Are all polyester shirts created equal?

misswarner14

I just recently started to develop a style and care about fashion. This might be an ignorant question, but I just bought a blouse from Loft that I adore. The issue is that it's nearly sheer and 100% polyester which slightly annoys me(sheer).

It made me wonder, could I buy the same 100% polyester blouse from somewhere like H&M for a fraction of the price and there be no difference? Are all polyester shirts created equal? If not, what have you found differs between a fast fashion brand and a designer brands?

Also, I've found fabric like polyester drapes and fits my body in a more flattering way than a knit fabric. Are there other materials I should be seeking other than polyester?

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

10 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from misswarner14

Tina

Veteran

Not all polyesters are created equal. There are definitely good, better and best quality fabrics. It's not always easy to discern but even a sheer blouse can have a light to heavy weight. A cheaper fabric is likely to be more clingy and will not drape as well. Also, check the construction of the garment. Polyester can easily fray at the seams if not properly sewn. A French seam is a good sign (that's a seam within a seam). Also, check for fraying anywhere, including the cuffs or collar.
This blouse looks very nice on you!

10 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

The seams don't have to do with the material, though.

Honestly, I have no idea what it means to scrimp on the fabric in terms of quality. Some fabrics are sheer, others opaque; some floaty, some clingy. None of these is inherently "better." I would love the difference between a high and low quality, though. All I know is that 'breathable polyester' is an oxymoron, in my vast experience of trying to find moisture-wicking, sweat-friendly garments.

10 years ago

Tina

Veteran

The reason I mentioned the seams is because of the question regarding finding something for a fraction of the price via fast fashion.
Angie has mentioned in the past that not all polyesters are created equal. There is definitely a difference, I have experienced that myself. There are some fabrics that almost disintegrate in you hands when you handle them:-/
That does not mean that they can not be found at lower price points.
As to checking other fabrics, silk is another blouse fabric that you may find suitable. Banana Republic has some this season. I have several of them and they are nice and long.

10 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Tina, I agree about the seams and stitching...but I'd be interesting in knowing more about the quality. For example, what would the difference be between Burberry polyester and Banana Republic polyester, if anything? The weave? How easily it pills? How does one assess? I think that how it feels isn't a good indicator, because cheap fabrics can feel great, but not hold up.

10 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

No, not all polyester shirts are equal. A $6000 Alber Elbaz polyester evening gown is not the same as a $20 polyester dress from Walmart. Nor are the polyester fabrics of today the same as the polyester fabrics of the 70s and 80s.

Polyester is a fibre that can be woven into an infinite number of fabrics ranging from a delicate, sheer gauze to a heavy twill canvas. It can end up as a faux fur vest, a "leather" jacket, a silky charmeuse dress, a "linen" jacket, or a knit top. It IS inherently less breathable than other fabrics, but, depending on how it is used and worn that may, or may not, be an issue. Tina's point about looking at the construction of the shirt is a good one. A well-designed, carefully constructed, polyester shirt can look better, and will definitely last longer, than a cheaply made shirt of low-grade silk.

If you like the fit, design, and feel of your 100% polyester shirt, then it makes sense to add it to your wardrobe. Very few women have a wardrobe that doesn't include polyester in one form or another.

10 years ago

Anonymous

Another great thread. Such interesting and useful information.

10 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I don't know the answer to the types of polyester (I have a bit of a poison eye for poly), but as far as other materials to try, I would look at silk and rayon. They would have similar draping qualities.

10 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I prefer a heavy matte silk over polyester for drape and breathability. I bought a shirt from BR not long ago and have never worn it. It got high ratings from previous owners but although the fabric is nice, it is subject to a ridiculous amount of static and literally sticks to me.

I don't think it is a matter of price. A good polyester is definitely wearable and can look great but it is not as consistent as some other fabrics.

10 years ago

Anonymous

Like others have said, not all polyesters are created equally. Check the feel of the fabric and the workmanship.

10 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I like this top. I think others have answered your question sufficiently well. I just wanted to add that if you love a fluid fit in woven fabrics, chiffon fabric made from cotton is another option

10 years ago

Cococat

Veteran

My mother does this thing with polyester where she blows through it to feel if any air comes through. If it does, she will buy it, if not, it's back on the rack. I have no idea if it makes any difference for comfort levels but she swears by it.

I have some vintage polyester dresses that are quite heavy to wear, but I love their look, so I've held on to them. Modern polyesters seem to be in general more wearable.

Pretty blouse.

10 years ago

misswarner14

Active Member

Thank you all for the feedback!

10 years ago

Category