In this blog post, we’ll look at the properties and pros and cons of two mainstream clothing materials – polyester and cotton. We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both when it comes to summer workwear garments.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic polymer fibre, consisting of long chains of ester molecules, hence the name “poly-ester”. It was developed in the 1920s, primarily to address limitations in existing textile materials and to create a more versatile, durable, and affordable fabric. The translucent fibres are rod-like, straight and smooth in shape, with a uniformly evened surface, lacking the natural irregularities seen in a natural fibre such as cotton or wool. 

Pros

• Durability: Due to its strength and resistance to wear and tear, it can often outlast natural fibres.
• Wrinkle resistance: The ability to maintain its shape well and resists wrinkling makes it low-maintenance.
• Quick drying: Polyester dries much more quickly than many natural fibres like cotton.
• Moisture-wicking: It doesn’t absorb moisture easily, which makes it ideal for work or athletic wear.
• Colourfastness: Dyes adhere well to polyester, resulting in vibrant colours that don’t fade easily when exposed to sunlight (particularly important with high visibility garments).
• Shrink resistance: Unlike many natural fibres, there is no significant risk of shrinkage when a garment is washed.
• Affordability: It is generally less expensive to produce than many natural fibres.
• Versatility: Polyester can be blended with other fibres to enhance their properties, or create fabrics with specific characteristics.
• Easy care: It’s machine washable, with no requirement for special cleaning methods.
• Mildew and insect resistant: Unlike some natural fibres, polyester is resistant to mould, mildew, and insect damage.

Cons

• Environmental impact: Being petroleum based means the material production relies on non-renewable fossil fuels. It is also non-biodegradable.
• Lack of breathability: Polyester doesn’t allow air to circulate as well as natural fibres, potentially making it uncomfortable in hot weather.
• Odour retention: Polyester can trap odours more easily than natural fibres.
• Skin irritation: Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, can find polyester irritating to wear.
• Pilling: With extended wear, some types of polyester can form small balls of fibre (pills) on the surface of a garment.

 

Cotton

Cotton cultivation dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use found in the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BC) and in Mexico as early as 5000 BC. Cotton production played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is grown in over 80 countries and is the most widely used natural fibre in the world. Under a microscope, cotton fibres have distinctive characteristics that set them apart from synthetic fibres like polyester. In shape, they appear as a twisted ribbon structure, resembling a collapsed, twisted tube.

The surface of the fibres have a slightly rough and uneven appearance, and there is a variation from fibre to fibre reflecting its natural origin. A darker line is discernible running along the centre, known at a lumen or canal. The frequent twists or convolutions along the length of the fibre are what gives cotton its characteristic appearance and contributes to its properties, such as its strength, its ability to absorb moisture, and its soft feel.

Pros

• Absorbency: It can absorb up to 27 times its weight in water.
• Breathability: Cotton allows air to circulate freely, allowing sweat to evaporate more easily, and eliminating odour trapping.
• Lightweight: For comfort and ease of movement for the wearer.
• Softness: Cotton has a naturally soft feel, which is comfortable against the skin.
• Hypoallergenic: There is less risk of an allergic reactions compared to some synthetic fibres.
• Biodegradable: Cotton decomposes relatively quickly in the environment.
• Versatility: It can be woven or knitted into a wide variety of fabrics for different applications.
• Thermal regulation: Cotton provides warmth in cooler weather and coolness in warm weather.
• Non-static:  Cotton doesn’t build up static electricity easily.
• Renewable resource: Cotton is a crop that can be regrown annually.
• Natural feel: Many people prefer the look and feel of natural fibres.

Cons

• Wrinkles easily: Cotton fabrics tend to wrinkle more than synthetic fabrics, and requires more ironing.
• Shrinkage: Cotton can shrink when washed, especially in hot water.
• Slow drying: It retains moisture so takes longer to dry.
• Mildew prone: If left damp, cotton can develop mildew or mould.
• Fading: High visibility garments cannot be made of cotton, as they fade quickly with sun exposure.
• Insect damage: Cotton is susceptible to damage from moths and other insects.
• Price fluctuations: As an agricultural product, cotton prices can be volatile.
• Heavier when wet: Cotton becomes heavy when saturated with water.

Conclusion

The strength, durability and versatility of polyester renders it ideal for the manufacture of a broad range of products, across a number of industries. Many types of workwear and safety clothing are made from polyester due to its durability, moisture-wicking and quick drying properties, and resistance to wrinkles and chemicals. However, polyester can be less suitable for certain applications, particularly where comfort, breathability, and environmental concerns are priorities.

The properties of cotton make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from clothing and bedding to industrial uses. Many types of protective clothing and safety wear are made from cotton due to its comfort, breathability, and durability. It is also relatively easy to clean and can be treated for specific properties like flame retardance if required. Yet its drawbacks explain why cotton is often blended with other fibres, or why synthetic alternatives are sometimes preferred, especially for specific applications like outdoor gear or performance wear.

The choice between cotton and other materials often depends on the specific use case and personal preferences, and the choice of suitable workwear will depend a number of factors including the actual weather condition extant on site.

A company’s summer workwear range is an important consideration for business owners concerned to care for their workforce during hot summer days. It can, however, sometimes prove somewhat complicated to source the correct clothing for the work on hand that will provide a combination of the best lightweight fabrics with the prefect blend of comfort and the correct level of safety requirements. Clad Safety has the expertise and the experience when it comes to advice and recommendations on summer work attire. If you need technical advice on the best moisture wicking workwear, breathable clothing specifications, or simply to discuss different blends of polyester, our knowledgeable team are here to help.

Get in touch on 01423 881266 or email us at [email protected].

 

Microscope images – microlabgallery.com