In a previous article, we have discussed the history of polyester fabric. Initially, this material was developed for industrial purposes and adapted for clothing. Polyester fabric is made from chemically processed materials to imitate natural fibres, although it is generally considered less comfortable than natural fabrics. Nowadays, polyester clothing is popular due to its cost-effective production. Despite not matching the comfort of natural fabrics, polyester fabric has some advantages, including:

1. Wrinkle resistance: Polyesterhas always been known for its resistance to wrinkles, making it a popular choice for people with active lifestyles.
2. Cost-effective: The production cost of polyesterclothing is significantly lower compared to natural fabrics, making it suitable for a mass production.
3. Hydrophobic: Polyesteris a material that dries quickly when hung out to dry. This is because it easily absorbs heat. Due to its heat-absorbing and heat-retaining properties, polyester fabric is often used for winter clothing or mountain attire. Additionally, some polyester fabrics are also waterproof, making them commonly used for umbrellas, tents, parka jackets, and so on.
4. Easy to clean: Polyesterfabric is easy to clean when stained due to its inability to absorb liquids, making stains less likely to stick.
5. Durable and long-lasting: Polyesterfabric is known for its strong and durable fibers, ensuring it can be used for an extended period.
6. Lightweight: Polyesterfabric is lighter than natural fabrics, making it an excellent choice for outdoor gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and hiking clothing. Its lightweight nature is advantageous for travelers.

However, polyester fabric also has some disadvantages, such as:

1. Rough texture: Despite its numerous advantages, polyesterfabric can be uncomfortable due to its rough texture. As previously mentioned, polyester is essentially derived from plastic, resulting in coarser fibers compared to natural fabrics.
2. Flammability: Polyesteris highly sensitive to heat and can easily catch fire or melt. This characteristic is due to the chemical compounds used in polyester fiber production, which are like those found in plastic.
3. Unbreathable: Fabric made of polyesterhas tightly packed fibers. While this indeed makes it strong and durable, this density limits its breathability, which can potentially make the wearer uncomfortable.
4. Limited sweat absorption: Polyester’swater-resistant nature is both an advantage and a drawback. While it repels stains and stays dry in the rain, it does not absorb sweat easily, making polyester clothing less comfortable for activities that lead to perspiration.
5. Potential for irritation: The rough texture and lack of sweat absorption in polyester fabric can cause irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

Source(s): Collected from various sources.