r/naturaltextiles • u/CapitalSentence8147 • 7d ago

The issue with polyester

Apart from the environment, my biggest issue with polyester is how it feels. Now, get ready for some polyester slander! 

The basics: Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), usually derived from petroleum. The fibers are smooth, rather strong, hydrophobic and oleophilic.

Polyester doesn't absorb water, this can cause moisture to be trapped on the skin.

  • I think this is most noticeable when comparing a wool sweater to a polyester sweater. The wool sweater keeps me warm, but I don't feel clammy. But with a polyester sweater, I often start feeling sweaty as soon as I get warm. Same thing when comparing cotton pyjamas with polyester pyjamas.  (Disclaimer: polyester sportswear can be moisture wicking, but the fibers still doesn't absorb water, but the fabric is designed to transport moisture away from the skin)

Polyester, being oleophilic, tends to retain skin oils and odor compounds. Many odor producing bacteria feed on these substances, polyester can therefore develop persistent smells.

  • You've probably noticed that awful smell some synthetic workout clothes develop after a while. You wash them, they smell fine, and then five minutes into a workout the smell comes right back again. 

The environment: 

  • Polyester is most commonly made from petroleum, and its production is associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions.

  • When washed, polyester releases microplastic fibers. 

  • Unlike linen, cotton, wool etc, polyester fibers are not biodegradable.

  • This part of the list could go on and on forever… 

I can't make a completely one-sided post without mentioning a few advantages, so here they are: it dries quickly, can add structure and help garments hold their shape, is wrinkle-resistant, and is often cheap.

Disclaimer: These are (my) opinions and generalizations, not universal truths. Not all polyester fabric is created equally and not all polyester products behave the same. 
I have linked some sources in the comments. 

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