Polyester fabric is a man-made material created with chemicals to imitate natural fabric. Polyester is made from a type of plastic derived from petroleum. According to the Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Materials Report 2017, polyester is the most widely used plastic fibre in the world for approximately 80%. In 2016, the production of polyester fibre was estimated to be around 52 million metric tons.

As technology improves, polyester fabric has encounter significant developments, including being used as a blend with natural fabrics. This has led to an increased use of polyester fibres. The purpose of blending polyester with natural fabrics is to saturate the fabric with the advantages of polyester, such as durability, versatility, good sunlight resistance, lightweight, resistance to wrinkles, resistance to stains, and quick drying time. Here are some types of fabrics that use a polyester blend and are commonly used for clothing materials:

Polycotton:

Polycotton is a type of fabric that combines polyester and cotton fibres. Polycotton has tight fibres, it is wrinkle-resistant, and has stretch. While polyester is not known for absorbing water, polycotton readily absorbs water or sweat. Thus, polycotton fabric is suitable for summer clothing or for countries with tropical climates.

Lacoste:

Lacoste fabric is commonly used for collared shirts or polo shirts. Lacoste comes in three varieties: Lacoste PE, Lacoste pique, and Lacoste CVC. Lacoste itself has a textured surface with circular, triangular, and square pores.

TC (Teteron Cotton):

TC fabric is like polycotton, combining polyester and cotton. However, the cotton composition in TC fabric is 35%, with 65% polyester. TC fabric is often used for school uniforms due to its high comfort level.

Satin:

Satin fabric is created using the ‘satin weave’ method, providing a smooth and glossy appearance on one side while the other side is rougher. Despite being made from polyester, satin fabric is often used for formal wear because it releases a luxurious and elegant impression.

Spandex:

Spandex, also known as elastane, is an elastic fabric that can stretch up to five times its original shape. Discovered by Du Pont in 1947, spandex is developed as a substitute for rubber and is combined with cotton, rayon, and other fibres to create fabric.

Chiffon:

Chiffon, meaning “cloth” in French, is made from polyester, silk, cotton, nylon, or rayon. It is thin, sheer, smooth, and lightweight, often used as an accessory in bridal gowns.

These are some types of polyester-based fabrics commonly used in clothing. There are many more varieties, each chosen based on the specific characteristics required. Despite the environmental concerns associated with polyester, its continued use is driven by its functional properties.

Source(s):  Compiled from various sources