Polyester or microfiber: what is the difference and which fabric to choose ?

You are hesitating between polyester and microfiber for your next textile purchases ? These two synthetic materials have very distinct characteristics that it is important to know before making your choice.

Learn the key differences between polyester and microfiber, their pros and cons, plus our tips for choosing fabric best suited to your needs.

Understanding the Key Differences

What is polyester ?

polyester is a very common synthetic fiber, made from petroleum-derived products. It is appreciated for its low production cost and its interesting properties:

• Resistance to wear and deformation
• Quick drying
• Wrinkle resistance
• Ease of maintenance

However, polyester also has some disadvantages such as a sometimes rough feel and low breathability, which can cause a feeling of discomfort.

What is microfiber ?

microfiber is an extremely fine synthetic fiber, even finer than silk thread. It is generally made from polyester or polyamide (nylon). Its main assets are:

• Incomparable softness
• Great absorption capacity
• Lightness
• Wear resistance
• Ease of maintenance

Microfiber is also appreciated for its versatility, which can be adapted to multiple uses depending on the type of fiber used.

Also read: Which fabric breathes best ?

Advantages and disadvantages of polyester

Advantages:

• Low production cost
• Good resistance to stretching and friction
• Dries quickly
• Does not crease
• Easy to wash

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes unpleasant touch
• Poorly breathable and may cause discomfort
• Complicated dyeing requiring chemicals
• Negative environmental impact (non-renewable material, microplastics)

Also read: Cotton or Polyester ?

Advantages and disadvantages of microfiber

Advantages:

• Unrivaled softness
• Very absorbent and wicks away moisture well
• Light and comfortable
• Wear-resistant
• Easy to maintain
• Versatile and adaptable to many uses

Disadvantages:

• May require specific washing to preserve the fibers
• Initial cost sometimes higher than other materials
• May shrink in heat
• Dyes may fade over time

Also discover: Viscose or Polyester ?

Which fabric best suits your needs ?

Sports and performance clothing

For sportswear, microfiber  is ideal. Its ability to wick away moisture and its lightness make it a perfect choice for staying dry and comfortable during exercise. Classic polyester, less breathable, will be less pleasant for outfits sportswear.

Bedding and linens

 microfiber is very popular for bedding such as duvets  and bathroom linen thanks to its softness and strong absorbent power. It also dries quickly, a real plus. Polyester, less soft and absorbent, is less suitable for a cover duvet or sheets, but often more suitable for throws such as the fleece blanket or the large knit blanket.

However, for warmer duvets , a blend of polyester and cotton or of Tencel can offer a good compromise between softness, breathability and insulation. The composition of the duvet, its weight  and its width are important criteria to take into account when making your choice.

Furniture and decoration

In furniture, microfiber perfectly imitates suede and leather, offering a high-end finish at a lower cost. It is also easy to maintain and resistant to stains.Polyester, less noble, will be suitable for less stressed pieces or products decorative products such as cushions or curtains.

For curtains or tablecloths, a polyester-cotton blend with patterns prints can be a good choice to combine aesthetics and practicality.

Cleaning and maintenance

 microfiber cloths are ultra-effective for cleaning all surfaces without using chemicals. Their unique structure allows them to capture dirt and bacteria. Polyester will absorb less well and will require more maintenance.

When caring for your microfiber items, be sure to close the seams and zippers to prevent to damage them when washing. A gentle cycle at low temperature is recommended.

At The Oversized Hoodie®, we pay particular attention to the choice of materials for our products. Certified polyester and microfiber are fabrics of choice for our Hoodie Blankets, duvets and throws because of its incomparable softness, breathable properties and durability. We meticulously select each material to offer our customers high quality products that combine comfort, style and ease of maintenance.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also discover: Wool or Polyester ?

Detailed comparison: polyester vs microfiber

Here is a comparative table of the main characteristics of polyester and microfiber:

Characteristic	Polyester	Microfiber
Softness	Rough	Very soft
Absorption	Weak	High
Breathability	Weak	High
Drying	Fast	Very fast
Maintenance	Easy	Delicate
Resistance	High	Good
Price	Weak	Moderate to high

"Drawing on our experience in the textile industry, we have LEARNED to take advantage of the strengths of each of the two materials: microfiber, for example, offers many advantages over classic polyester thanks to superior absorbency and better breathability. and quick drying Additionally, microfiber is naturally stain and water resistant, making it an ideal fabric for sportswear and some homewares.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie. ®

Durability and maintenance

polyester is very resistant to wear and deformation. It is easy to maintain and does not require special precautions. microfiber is also resistant but may require specific washing to preserve the softness of the fibers.

Breathability and comfort

microfiber is much more breathable than polyester thanks to the fineness of its fibers which allow air to pass through. It is therefore more comfortable, especially for clothing.polyester tends to retain perspiration and can quickly become uncomfortable.

Absorption and drying

Thanks to its particular structure, microfiber is extremely absorbent and dries very quickly. It is therefore ideal for bath linen, sports clothing and cleaning. Classic polyester absorbs little and dries less quickly.

Stain and water resistance

Both polyester and microfiber are naturally stain resistant and hydrophobic. Dirt has difficulty becoming embedded and water does not penetrate the fibers. They are therefore both easy to maintain from this point of view.

Price and availability

 polyester is one of the cheapest synthetic materials on the market. It can be found everywhere at low prices.  microfiber, more technical, is often a little more expensive, especially for high-end products. But it remains affordable and easy to find.

Also read: Is Polyester Bad for the Skin ?

Optimal care of polyester and microfiber

Specific washing advice to preserve fibers

• Polyester: machine washable at 30-40°C, with a synthetic program. Avoid fabric softener which alters fibers.

• Microfiber: wash it preferably by hand or in the machine at 30°C maximum with a delicate program. Do not use fabric softener which will clog the fibers.

Avoid excessive heat which damages synthetics

Polyester like microfiber are sensitive to intense heat. Avoid high temperature washing and tumble drying. Iron with a gentle iron if necessary.

Tips to revive colors and eliminate odors

To revive the colors of your polyester or microfiber textiles, add white vinegar when rinsing. To combat bad odors, soak the laundry in water with baking soda before washing.

Also read: Polyamide or Polyester ?

In summary

polyester and microfiber are two synthetic fibers with very distinct properties. The first is especially appreciated for its low price and its resistance, while the second offers softness, absorption and breathability.

The choice will therefore depend on the use you wish to make of it. In any case, follow our care tips to extend the life of your polyester or microfiber items.

FAQ

Is polyester or microfiber warmer ?

The microfiber has better insulating power thanks to its honeycomb structure which traps air. Classic polyester will be less warm at the same thickness.

Which fabric is softer: polyester or microfiber ?

microfiber is undoubtedly softer than polyester thanks to the extreme fineness of its fibers. Polyester has a rougher feel in comparison.

Are polyester and microfiber environmentally friendly ?

Being petroleum derivatives, polyester and microfiber have a negative environmental impact.However, microfiber requires less water and chemicals during its production and dyeing. Some microfibers are also made from recycled plastic bottles.

How to wash and care for polyester and microfiber ?

Wash polyester in the washing machine at 30-40°C on a program for synthetic textiles. For microfiber, prefer to wash by hand or in the machine at 30°C maximum with a delicate cycle. In both cases, avoid fabric softener and high temperatures.

Where to buy quality polyester and microfiber products ?

You will find items in polyester and microfiber in most textile, decoration and household linen stores. For technical and high-end microfiber products, choose stores specializing in outdoor, sports and home equipment.

Updated September 19, 2024