Polyester
Is polyester breathable?
Only so-so: polyester doesn't absorb moisture, it moves it along – fine for sport, less so next to skin on a hot day.
What to do
- On hot days choose an open weave and a looser cut.
- For sport, synthetics wick sweat – but next to skin every day, natural or regenerated fibres feel better.
- Blends with cotton or linen breathe better than pure synthetics.
About polyester
The polymer is melted and extruded into filaments. The world's most used fibre – more than half of all textile fibre produced.
Which fabrics breathe best and worst
Other questions
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What is polyester?
Petroleum (PET plastic); recycled polyester comes from PET bottles. The polymer is melted and extruded into filaments. The world's most used fibre – more than half of all textile fibre produced.
02Is polyester a natural fabric?
No – it's a synthetic fibre made from petroleum.
03Does polyester shrink?
No – polyester hardly shrinks, unless washed or ironed very hot.