Key Takeaways
wool and polyester are two very different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice between wool and polyester depends on your specific needs in terms of warmth, comfort, maintenance, durability and price.
The French brand The Oversized Hoodie® 🇫🇷 is famous for its clothing, bed linen and cocooning accessories high-end, 100% vegan in compliance with a cruelty-free approach.
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Introduction
You are hesitating between wool and polyester for your next purchases of clothing, household linen or outdoor equipment ?
This complete guide compares these two fibers in detail to help you make the best choice according to your needs and budget. Discover the unique properties of each material, their strengths and limitations, as well as our expert advice on how to properly maintain them.
With this guide, you will have all the keys in hand to buy the wool or polyester products best suited to your lifestyle!
Also read: Polyamide or Polyester ?
Wool vs polyester: which material to choose ?
What material to choose for the home ?
For your household linen and decoration, here are some tips for choosing between wool and polyester:
| Item | Wool | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Blanket, plaid | Natural warmth and softness | Lightweight, easy to maintain |
| Duvet | Inflatable and breathable | Warm and light, machine washable |
| Carpet | Soft, thermal and sound insulating | Resistant, easy to clean |
| Curtains | Insulation, warm appearance | Fastness, water-repellent |
| Cushions | Puffy, decorative | Easy to maintain, anti-mites |
Which material to choose depending on the garment ?
Each type of clothing has its own requirements in terms of materials.Here is a summary of the best choices between wool and polyester:
- Sweater, vest: wool for more warmth, polyester for more lightness
- Socks: wool is warmer, polyester more breathable
- Scarf, hat, gloves: wool protects well from the cold, polyester dries quickly in snow
- Coat, jacket: polyester is lighter, wool more elegant
- Trousers, shirt: polyester limits creases, wool provides hold
- Dress: wool for formal dresses, polyester for casual dresses
- Suit: wool is timeless and high-end, polyester more affordable and easy to maintain
Also discover: What is the best material for a sweater ?
Which material to choose according to use ?
Your activities and your lifestyle also influence the choice between wool and polyester:
- Work: polyester is easy to maintain, wool makes it dressier
- Sport: polyester wicks away perspiration well, wool warms without weighing too much
- Travel: polyester dries quickly and creases little, wool insulates well from the cold
- Relaxation at home: wool is cozy, polyester more relaxed
Which material to choose depending on the season ?
| Season | Wool | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Too hot and thick | Lightness and quick drying |
| Mid-season | Perfect in a thin layer | Ideal in light fleece |
| Winter | Ultra-warm and insulating | Good economical alternative |
In summary, wool is ideal for protecting yourself from the cold in winter thanks to its insulating properties. polyester will be more appropriate in summer for its lightness and breathability. For mid-season, both materials are suitable, favoring thin layers (merino wool, light fleece).
Which material to choose according to the budget ?
As a general rule, for the same quality, polyester items are less expensive than wool items. For a small budget, polyester therefore offers better value for money. If you can invest more, natural wool is a higher quality and more durable choice over time.
Also read: Cotton or polyester ?
Wool: natural, warm and breathable
The different types of wool and their characteristics
Wool is a natural fiber mainly coming from sheep, but also from other animals such as alpacas, goats or angora rabbits.There are many varieties of wool with different properties:
- Merino wool: very fine, soft and warm, ideal for close-fitting clothing
- Alpaca wool: shiny, light and resistant, appreciated for high-end sweaters and accessories
- Cashmere: extremely soft and insulating, it is one of the most luxurious and expensive wools
Also read: What material keeps you warmest in winter ?
The advantages of wool
Wool has many advantages which make it a material of choice for protection from the cold:
- Excellent thermal insulation: wool traps air to keep heat close to the body
- Humidity regulation and breathability: wool absorbs moisture and lets it evaporate, for a always dry feeling
- Durability and resistance to wear: wool fibers are elastic and robust, for clothes that last a long time
At The Oversized Hoodie®, we have always been convinced of the exceptional properties of wool. As I often point out, wool is an incredible fiber that is warm, breathable and durable. It is our favorite material for creating comfortable, quality clothing that lasts over time. Wool offers unrivaled thermal insulation, while naturally regulating humidity for optimal comfort.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
The disadvantages of wool
Despite its many qualities, wool also has some weak points to take into account:
- May be irritating for sensitive skin, due to its rough fibers
- Delicate care: most woolens should be washed by hand and dried flat to avoid shrinkage or warping
- Generally higher cost than synthetic fibers like polyester, especially for high-end wools
Also read: How to remove pilling from a wool coat ?
Polyester: synthetic, light and easy to maintain
What is polyester and how is it made ?
Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum. Chemically, it is a polymer obtained by reaction between an acid and an alcohol. Polyester pellets are melted and extruded to form long filaments which are then stretched, cooled and cut to the desired length. Polyester can be used alone or mixed with other fibers such as cotton or wool.
