Polyester gets a bum rap in the style world and I often end up sticking up for the man made fibre. In 2007, I wrote a post on how polyester has its place and my perspective hasn’t changed since then.
There’s a lot to like about items made of polyester blended with cotton, rayon, silk, wool and linen. It’s the polyester component that gives the garment drape, stability during the laundry cycle, and a more crease-resistant finish. It also brings down the price of the garment. Natural fibres do not possess these appealing attributes.
I’ll take my polyester love a step further. I’m so impressed with the woven 100% polyester blouses that I bought at Zara this year. They are inexpensive, machine washable, drape like a dream, look pristine, do not require ironing and their crease resistance makes them perfect for traveling. I was also impressed with the woven 100% polyester blouses that the Loft stocked last year. My clients bought up a storm, and they laundered and lasted really well. Thanks to updated technology, the quality of woven polyester seems to have improved. And the more affordable price, especially when compared to silk, can’t be beat.
Of course, 100% polyester can look nasty and flammable, especially in jersey knits. The fabrication does not breathe in the same way that natural fibres do despite its appealing attributes. This is what puts most people off polyester clothing to start off with.
At the end of the day, as much as I love natural fibres, I ALSO bat for Team Polyester, especially when it’s blended with natural fibres. In the right fabric ratios and in the right items, polyester is fabulous. I’m grateful that the fibre exists!
Of course, a big question that I haven’t touched on is the ecological impact of this synthetic fabric. Michelle recently examined cotton’s impact on the environment, and she’s working on polyester for the next article in her series on eco-fashion. I’m looking forward to hearing what she learned.
Over to you. Do you wear 100% polyester clothing? Do you wear polyester blended clothing? Or is polyester a big no-no for your style?