About Polypropolene
Like nylon, it is one of the strongest fibres in common use. If you want fibres that are really
white to stay white, polyester is the fibre to choose.
Common Polyester Fabrics
Common blends and fabrics are: 65% polyester/35% cotton, wool/polyester,
polyester/linen, viscose/polyester, 100% polyester (eg: satins).
Polyester can be blended with most other fibres; usually to increase absorbency and
increase the strength and durability to the other fibre.
Recommended Uses
Shirts/blouses, trousers/skirts, shorts, suiting, ties, knitwear, dresses, socks, hats, lingerie,
knitwear, children's wear, blankets, window and shower curtaining, upholstery, tyre cords
and ropes.
Also see cotton, wool and silk for more uses.
Properties
The handle (texture or feel) of polyester is medium to hard, and is stiffer than nylon.
Polyester can be abrasive on the skin depending on fabric quality and construction; but
because of the smoothness of polyester, a soft handle may be apparent.
It is a strong fibre, like nylon, and does not decrease or increase in strength or elasticity
when wet. It has good elasticity (stretch) and is very durable, usually being preferred over
nylon for ease of care as it wrinkles less (not so however, for lightweight fabrics). It is a
good insulator, but can become static very readily, attracting dirt into the fibre, and causing
the garment to stick to you, and ‘creep up' when walking, for instance.
If perspiring, polyester can feel wet and clammy almost immediately (being almost nonabsorbent),
and can lead to a decrease in comfort when wearing.
Polyester does drape well (depending on fabric construction). It also has a good resistance
to sunlight, being good for curtains, household upholstery and furnishings.
Care
When washing polyester, separate colours and wash in cold to hot water.
Dry flat, line dry or put into the dryer on a cool temperature.
Use a warm iron, on the reverse side of the fabric.
You can drylean polyester, and you do not need to bleach polyester if it is laundered
properly.