The different qualities of polyester
Polyester exists in different forms and qualities depending on the intended use:
- Polyester microfiber: very fine and soft, used for sportswear and reusable diapers
- Polyester fleece: thick and fluffy, perfect for cozy jackets and blankets
The advantages of polyester
Polyester has several advantages that make it a very popular fiber, including:
- Light and easy to wear: polyester is less heavy than wool, while offering good protection against the cold
- Quick drying and easy to maintain: polyester dries quickly in the open air and can be washed easily
- Wrinkle and stain resistant: practical for clothes and linens that stay impeccable
- Generally more affordable than wool, ideal for small budgets
Although polyester is often criticized, it nevertheless has undeniable advantages! At The Oversized Hoodie® we use high quality polyester in some of our designs. Well chosen, it brings lightness, resistance and ease of maintenance to casual and trendy pieces, while remaining affordable. Polyester has the advantage of drying quickly, not wrinkling and resisting stains.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
The disadvantages of polyester
Polyester is not free from defects. Here are its main weak points:
- Less breathable than wool, polyester tends to make you sweat
- May retain perspiration odors if it is not anti-bacterial treated
- Heat sensitivity: polyester may melt or warp if exposed to high temperatures (iron, tumble dryer)
Also discover: Does polyester keep you warm ?
How to care for your wool and polyester clothing and bedding
Wool care tips
- Hand or machine wash (gentle cycle) with special detergent for wool
- Dry flat on a towel to prevent the garment from becoming deformed
- Store flat in a dry, ventilated place, protected from moths
Also read: How to Wash a Wool Sweater ?
Care tips for polyester
- Machine wash at moderate temperature (30°C), without fabric softener
- Tumble dry low temperature or air dry
- Iron at low temperature if necessary, with a damp cloth
Environmental impact of these two materials
- $118.51 billion: Estimated size of the global polyester fiber market in 2023, with growth forecast at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. [1]
- 71.5 million metric tons of fossil fuel-based synthetic fibers (mainly polyester) produced in 2022, up 2.7%.In comparison, global wool production fell 1.2% to 1.02 million metric tons. [2]
- $2.4 billion : projected added value of the textile market in France in 2024, including both natural fibers such as wool and synthetic fibers such as polyester. [3]
The production of polyester requires fossil resources (oil) and releases greenhouse gases and microplastics. However, polyester is recyclable and more ecological alternatives (bio-sourced polyester) are being developed.
Raising sheep for wool can contribute to soil degradation and emits methane. But wool is a natural and renewable resource, biodegradable and often produced locally. More sustainable breeding and production sectors are emerging.
Conclusion
In summary, wool and polyester are two excellent fibers with very distinct properties. Wool offers unrivaled natural warmth, good breathability and resistance to wear. Polyester stands out for its lightness, speed of drying and ease of maintenance.
| Characteristic | Wool | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural (animal) | Synthetic |
| Thermal insulation | Excellent | Good |
| Breathability | Very good | Average |
| Sustainability | High | High |
| Maintenance | Delicate | Easy |
| Cost | High | Affordable |
The final choice will depend on your specific needs (warmth, comfort, maintenance, etc.), the intended use (clothing, household linen, etc.) and your budget. In all cases, opt for quality materials, and follow the maintenance advice carefully to enjoy them for as long as possible!
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of polyester ?
Polyester is less breathable than natural fibers, it tends to retain odors and is not suitable for sensitive skin. Polyester can also melt if subjected to high heat.
Is polyester warm ?
Polyester provides good thermal insulation, especially if it is thick or used in layers. However, at the same thickness, wool remains warmer than polyester.
Is the polyester good quality ?
The quality of polyester depends on the manufacturing process and the treatments applied. A high-quality polyester will be strong, durable and easy to maintain, while a low-end polyester risks aging poorly.
What is fleece ?
Despite its name, polar fleece is actually a soft and warm synthetic fabric, a fabric made from a blend of polyester fibers.
What are the advantages of wool compared to polyester ?
Wool is a natural fiber with unique properties: great thermal insulation even when wet, humidity regulation, resistance to odors, luxurious appearance. Wool is also biodegradable, unlike polyester.
Is wool warmer than polyester ?
Weight for weight, wool offers better thermal insulation than polyester, thanks to its honeycomb structure which traps air. Wool remains warm even when wet, unlike polyester.
Is polyester more durable than wool ?
Polyester resists abrasion and repeated pulling better than wool. However, with good care, a quality natural wool garment can also last a very long time and retain its original appearance.
Which material to choose for a duvet: wool or polyester ?
For a duvet, the choice between wool and polyester will depend on your expectations:
- Wool duvet: optimal insulation even in an unheated room, enveloping and cocooning feeling
- Polyester duvet: lighter and less bulky, machine washable, does not cause allergies
References
[1] “Polyester fiber market size, share and trend analysis by product (solid, hollow), by quality (PET, PCDT), by application (apparel, furnishings, industrial), by region, and segment forecasts, 2023 - 2030", Grand View Research
[2] "Textile Exchange Annual Materials Market Report Shows Further Growth in Global Production of New Materials, Including Fossil-Based Synthetic Fibers", Textile Exchange
[3] "Textiles - France", Statista
