5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Wearing Polyester.

 

 

Polyester is one of the worst fabrics for the environment and your body.

 

 

Know what you’re putting on your body. Polyester is one of the most polluting fabrics out there. 

 

Polyester is a plastic-like material made from coal, oil, and water. It’s made in a lab and is used to create many things such as home furnishing, seatbelts, tents, and the cover stock for diapers. Because it’s mass-produced it has become a cheap material to buy.

 

Somehow, polyester has snuck it’s way into fashion. You might have noticed that a lot of apparel is made with polyester. Manufacturers say adding in this chemically-created material makes your shirt feel stronger, however that is not always the case. As “Money After Graduation” puts it in her Frugal Fashion blog: “Polyester is tricky like that: it makes you think it’s something it’s not”. We’re going to give you 5 reasons on why you should avoid wearing polyester clothes.

 

• While Polyester feels strong, it’s unbearable to wear. There is no breathability in the fabric, the unnatural chemicals are not made for constant human contact. Manufactures love to use polyester because it’s cheap, thus putting all the cost on the customers who suffer and sweat in this sticky material that’s supposed to be cool and refreshing.

 

• Polyester is advertised as being wrinkle-free, but due to the harsh chemicals that go into making these clothes, polyester is not only hard but can be disastrous on sensitive skin. The chemicals can be rough on skin and lead to rashes. Wear organic cotton instead for a fabric that is great for the environment and soft on the skin.

 

• Polyester emits a huge amount of waste into the earth. We already know plastic is super harmful. When polyester breaks down it can only be reduced into microplastics which stays, non-biodegradable, in our oceans, land, and water.

 

• Just creating polyester takes about 70 million barrels of oil. And this is just for the polyester that is used for fabric. That’s a lot of carbon.

 

• Polyester doesn’t last long. On top of all the other cons of using polyester, it doesn’t even have a long shelf life. After a few wears, you’ll find your dress or shirt starting to fade and even tear. It’s just not worth the risk to the environment, and your money.

 

• With a whole new wave of industries catered to organic wear, you’ll find a lot more natural options for your clothes. Just be sure it’s not blended with any polyester, 100% natural and organic is the only way to be sure the process is safe for the environment and your body!

 

We give out free fabric swatches so you can feel the difference between a polyester shirt and 100% natural and organic fabrics. Check out our free fabric swatches here.

 

Check out more blog posts on SiiZU’s Diary.

Share your experiences below, how has polyester affected your decision to buy clothes?

 

 

 

 

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Synthetic fibres have been around since the early 1920s’ and slowly evolved as scientific formulas replicated to create affordable alternatives to natural fibres. Some of the most popular synthetic fibres include polyester, nylon, viscose rayon, olefin, and spandex.

Unlike natural fibres that come from plants and animals (such as cotton and hemp), synthetic fibres are made of chemical compounds, usually favoured by manufacturers over natural fibres due to their low cost, higher tenacity, and durability.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from petroleum-based chemicals. Its name is shortened to represent a synthetic man-made polymer and is commonly known as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

Polyester has a long history, dating back to the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that it became widely used in textiles. It’s created by combining long chains of synthetic polymers to form a fibre that is typically used to make clothing, upholstery, and carpeting.

In the 1970s’, polyester was marketed as a miracle fabric that was wearable for over 65 days straight without ironing whilst still looking presentable. Now, polyester is one of the most common fabrics in the world and has many great qualities.

What is Polyester Used For?

Because of polyester’s mechanical resistance, and ability to stretch and shrink; without loss of strength, the fibres are widely used for manufacturing for industrial purposes to create yarns, ropes, conveyor belt fabrics, seatbelts, plastic reinforcements, and more. Polyester is also a popular fibre for textiles, used to manufacture clothing, home furnishings, carpeting and as a mechanical reinforcement aid.

The Pros of Polyester

There are many positives to manufacturing with polyester fibres, including:

Strong and Durable

Polyester is popular for its incredibly high strength and durability, making it a popular choice for textile products that need to withstand daily, strong, and repeated movements, such as sportswear and uniforms.

Inexpensive & Affordable  

Polyester consists of synthetic materials, so it’s usually less expensive than natural fibres, making polyester a good choice for businesses looking for budget-friendly manufacturing options.

Versatile

Polyester is used in a variety of applications and is often blended with other fibres to create a more versatile product. For example, polyester-cotton blends are popular for making garments that require high strength, but also some breathability.

Recyclable

Polyester is a type of plastic that can be melted down and reformed into new products, making it a more sustainable choice than alternative synthetic fibres like nylon.

The Cons of Polyester

While polyester fibres have many great qualities, there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind.

Prone to Static

Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from plastic, meaning it doesn’t absorb moisture as well as natural fibres, which can make it more prone to static and pilling.

Retains Heat

While polyester is an excellent choice for products requiring colder temperatures, it has a tendency to retain heat. Therefore, it’s not entirely suitable for manufacturing products that need to facilitate airflow.

Low Absorbency

Polyester fibres have low absorbency, so they’re not ideal for manufacturing products that need to soak up moisture, such as activewear, towels, or bedding.

Not 100% Eco-Friendly

Polyester fibres are typically made from polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic. Although polyester is recyclable, it’s still not a completely green and sustainable option.

When deciding if polyester is the right choice for you, it’s important to weigh up the varying factors and decide what is most beneficial to you and your product. Goonvean Fibres can help with that.

We offer tailor-made solutions to fit your needs, so get in touch today to find out more about our polyester fibres or order a sample.