Career Paths | Overview | Fiber Characteristics | Polyester

FIBER AND FABRIC EDUCATION PROGRAM -

Fiber Characteristics - Polyester

Manufactured Fiber

CHARACTERISTICS:

• Strong
• Crisp, soft hand
• Resistant to stretching and shrinkage
• Washable or dry-cleanable
• Quick drying
• Resilient, wrinkle resistant, excellent pleat retention (if heat set)
• Abrasion resistant
• Resistant to most chemicals
• Because of its low absorbency, stain removal can be a problem
• Static and pilling problems

MAJOR END USES:

• Apparel - essentially every form of clothing, dresses, blouses, jackets, separates, sportswear, suits, shirts, pants, rainwear, lingerie, childrenswear
• Home Fashions - curtains, draperies, floor coverings, fiber fill, upholstery, bedding.

Comment - Of all the manufactured fibers, polyester is the most used. Polyester is the best wash-and-wear fiber. Unfortunately, because of the over-saturation of polyester 20 to 30 years ago, some consumers maintain a negative perception about the fiber. But, that is changing. As with the other manufactured fibers, new developments in polyester have created a new attitude towards manufactured fibers. This is true, not only for manufacturers and designers, but also for consumers. In addition, when polyester is blended with other dry-clean only fibers, like wool, acetate, or rayon, the durability of the blended fabric improves and, in some cases, the fabrics can even be made washable, if the percentage of polyester is high enough.

Learn about trademark polyester fibers:

• Akwatek® thermoregulation technology by Comfort Technologies, Inc.

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