Does Polyester Shrink? | Tips and Facts

Does Polyester Shrink

Polyester materials have long been a darling jewel of most peoples’ wardrobes with their immaculate durability and aesthetics. Also, synthetic fabric exudes some wrinkle resistance element, making it one of the most used fabrics for promotional products. However, the question that has been asked for many years is, “Does polyester shrink.” This is a thought-provoking question for many who fear what will become of their favourite polyester shirt or any other promotional products after laundry. Well, fear not; this article will give you a proper overview of whether polyester material shrinkage is even in question and if it is in question, how you will mitigate against such occurrence. Let’s get to it.

What is Polyester?

What is Polyester

Just take time to check the label of your clothes or any related promotional materials; there’s a high possibility you’ll see “polyester” written there. Polyester is a versatile synthetic fiber from natural sources such as petroleum, natural gas, lime, hard coal,  wool or cotton. The first ever polyester development was first broadcasted in the 1940s when it was announced as a man-made invention that is lightweight, heat resistant, breathable, quick-drying, soft and durable. This makes it a popular choice among sports enthusiasts and various households.

To shed more light on polyester, polyester is beyond just ordinary fabric; it is the umbrella term for numerous fabric materials, especially those made from polyester yarn. Among such materials are fleece or neoprene, textile materials with high stretching capabilities and fit for athleisure wear, and many others. Suppose you could recall a time when silk was the peach of fabric. Polyester is like a finer usurper and can be woven into the small pored fabric, making it waterproof and windproof. This is the basis upon which many people have chosen it as the best material for any outdoor experience.

What is Polyester Made Of?

What is Polyester Made Of

The building block of polyester has become a contentious subject of discussion among many. However, to shed more light on what polyester polyester is made of, we should look at two chemical components: purified terephthalic acid (PTA)  and monoethylene glycol (MEG). The chemical composition of polyester is not rocket science, even if it is as simple as adding water to a bottle. The chemical process of mankind polyester is called polymerization, which combines alcohol and carboxylic acid to form the building blocks or raw materials for making polyester, which is a long chain of esters. 

Since we have the raw materials as “ester”, we will proceed to polymer formation, which will produce polyethene tetraphalate (PET) by combining purified terephthalic acids with ethylene glycol (MEG). Then, the proper making of polymer into usable forms like filament, tow, fiberfill, and stale will commence using the polymerization, drying, melt spinning, drawing fiber and windings process. It is important to note that most of the polyester material you see around is the staple form, which is cut to the size of filament polyester, which can be easily blended with other fibers. The fiberfill form is usually used in the manufacturing of quilts, pillows and outerwear.

Is Polyester a Good Material?

Is Polyester a Good Material

On the plus side, polyester is an excellent material that blends seamlessly into your wardrobe and home. Polyesters boast unique advantages, such as durability, wrinkle-freeness, and, most importantly, ease of care.

● Durability

One of the most remarkable things about polyester is its tendency to stand the test of time. Without making a mouth of this, you can use polyester material for as long as you want with zero fear of getting torn or damaged due to consistent wear and tear, such as we see with natural materials. Think of your Athleisure wear and any other outdoor product that requires countless washing without showing any sign of damage.

● Versatility

Like a chameleon, polyester can fit into all forms of uses, depending on the manufacturing process. This is one of the most crucial features of polyester, as polyester materials can be made into silk, suede, cotton, and any other material you want. It’s no wonder that polyester has become the most sought-after material and popular choice for producing promotional materials and other products.

Will Polyester Shrink in the Dryer?

Will Polyester Shrink in the Dryer

As you can see, we have been elucidating the magnificence of polyester from the beginning. However, one question that ain’t gone away over the years is whether polyester will shrink in the dryer. This is a very solid question that requires proper analysis because there’s no yes or no answer due to the various factors that come into play. Practically, polyester will shrink to some extent, maybe, let’s say, twenty out of a hundred base points. That’s still a fair shout compared to other materials like cotton, wool, silk, and others, which will shrink eighty out of a hundred base points.

