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What is polyester fabric?
Polyester is a widely used synthetic fiber known for its strength, colorfastness, and easy-care qualities. At House of U, we offer two types of polyester: standard polyester and recycled polyester, also known as rPET.
Standard polyester is valued for its durability and its ability to maintain vibrant colors over time. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, from fashion and home decor to creative textile projects.
Recycled polyester is made from used PET bottles and other plastic waste. The result is a high-quality fabric that is just as strong and versatile as standard polyester but with a lower environmental impact. rPET helps reduce plastic waste and supports more sustainable production methods.
Want to learn more about these fabrics? Read our blog “Recycled polyester versus virgin polyester”.
Is polyester sustainable
Our recycled polyester fabrics (rPET) are made from used PET bottles. These bottles are cleaned, shredded, and melted down to create new fibers, giving plastic waste a second life.
By reusing plastic, we reduce waste, lower the need for virgin raw materials, and cut CO₂ emissions without compromising on quality.
Curious about our sustainable fabrics? Explore the U-circular collection to discover all our recycled options.
Pros of polyester
- Colorfast with vibrant print results: polyester holds color extremely well. Whether you choose a bold all over print or a soft pastel shade, the colors remain vibrant even after frequent washing or exposure to sunlight.
- Wrinkle resistant and shape retaining: polyester hardly wrinkles. Garments or fabrics made from polyester keep their shape well and rarely need ironing.
- Long lasting durability: polyester is known for its strength and resistance to wear. The fabric lasts a long time, even with frequent use and regular washing.
- Lightweight and breathable: although polyester is a synthetic fiber, many modern versions are surprisingly breathable. The fabric feels light on the skin and effectively wicks away moisture, making it comfortable to wear even in warm weather or during physical activity. This makes it perfect for sportswear.
- Quick drying and moisture wicking: polyester absorbs very little moisture, which means it dries quickly.
- Excellent insulation: polyester provides good insulation. Combined with other materials, it is often used in warm clothing such as sweaters, hoodies, and jackets.
Cons of polyester
Although polyester has many advantages, there are a few points to keep in mind. Polyester has a less natural feel. It feels different from cotton or linen. Some people find it less soft. Fortunately, there are versions with a soft texture, such as our U-circular Peach Jersey and U-circular Peach Jersey Heavy. Also polyester is not biodegradable because polyester is a plastic and does not break down naturally in the environment. That is why choosing recycled polyester is especially important.
Does polyester cause static
Static cling in clothing is caused by friction, for example when wearing or washing the garment. This creates an electric charge that stays on the fabric, especially in dry air. It occurs more often with synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Think of dresses, skirts, or blouses made of smooth fabric. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen experience this much less.
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce or prevent static cling in your clothes.
Does fabric softener help with static
Do you struggle with static cling in your clothes? Luckily, there are simple ways to prevent or fix it. Try these tips:
While wearing or after wearing your clothes:
- Lightly spray water on your clothing, for example using a plant mister.
- Use an anti-static spray.
- Rub a dryer sheet over your clothes – this works instantly!
- Wear shoes with leather soles instead of rubber ones, as leather conducts electricity better.
- Use a metal object, like a clothes hanger or a key, and gently run it over the inside of your clothes to discharge static.
During washing or drying:
- Use fabric softener or vinegar as a natural alternative.
- Wash synthetic fabrics separately from natural fabrics to reduce friction.
- Air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer.
- Toss a ball of aluminum foil into the dryer to help reduce static buildup.
Does polyester make you sweat
Many people think polyester is a fabric that makes you sweat, but that is not entirely true. Well-made polyester fabrics allow air to pass through and wick moisture away from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric, where it quickly evaporates. This helps you stay drier and cooler, even during exercise or hot weather.
How to wash polyester
Want to keep your polyester clothing looking great for a long time? Follow these washing instructions:
- Wash at a maximum of 30 degrees to protect the fabric and keep colors vibrant.
- Avoid using bleach as it damages the fibers.
- Do not tumble dry. Hang your clothes to air dry to prevent shrinking and wear.
- Iron on a low temperature and always on the reverse side of the fabric to avoid shiny spots.
With these tips, your polyester clothing will stay comfortable, strong, and beautiful wash after wash. For more useful care tips, check out our other blog: “How to wash polyester fabric.”
Recycled polyester sportswear
Polyester is an excellent choice for sportswear because it effectively wicks moisture away and dries quickly. Thanks to the way the fabric is woven or treated, polyester can be very breathable. Modern techniques ensure that polyester moves moisture away efficiently and dries fast, making it ideal for sportswear and activewear.
Want to design your own sportswear? Then check out our blog: “Designing your own sportswear? Everything you need to know!”
Custom polyester fabric
We print on polyester using sublimation, a sustainable technique where the ink penetrates the fibers of the fabric. This results in bright colors, sharp details, and a print that stays beautiful for a long time.
We use water-based inks that are free from harmful substances. Sublimation is a dry process that uses no water and produces no wastewater, making it an environmentally friendly printing method. This way, we combine quality with sustainability.
Discover which polyester fabrics are best suited for your project.
View our U-circular collection
Custom polyester clothing
At House of U you can have your own design printed on our sustainable polyester T-shirt. This unisex model is made from 100% recycled polyester and feels soft and comfortable. It is perfect for anyone looking for a personalized and eco-friendly T-shirt.
Besides T-shirts we also offer other products made from recycled polyester such as custom polyester tablecloths, sports leggings, hoodies, scarves and more. For those who want to create their own clothing or interior items we have our U-circular collection: a carefully selected range of high-quality fabrics made from recycled polyester.
