Key Takeaways
- polyester is a very common synthetic fiber, appreciated for its resistance, its lightness and its easy maintenance .
- However, this material derived from petroleum also has disadvantages, notably its environmental impact and certain health risks.
- Focusing on more ecological alternatives such as organic cotton, linen or recycled fibers is recommended.
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. Several collections are certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 and have been honored by the “Confiance Textile” Quality Label, distinguished by their incomparable softness and their excellent quality-price ratio, providing an unrivaled feeling of comfort.
polyester is omnipresent in our daily lives, from clothing to home textiles including equipment sport. But do you really know this synthetic fiber ? What are its advantages and disadvantages ? Is it really adapted to your needs and your values ? We invite you to explore in detail the characteristics of this controversial subject to help you make informed choices.
What is polyester really ?
Definition and origin of polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber obtained by a chemical process from derivatives of petroleum. Invented in the years 1940, it quickly conquered the textile industry thanks to its advantageous properties and its low production cost.
Polyester manufacturing process
The manufacture of polyester requires several complex chemical steps. polymer pellets are first melted and then extruded through dies to form continuous filaments. These are then cooled, stretched and textured before being woven or knitted.
Umnipresence of polyester in the textile industry
Today, polyester is the most produced synthetic fiber in the world. It is found in a multitude of applications: clothing, linen household, technical textiles, etc. It represents more than 50% of the fibers used in the clothing sector.
Also read: How to Limit Sweating with Polyester ?
Characteristics and properties of polyester
Polyester has many advantageous characteristics:
- Exceptional strength and durability: polyester is very strong and resists wear, friction and repeated pulling well.
- Remarkable lightness and elasticity: it gives good support to clothes while being very light to wear.
- Ease of maintenance and quick drying: polyester is easy to wash in machine and dries very quickly.It requires no ironing.
- Thermal insulation capacity: polyester retains heat well, which makes it a popular material for winter clothing such as jackets and the quilts.
- Low moisture absorption and perspiration wicking: polyester does not absorb sweat, but allows it to evaporate. It dries quickly and limits odors.
Varied uses of polyester
Everyday clothing: pants, shirts, dresses
Polyester is widely used in the making of everyday clothing. It is found in many basics such as t-shirts, shirts, pants, jackets, etc. It is often mixed with other materials such as cotton or elastane for more comfort.
Technical textiles: sportswear, outdoor
The properties of polyester are particularly appreciated for manufacturing technical clothing. Its lightness, strength and breathability make it a popular choice for sportswear, swimsuits, softshell jackets, etc.
Household linens: pillows, curtains, towels
We also find a lot of polyester in interior decoration products. Easy to maintain and resistant, it is used to manufacture curtains, net curtains, tablecloths , towels, pillows and even rugs.
Other areas: transport, furniture, construction, packaging
Beyond textiles, polyester is present in multiple industrial sectors. It is used in particular to make automotive parts, seat covers, geotextiles, ropes or even plastic bottles.
Also discover: Does 100% polyester keep you warm ?
Advantages of polyester
A cheap and economical material
One of the main advantages of polyester is its low cost. Derived from oil, it is inexpensive to produce and allows manufacture clothing at prices affordable. A boon for the fast-fashion.
industryVersatility and ability to mix with other fibers
Polyester combines easily with other materials such as cotton, wool, viscose or elastane. By mixing , we obtain fabrics with combined properties, combining for example the softness of cotton with resistance polyester.
Everyday comfort thanks to its lightness and elasticity
For everyday items, polyester offers appreciable comfort. Lightweight and flexible, it follows movements without hindering. Its elasticity also allows fabrics to hold together well and keep their shape over time .
Sophie, a loyal customer, recently shared her experience with our Hoodie Blanket hoodie.
"I ordered this plaid hoodie to relax at home on cold weekends. When I received it, I was pleasantly surprised by how soft and lightweight it was. Despite several washes, it kept its new appearance and its soft texture. It has become my favorite sweatshirt for cocooning!"
Sophie's return perfectly illustrates the advantages of Oeko-Tex certified polyester for indoor sweatshirts: resistance to wear, ease of maintenance and cozy comfort make it an ideal choice for relaxing at home.
Also read: Which fabric breathes best ?
Disadvantages and dangers of polyester
Adverse environmental impact: polluting and energy-consuming material
The other side of the coin is the disastrous ecological impact of polyester. Its production requires a lot of water and energy, and generates polluting emissions. In addition, like all synthetic fibers, it contributes significantly to the problem of microplastics in the oceans.
Petrochemical origin and non-biodegradability
Derived from oil, a non-renewable resource, polyester takes hundreds of years to degrade. When thrown away, it accumulates in nature and landfills without decomposing, posing a real environmental problem.
Potential health risks: allergies, endocrine disruptors
Polyester is also not ideal for health. Some sensitive people may develop allergies upon contact with this material. In addition, studies have shown that polyester may contain endocrine disruptors and toxic substances likely to migrate to the skin.
Accumulation of bad odors
Finally, even if polyester dries quickly, it tends to quickly accumulate odors. The bacteria responsible for bad odors particularly appreciate this synthetic fiber. A notable inconvenience, especially for sports clothing.
Polyester is a synthetic material which has become indispensable in the textile industry thanks to its unique properties. However, it is essential to consider its environmental impact and explore more sustainable alternatives such as natural or recycled fibers.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also discover: Is polyester bad for the skin ?
How to properly maintain your polyester clothing ?