We base our findings on a series of tests of some of Sino-promotion products, such as custom bucket hats, custom arm sleeves, and custom beach towels made with polyester. These products were subjected to 5-6 washes under 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the dryer. What we found out was that apart from the first water jitters, there’s no significant degradation or shrinkage from these products. Also, their color stays true to the original color, they are not susceptible to heat, and their moisture-wicking properties shine bright.

Can You Iron Polyester?

Can You Iron Polyester

Yes, you can iron polyester. You know, there are some that even the most wrinkle-resistant polyester fabrics require little help straightening. You just need to exercise some caution while doing such so as not to cause damage to the fabric. The following are the golden rules for ironing polyester.

  • You should start by reading the instructions on the labels and setting the iron to the appropriate temperature.
  • Subjecting your fabrics to excessive heat does not yield any benefits, so it’s advisable to start with the lowest heat possible and increase it over time.
  • Most people don’t know this, but you must get an iron with steam functionality. Polyester material creases and wrinkles are best straightened with steam. If your iron does not have a steam function, you should sprinkle the material with water before ironing.

You should try as much as possible not to iron your polyester material directly. Rather, try as much as possible to use a cloth as a buffer between the iron and your material to prevent any direct contact that can lead to an unwanted burn.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Polyester

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Polyester

It’s normal for the much-revered polyester material to succumb to the inevitable wrinkles and creases. This doesn’t warrant you abandoning your favourite wear. Instead, you should follow these methods to get it up to speed and enjoy.

1. Ironing

As you know, polyester is susceptible to heat damage, so ensure you set the iron temperature to low or medium heat. Place a cloth between the material and the iron to prevent burning and ensure the iron does not have direct contact with the polyester material.

2. Steamer Treatment

You can also use a steamer if you don’t want to deal with the stress of setting up your ironing board and all the ironing process. Since the steamer won’t get in contact with the material, you don’t have anything to worry about using this method. All you have to do is let the material drape or hang in an open space, position the steamer nozzle on the material, and go from top to bottom.

3. Spin Dryer

This should be done cautiously, but it’s a quick fix for mild wrinkles. Add a few ice cubes, a damp cloth, and the wrinkled polyester material to the dryer. Set the dryer to low heat as much as possible, and let the dryer spin for about 5 to 10 minutes.

What are the Pros and Cons of Polyester?

Like any other material, polyester is not all about the plus sides because it has its own underside. The following gives the proper overview of the pros and cons of polyester.

 

Feature

Pros

Cons

Durability

Strong and tear-resistant

– Can melt at high temperatures

Wrinkle Resistance

Stays wrinkle-free and requires minimal ironing

 

Easy Care

Quick-drying and stain-resistant

May retain odors

Cost

Affordable and budget-friendly

 

Versatility

Blends well with other fibers for enhanced properties

 

Moisture Management

Can be wicking or water-resistant depending on treatment

Not naturally breathable, can trap heat and sweat

Environmental Impact

 

Non-biodegradable, contributes to landfill waste

Is Polyester Breathable?

It’s a general consensus that polyester is not breathable, but in all honesty, this is not entirely true because polyester can be breathable if manufactured correctly. The breathability of polyester fabric is a two-way thing because its fibers are tightly woven together and do not allow airflow. On the other hand, polyester fabrics can also be woven into a structure that will enable airflow in such a way that is done for athletic wear and most Sino-promotion promotional products.

To put this into context, it’s understandable how hot it could be wearing non-breathable polyester materials during the warm winter season. However, a straightforward way to make our polyester fabric breathable is to use the little gap between the mesh-like yarn structure. Through this simple process, every Sino promotion polyester products have the capability to allow wetness and air to pass through.

Conclusion

Polyester’s relationship with shrinkage is a nuanced one. While it boasts superior resistance to shrinking compared to natural fibers, high heat from washing and drying can still cause it to lose some size. By understanding the factors and following these helpful tips, you can control your polyester garments completely. Choose cooler water temperatures for washing and low heat settings for drying. If shrinkage is desired, you can use hotter water and higher heat, but remember, this change is permanent.f

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