Once a fashion punchline, polyester has grown to become the #1 synthetic fabric in the world.
The popular material is known for its performance and moisture-wicking properties and is used in nearly half of all clothing. Yet many don’t know how to properly care for polyester apparel and there is confusion about whether it can shrink.
Want to know the answer to can you shrink polyester? We’ve done the research and can share the definitive answers below.
Polyester is the general term for a textile (fabric) made of polyester fibers. The name is short for polyethylene terephthalate, which is essentially a type of plastic. Some polyester is made with plant materials, but the vast majority is petroleum-based. Polyester is often blended with other fabrics.
The “miracle fiber” has been with us for almost a century now, and has established itself as one of the most useful and versatile materials ever invented. Take a quick scan of your house or business and you will undoubtedly see something made with polyester: couches, pillows curtains, bedspreads, placemats, lampshades, and dog toys, to name just a few.
You can think of polyester as superfine plastic hair that can be woven into yarns and then fabrics, but with more resilience, durability, and versatility than its natural counterparts (cotton, wool, silk, and linen). It’s the go-to material for athletic apparel, sportswear, outdoor gear, and the massive athleisure market.
It’s also more affordable and can be easily dyed or chemically treated to have special characteristics like being flame-retardant or anti-microbial, making it the undeniable first choice for businesses and institutions around the world.
Does 95% Polyester Shrink? Yes, but just like 100% polyester, 95% polyester it’s pretty resistant to shrinking. As long as you don’t use too much heat when washing, drying or ironing it.
Does polyester dry fast?
Polyester dries very quickly compared to its counterparts, faster than blended fabrics and much faster than cotton. Being petroleum-based and hydrophobic, it repels water at the microscopic level. Any moisture held by the material will evaporate rapidly, depending on the tightness of the knit– especially with warmth and airflow.
To see this in action compared to cotton and blends, check out our video The T-shirt Test Part 1.
Does polyester make you sweat?
Polyester itself doesn’t make you sweat, but any garment with tightly-knit fibers has reduced breathability through the fabric. Typically, polyester items are designed to be moisture-wicking, allowing for sweat to transfer away from the body and evaporate rather than be retained in the material.
Polyester is not typically known for its breathability, but that’s another feature being continually developed with advanced design and manufacturing technology. The biggest factor will be the design of the knit and how tight it is. Many high-tech performance fabrics are increasingly designed to achieve a balance of breathability and wicking properties.
For example, the Sport-Tek PosiCharge T-shirt we tested for this post is made with a “heathered pattern” that allows for plenty of airflow. But keep in mind: the moisture-wicking effect works better when there is more fabric touching the skin’s surface area. In other words, mesh might breathe better but will wick less moisture.
Polyester naturally wards off odor because it doesn’t absorb and retain sweat the way cotton does. Odor is caused by bacteria build-up, so bacteria don’t build up as the fabric wicks moisture. This is one of the reasons polyester is popular among athletes and workers in hot conditions.
That’s not to say it works equally well for all polyester garments. And because polyester is oil-based, body oils can accumulate in the fibers over time and eventually cause odor. Certain tech fabrics are specially treated to be odor-resistant, so those will work best.
The simple solution is to wash your polyester items after every use, especially if you’ve been out on the field sweating it up or in the gym working out like a maniac. Good hygiene and washing with regular detergent will keep you smelling fresh and clean every time.
How do you shrink polyester and spandex clothes?
FAQ
How do you shrink 95% polyester 5% spandex?
How do you wash 95% polyester 5% spandex?
Can 5% spandex go in the dryer?
Does polyester spandex shrink?
Polyester spandex fabric is known for its ability to retain its shape and resist shrinking. However, it is important to follow the care instructions to maintain the fabric’s integrity. Washing the fabric in cold water and avoiding high heat in the dryer can help prevent any potential shrinkage.
Can You Dry 95/5 polyester spandex?
Avoid using high heat when drying your 95/5 polyester spandex fabric. High temperatures can cause damage to the fabric and lead to shrinkage. Instead, opt for a lower heat setting or air drying. If using a dryer, consider using the delicate or low-heat setting to protect the fabric.
Can you put polyester 5 spandex in a dryer?
So, can you put the blend into a dryer or not depends on the type of result you want. If you want your oversized polyester-spandex fabric for your rights, you can have them washed by a dry-washer and immediately throw them into a dryer for further shrinking. does 95 polyester 5 spandex shrink?
Does a dryer shrink spandex?
The presence of a dryer, in this case, works magically to add to the shrinking of spandex. The dryer contains various drying agents and extreme options of higher heat, which are the only way to obtain shrinking spandex. Can you put polyester spandex in the dryer?