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Fibre guide

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fibre widely used in both woven and knitted fabrics. The fibre is known for its strength, shape retention and relatively easy-care properties. Polyester can be made into a wide variety of fabrics, from lightweight, fluid qualities to firm, technical or decorative fabrics. The final properties are strongly influenced by the yarn, fabric construction, weight, finish and any fibre blends.

Fibre typeSynthetic fibre

Raw materialManufactured polymer

PropertiesStrong, shape-retaining and easy-care

ConstructionWoven and knitted fabrics

ApplicationsClothing, sportswear, interiors and technical textiles

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The fibre

What is polyester?

Polyester is a collective term for synthetic fibres made from polymers. In textiles, PET-based polyester is particularly common. The raw material is processed into filaments or fibres, which are then formed into yarns and can subsequently be woven or knitted.

The term polyester therefore refers to the fibre used, but does not automatically describe the finished fabric. Polyester chiffon, fleece, satin, jersey or upholstery fabric can all be made from polyester, while structure, weight, stretch, sheen, drape and application can differ considerably.

Why is polyester so versatile?

Polyester can be produced in different finenesses, yarn types and structures and finished in many different ways. This makes the fibre suitable for lightweight fashion fabrics as well as sports fabrics, linings, interior fabrics and technical applications. Blends with other fibres are also common to combine different properties.

Variations by quality

Possible variations

Yarn typeFilament, staple fibre or textured yarn

StructureFrom smooth and fine to soft and voluminous

Composition100% polyester or blended with other fibres

FinishCan vary considerably between polyester fabrics

Important: polyester is the fibre, not the finished fabric construction. Two fabrics that are both made from 100% polyester can differ considerably in weight, structure, stretch, sheen, drape, moisture behaviour and application.

Use and selection

What is polyester used for?

Clothing & fashion For dresses, blouses, trousers, jackets, skirts, linings and other garments, depending on the fabric construction and finish.

Sports & activewear Many polyester qualities are used for sportswear and functional textiles because of their strength, shape retention and the possibility of adding moisture-management properties.

Interiors Suitable for curtains, decorative fabrics, upholstery fabrics and cushions when the specific quality has been developed for that purpose.

Technical & practical textiles Polyester is widely used in outdoor, functional and technical fabrics when durability, dimensional stability or easy care are important.

Selection advice: do not look only at the fibre percentage when choosing polyester. Also consider fabric construction, weight, density, stretch, sheen, drape and finish. Together, these properties determine what a particular quality is best suited to.

Care

Care instructions

Pre-washing Usually less critical than with cotton, but always follow the product care instructions

Washing Wash according to the care instructions for the selected polyester quality

Drying Many polyester fabrics dry relatively quickly; always follow the product care instructions

Bleaching Only when permitted by the specific product care instructions

Good to know

Sewing and selecting

Shrinkage Polyester generally shrinks less than many natural fibres, but construction, heat and finish can influence the individual product.

Heat Polyester is sensitive to high temperatures. When ironing, pressing and drying, follow the product care instructions and test on a scrap first if necessary.

Sewing Choose the needle, thread and stitch length according to the actual fabric construction. A fine polyester chiffon requires different settings from a heavy polyester canvas.

Static charge Some polyester fabrics can develop static, especially in dry conditions. This varies according to construction, finish and application.

Moisture behaviour Polyester naturally absorbs little moisture. Fabric construction and technical finishes can, however, strongly influence moisture transport.

Product selection Always compare composition, construction, weight, width, stretch, drape, sheen, finish and care instructions for each individual polyester quality.

Alternatives

Comparable fibres

Cotton, viscose and linen can be alternatives to polyester depending on the application or can be blended with it. They differ in areas such as feel, absorbency, creasing, care, shape retention and appearance.

Cotton →

Natural plant-based fibre often chosen for its soft feel, absorbency and versatility.

Viscose →

Cellulose fibre often chosen for soft, fluid fabrics with an attractive drape.

Linen →

Natural plant-based fibre with a characteristic appearance and an often cooler, drier feel.

Frequently asked questions

Polyester in brief

What is polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from polymers and widely used for both woven and knitted fabrics.

Is polyester a fabric?

Strictly speaking, polyester is a fibre rather than a specific type of fabric. A wide variety of fabrics can be made from polyester.

Shrinkaget polyester?

Polyester is generally more shape-retaining and usually shrinks less than many natural fibres. The exact response to washing and heat depends on the specific quality.

What is polyester used for?

Polyester is widely used in clothing, sportswear, linings, interior textiles, outdoor products and technical fabrics.

Is 100% polyester always the same?

No. Two 100% polyester fabrics can differ considerably because of yarn type, woven or knitted construction, weight, density, stretch and finish.

Is polyester breathable?

Polyester fibre itself absorbs little moisture. How airy or breathable a fabric feels depends mainly on its construction, thickness and any functional finish.