The fabric of the clothing we wear is very important to consider when shopping for new pieces. Certain fabrics are much more comfortable to wear because it is very unlikely that they would cause unnecessary moisture or skin irritations. It is well known that cotton and polyester are the two most commonly used fabrics that people reach for.
Polyester is hotter than cotton even though it’s a thinner, lighter, and more delicate fabric. It can retain heat faster, and it makes the wearer of the cloth prone to sweating more.
Key Takeaways
- Natural fabrics will always be better than synthetic fibers.
- Spending a little more money on good-quality pieces is more important when it comes to how they make you feel on everyday bases.
- Although polyester fabric pieces may last longer, would you rather feel uncomfortable for years or buy a piece of clothing that is environment-friendly and also people-friendly?
- It is of significant importance for people to be informed of the message they sent out to the world through the clothing they are wearing.
What Distinguishes Polyester from Cotton
Although these two fabrics are very recurrent, they differ in a couple of ways. Polyester is a very thin, delicate, and light material. It can be washed very easily and what is more important – it dries very quickly. It is known to be durable and long-lasting, with no possibility of stretching or shrinking. Probably the most intriguing characteristic of polyester that people consider when shopping is that it is not expensive. Also, being exposed to sunlight cannot ruin the fabric thus making it very practical.
Polyester retains heat and it is recommended to be worn during the colder months of the year. However, during the summer people opt for breathable fabrics so in this case polyester is avoided. As opposed to this synthetic fabric, cotton is believed to be the most comfortable to wear and use. Cotton is very moisture-absorbent and tends to keep the necessary refreshment during the warmer months. People love how cotton makes them feel when they wear it because of its smooth and velvety texture.
For this reason, cotton is often slightly more expensive than polyester but still affordable for everyday use. Be that as it may, cotton fabric can easily shrink and wrinkle if it goes untreated. In comparison to polyester, cotton dries at a much slower pace and it can be damaged if exposed to direct sunlight. Both of these fabrics have their benefits and drawbacks and it ultimately comes to people’s preferences of whether they can tolerate fabrics that retain heat, their budget, and also their views on sustainability.
Which one do you prefer?
Polyester is not part of natural fibers material. It has been manufactured for many years and used to produce affordable clothing. Because of the reason that this fabric is artificially made, it is usually stronger than cotton and more durable. People often opt for this fabric because it will last longer and they wouldn’t have to buy new pieces all the time. It is easy to take care of and it won’t lose its shape easily.
Apart from that, polyester has a reputation for sticking to the skin, retaining moisture and odors which are hard to get rid of even after a couple of washes. During the summer, polyester tends to be hot and uncomfortable and for that reason, people usually choose cotton clothing pieces instead.
A cotton dress, shirt, or pants absorbs moisture and keeps the body cool with no possibility of causing skin irritation or a feeling of unnecessary heat. People with sensitive skin are not often able to wear polyester fabrics and they choose cotton instead since cotton is a natural fiber material. Ultimately, people choose what is best for them and their needs. Many people don’t mind the clothes clinging to their skin, while others simply cannot tolerate certain fabrics such as polyester.
Cheap or expensive?
The price of both fabrics is on the lower end of the spectrum. However, organic cotton can be slightly more expensive because of its natural fiber and organic properties. Certain fabrics may be advertised to aid in athletic achievement because of the common belief that they are able to regulate body temperature.
Physically active people often buy polyester blends because workout clothing is known to keep the body cool while sweating. This is recommended only during excessive sweating and training. Otherwise, cotton is more likely to keep the body cool during everyday activities helping the skin breathe and providing comfort.
Clothing made from a polyester and cotton blend is known to be less expensive than pure cotton fabrics. However, they are not as comfortable as 100% cotton material and they can cause heat retention which many people may not particularly like.
Environmental awareness and sustainability
Taking care of the environment is a priority for many people around the world. Nowadays, it is very easy to educate yourself about the importance of sustainability. Organic cotton that is correctly grown and taken care of does not contain any chemicals as opposed to polyester which contains harmful components.
Being environmentally safe, ecological, and degradable, cotton makes people feel comfortable in their clothing and it also helps the environment with no inclusion of pesticides. Polyester takes years to degrade and also does not benefit people when it comes to its characteristic of being an uncomfortable material that causes heat and excessive moisture.
This may lead to odors produced by sweating, thus making people feel embarrassed, self-conscious, and uneasy. The permeability and the artificial properties of polyester are what cause stickiness and agonizing perspiration.
Final Verdict
The final verdict is to opt for what is best for your needs, preferences, and overall well-being. No one wants to feel uncomfortable in their clothing, so when buying polyester pieces, people tend to avoid them because they are aware of the unnecessary heat they retain as well as their fear of sweating profusely in front of other people.
Apart from the versatility of both fabrics, their properties are very different, thus offering a different feel on the skin. Cotton attire, undergarments, bed sheets, and socks are usually some of the products people go for when shopping. Clothing and house necessities can also be produced from polyester. The difference is in the quality, overall appearance, and breathability they offer.
Further Reading
Assuming you enjoyed what you’ve read so far, you can read some more since there are a ton of other interesting blogs available.
Some unique fabric glues for patches are listed on a blog. If Tencel wrinkles is explained in another blog.
The outseam and inseam are differentiated as well. There is also a list of the finest quilting gloves.
I graduated from London College of Fashion, and I’ve been working for a Fashion Design company for 10 years. My other hobbies are going to the gym and reading.