Washing and drying tips
Polyester is easily washed in machine at 30 or 40°C. It does require no special precautions. However, avoid washing too frequently which risks altering the fibers. drying in a machine is possible but not recommended.
Avoid tumble drying to preserve the fibers
Even if polyester resists heat well, it is better to avoid tumble drying. High temperatures and repeated friction risk damaging the fibers over time. Prefer drying in the open air.
Prefer drying in the open air, more ecological
Drying naturally flat or on a drying rack is ideal for polyester. It is not only gentler on the fabric, but also much more energy efficient and respectful of the environment than a machine cycle.
Also read: Why does my laundry smell like sweat after washing ?
What are the alternatives to polyester ?
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Resistant, durable, easy to maintain, dries quickly, inexpensive | Non-biodegradable, may irritate skin, accumulates odors | Machine wash at 30°C, air dry |
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic, biodegradable | Not very durable, shrinks and warps, dries slowly | Machine wash at 40°C, tumble dry or air dry |
| Wool | Warm, insulating, resistant, biodegradable | Can scratch, shrinks, difficult to maintain, expensive | Gentle machine wash or hand wash, dry flat |
| Lin | Light, breathable, durable, ecological | Crinkles easily, not very elastic, expensive | Machine wash cold, line dry, damp iron |
| Silk | Soft, shiny, light, breathable, thermo-regulating | Fragile, difficult to maintain, expensive | Gentle hand wash, dry flat, iron gently |
| Viscose | Soft, fluid, absorbent, breathable | Fragile, shrinks, not very elastic, creases easily | Gentle machine wash or hand wash, dry flat |
| Modal | Soft, silky, durable, breathable, absorbent | May shrink, sensitive to heat | Machine wash at 30°C, air dry |
| Lyocell | Soft, durable, absorbent, breathable, eco-friendly | May shrink, wrinkle, expensive | Machine wash at 30°C, air dry |
| Recycled polyester | Ecological, resistant, durable, easy to maintain | Variable quality, contributes to microplastics | Machine wash at 30°C, line dry |
Faced with the disadvantages of polyester, fortunately there are many other options textiles more ecological:
-
Natural fibers: cotton, linen, wool, silk, etc. These materials come from renewable resources such as plants or animals. They are biodegradable and generally more respectful of the environment.
-
Artificial fibers: modal, lyocell, viscose, etc. Derived from wood cellulose, these fibers are an interesting alternative. They offer a soft and silky touch while being biodegradable.
-
Recycled and eco-responsible fibers: More and more brands are offering clothing in recycled polyester, made from plastic bottles for example . If this does not solve the problem of microplastic pollution, it limits the production of waste.
At The Oversized Hoodie, we are committed to providing high quality products while respecting the environment. By favoring materials such as organic cotton and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 AND Oeko-Tex STeP certified polyester, we offer our customers ecological alternatives without compromising comfort and durability.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie ®
Also discover: Polyamide or polyester ?
In summary
Polyester certainly offers many practical advantages, but its worrying environmental impact and potential health risks call for vigilance. For more responsible consumption, it is advisable to turn, wherever possible, to more ecological and natural alternatives.
When purchasing polyester clothing, it is wise to favor items certified by recognized labels, such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or bluesign®. These certifications guarantee that the textiles have been produced responsibly, in compliance with strict standards for environmental protection, health and working conditions.
As consumers, our choice of textile materials has a considerable impact. By taking environmental and health issues into account, and opting for sustainable and certified products, we can help shape a more ethical and planet-friendly fashion industry.
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of polyester ?
The main disadvantages of polyester are its harmful environmental impact (pollution, non-biodegradability), its potential risks for health (allergies, endocrine disruptors) and its tendency to accumulate odors.
What is 100% polyester ?
A garment labeled "100% polyester" is entirely composed of polyester fibers, without the addition of other materials. It is a guarantee of resistance and ease of maintenance, but also a signal of a greater ecological impact.
Is polyester good for the skin ?
Polyester is not ideal for skin, especially sensitive skin. It can cause irritation and allergy in some people. In addition, it promotes perspiration and the accumulation of bacteria responsible for bad odors.
Is polyester a good material for clothing ?
Polyester is popular for clothing because it is resistant, easy to maintain and inexpensive. It is well suited to pieces that are rarely worn next to the skin, such as jackets and pants. For tops, it is better to favor more breathable materials.
Does polyester keep you warm ? Can you wear it in winter ?
Yes, polyester has good insulating properties and retains body heat well. It is therefore a material suitable for winter clothing such as coats, down jackets and thermal layers.
What are the more ecological alternatives to polyester ?
Natural fibers such as organic cotton, linen or wool are excellent ecological alternatives to polyester. biodegradable artificial fibers such as viscose and lyocell are also interesting, as is recycled polyester.
How to recognize polyester clothing ?
To know if a garment contains polyester, you must look at the composition label. Polyester can also be referred to as "PES" or "PET". To the touch, a 100% polyester fabric is generally smooth, slightly shiny and elastic.
Is polyester suitable for sensitive skin ?
No, polyester is not recommended for sensitive and allergic skin. This synthetic fiber can irritate the epidermis and promote reactions. It is better to favor natural and untreated materials such as organic cotton or silk.
What are the maintenance symbols to follow for polyester ?
On the care label, polyester is generally associated with the symbols of wash in machine at 30 or 40°C, from dry to low temperature or in the open air, and ironing at low temperature (one or two points). Bleaching is not recommended.
