for garments that will be worn frequently and need to be laundered frequently. Blended polyesters can also be engineered to be more breathable than other types of polyester, so they can be worn year-round in all types of weather without overheating the wearer.
Other types of blended polyester are melange and rayon, which have similar properties but use a different process to create the finished fabric. These processes allow them to have softer textures and a more luxurious feel than other fabrics.
Meltblown Polyester
Meltblown polyester is created by taking small fibers that are shorter than those used in conventional fabrics and blowing hot air through the fibers to melt them together and create a mesh-like structure. This mesh is then cut into strips and woven together to create the material.
This type of polyester is very porous, so it does not trap heat like regular polyester so it can be comfortable to wear in hot weather with many unisex options. It also has good wicking properties, so it quickly absorbs moisture from your body to keep you dry and comfortable. However, this makes it vulnerable to water absorption, so it may not be suitable for outdoor wear since it could become very heavy when wet. It also creases easily, so it is not a good choice for use in clothing that needs to be wrinkle-free.
Plant-Derived Polyester
Plant-derived polyester is made from the waste products left over when plants are processed to create fiber and paper products. The most common sources of plant-derived polyester include sugarcane waste and corncobs. Because these sources are so plentiful, the cost of producing this type of polyester is relatively low. However, it only has limited mechanical properties so the finished fabric tends to be less durable and does not stand up well to abrasion and wear and tear. It is also not very absorbent and does not dry as quickly as other types of polyester so it cannot be used in fabrics that require high absorbency levels or fast drying times.
Nano-Polyester
Nano-polyester is a relatively new type of polyester that is created using nanotechnology. This process involves creating a thin sheet of polyester and then using nano-sized particles of wax to coat the surface of each fiber of the sheet. The resulting sheets are then broken down into individual fibers that can be used to produce various types of polyester fabric. The main advantage of nano-polyester is that it can be made with fibers of different lengths and textures depending on the properties of the fibers being used and the needs of the fabric being manufactured. It is also biodegradable and can be manufactured from a wide variety of organic materials so it is a much more sustainable option than other types of polyester. However, it is still a relatively new technology and there are few examples of fabrics produced using this material on the market.
Choosing The Right Polyester To Wear
There are various factors that need to be considered when choosing the type of polyester to wear based on your needs:
- Absorbency – If you have an active lifestyle, it is important to choose highly absorbent polyester. This will allow you to stay cool and dry even in hot weather and prevent your clothes from becoming damp when you are working hard.
- Durability – If durability is important to you then you should choose a durable type of polyester such as 100% cotton or a blended fabric that consists of 60% cotton and 40% polyester. These materials are resistant to wear and tear and will last long without losing shape and color.
- Moisture management – If you spend a lot of time outdoors or working out at the gym, then you would probably benefit from choosing very breathable and moisture-wicking polyester. This will help to keep your skin dry and cool and prevent sweat from building up on the skin, which can cause irritation and rashes.
- Comfort – If you prefer to wear a more lightweight and comfortable garment, you should look for a polyester made from natural fibers such as cotton or silk. These types of garments are soft and comfortable to wear and will look great for casual wear as well as for active sports and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Polyester offers a number of benefits as a material for making clothes, including the fact that it is cheap, durable, and easy to clean. The different types of polyester available can be a good choice for those looking for comfortable clothing that is affordable and versatile as it can be made from a variety of different materials and come in a wide range of different colors and styles.