Polyester is everywhere — in sportswear, workwear, jackets, curtains and luggage. It is the most widely produced fibre in the world, and it is also the "P" behind T/R blends. But what is polyester fabric exactly, and when should you choose it over natural fibres?
This guide covers the polyester fabric properties that matter to buyers, its most common uses, and the polyester blends that dominate apparel manufacturing.
What is polyester fabric?
Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from petroleum-derived PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the same polymer used in plastic bottles. It was commercialized in the 1940s-1950s and quickly became the workhorse of the textile industry thanks to a combination of low cost, high strength and easy care.
In the Chinese textile trade, polyester is often called "T" (Terylene). When you see T/R or T/C on a specification, the T is polyester — usually blended 65/35 with viscose (R) or cotton (C).
Key properties of polyester fabric
| Property | Polyester behaviour |
|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent — strong fibres with high abrasion resistance |
| Drying speed | Very fast — low water absorption |
| Wrinkle resistance | Excellent — creases fall out easily, holds pressed creases |
| Shape retention | Excellent — keeps its form wash after wash |
| Colour fastness | Very good — dyes well and resists fading |
| Breathability | Limited in 100% form — improves in blends |
| Hand feel | Smooth but synthetic — softer in blends with viscose or cotton |
| Moisture absorption | Poor in 100% form — the reason it is blended |
Common uses of polyester fabric
- Apparel: sportswear, jackets, workwear, rainwear and linings
- Home textiles: curtains, upholstery, bedding and pillows
- Industrial: bags, tarpaulins, webbing and automotive fabrics
- Blended garments: trousers, suits, uniforms and shirts — usually as T/R or T/C
Polyester accounts for roughly two-thirds of world fibre production — it dominates because of price, performance and processability. For a buyer, the practical question is rarely "polyester or not" but "which blend" and "what quality of yarn or construction".
Caring for polyester fabric
- Wash at 30-40°C — polyester is easy-care and does not need hot water
- Dry quickly — low water absorption means garments dry fast, indoors or outside
- Iron at low heat — high temperatures can melt or shine the surface
- Avoid heavy fabric softener build-up, which can reduce moisture-wicking over time
Where polyester really shines is in blends, where its strength and easy care are combined with the comfort of natural or regenerated fibres.
Polyester blends explained
| Blend | Composition | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| T/R 65/35 | Polyester + viscose | Suiting, workwear, trousers — value and drape |
| T/C 65/35 | Polyester + cotton | Uniforms, shirts, bedding — natural touch |
| Polyester + spandex | ~92/8 or similar | Stretch sportswear, denim, leggings |
| Recycled polyester | rPET, GRS-certified | Eco-conscious programs and brands |
To understand the other half of T/R, read our guide: What is Viscose (Rayon) Fabric? Properties, Uses & Care.
Polyester vs viscose vs cotton — the short version
Polyester gives strength, durability and easy care but can feel clammy in 100% form. Viscose adds softness, drape and absorbency. Cotton adds a natural breathable hand at a higher cost. Blending polyester with either solves the weakness of each — which is why blends, not pure polyester, dominate apparel programs.
Frequently asked questions
Is polyester fabric breathable?
Pure polyester is less breathable than cotton or viscose. Blended fabrics (T/R, T/C) improve airflow and comfort significantly while keeping polyester's durability.
Does polyester shrink?
Polyester is highly dimensionally stable and shrinks very little compared with cotton or viscose. Properly finished blends are preshrunk and reliable.
Is polyester good for sensitive skin?
Most people tolerate polyester well. Blends with viscose or cotton are gentler and more absorbent for next-to-skin garments.
What is the difference between polyester and viscose?
Polyester is a synthetic fibre (oil-based, strong, quick-drying); viscose is a regenerated fibre from wood pulp (soft, absorbent, drapes well). Together they form T/R — the most economical high-performance blend for apparel.
Is polyester environmentally friendly?
Conventional polyester is oil-based, but recycled polyester (rPET) is now widely available with GRS certification — see our recycled yarn range. Blending recycled polyester with viscose keeps performance while reducing virgin plastic use.
Looking for polyester-viscose fabric for your program? Browse our PV Fabric range or send us your specification for a quotation.
Need T/R yarn or polyester viscose fabric? Send your specification — blend, count, weight and quantity — and get a quotation within one working day. Request a Quote