---
type: "fiber"
name: "Polyester"
slug: "polyester"
fiber_type: "thermoplastic"
fiber_origin: "synthetic"
trade_names:
  - "Dacron"
  - "Trevira"
  - "Coolmax"
  - "Repreve"
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester"
updated: "2025-09-07T19:11:03.83207+00:00"
---

# Polyester

Synthetic polyester fiber offering durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture-wicking properties with easy care characteristics.

- **Fiber Type**: Thermoplastic
- **Origin**: Synthetic
- **Production Method**: Polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid
- **Also Known As**: PET Fiber, Dacron, Terylene
- **Trade Names**: Dacron, Trevira, Coolmax, Repreve

## About Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic polymer fiber made primarily from petroleum-based ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It's the most widely used synthetic fiber globally due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Modern polyester can be engineered with various properties including moisture-wicking, antimicrobial treatments, and different textures. The fiber is thermoplastic, meaning it can be heat-set to maintain shape and resist wrinkles.

## Key Properties

- **Density**: 1.38 g/cm³
- **Fiber Diameter**: 15 µm
- **Fiber Length**: 38 mm
- **Linear Density**: 1.5 denier
- **Tensile Strength**: 500 MPa
- **Elongation at Break**: 20%
- **Moisture Regain**: 0.4%
- **Melting Point**: 260 °C
- **Heat Resistance**: 150 °C
- **Natural Color**: white
- **Luster**: Semi Bright

## Performance Characteristics

- **Abrasion Resistance**: Excellent
- **Pilling Resistance**: Good
- **Wrinkle Resistance**: Excellent
- **UV Resistance**: Good
- **Chemical Resistance**: Good
- **Moisture Absorption**: Poor
- **Wicking**: Good
- **Breathability**: Fair
- **Elastic Recovery**: Good
- **Dimensional Stability**: Good
- **Dyeability**: Good

## Strengths

- Durable
- Wrinkle resistant
- Quick-drying
- Color retention
- Affordable

## Limitations

- Not biodegradable
- Can retain odors
- Static buildup
- Poor breathability

## Sustainability

- **Biodegradable**: No
- **Recyclable**: Yes
- **Renewable Source**: No
- **Bio-based Content**: 0%
- **Recycled Content**: 30%
- **Certifications**: OEKO-TEX, GRS
- **Major Producers**: China, India, United States, Germany, Japan

## Care

- **Max Wash Temperature**: 60 °C
- **Max Ironing Temperature**: 150 °C
- **Dry Cleaning**: Safe
- **Bleach Compatibility**: No Bleach

Avoid high heat during washing and drying.

## Common Applications

- Activewear
- Outdoor Gear
- Fleece
- Bed Sheets
- Carpets

## Common Uses in Detail

### Athletic Activewear

Lightweight and quick-drying, polyester is the go-to choice for sportswear and activewear. Its moisture-wicking properties pull sweat away from the skin, while its excellent shape retention and wrinkle resistance keep athletes comfortable and looking sharp during intense workouts.

### Outdoor Fleece Gear

Recycled and virgin polyester fibers are brushed into soft, insulating fleece fabrics widely used in jackets, pullovers, and blankets. The fiber's resistance to moisture absorption and its ability to retain warmth even when damp make it ideal for outdoor and cold-weather applications.

### Home Bedding Textiles

Polyester is extensively used in bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers due to its durability, affordability, and ease of care. Fabrics resist wrinkling and fading through repeated washing, making them a practical and long-lasting choice for everyday household bedding.

## Fabrics Made With This Fiber

- [Activewear Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-interlock.md)
- [Activewear Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-jersey.md)
- [Activewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-tricot.md)
- [Athletic Mesh](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/athletic-mesh.md)
- [Beaded Tulle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/beaded-tulle.md)
- [Berber Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/berber-fleece.md)
- [Blackout Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/blackout-fabric.md)
- [Bonded Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bonded-fabric.md)
- [Bouclé](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/boucle.md)
- [Bridal Charmeuse](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bridal-charmeuse.md)
- [Bridal Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bridal-lace.md)
- [Bridal Satin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bridal-satin.md)
- [Bridal Tulle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bridal-tulle.md)
- [Brocade](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/brocade.md)
- [Brocatelle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/brocatelle.md)
- [Charmeuse](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/charmeuse.md)
- [Chenille (woven)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chenille-woven.md)
- [Chenille Matelassé](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chenille-matelasse.md)
- [Cloqué](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cloque.md)
- [Cluny Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cluny-lace.md)
- [Conveyor Base Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/conveyor-base-fabric.md)
- [Craft Felt](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/craft-felt.md)
- [Cuddle Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cuddle-fleece.md)
- [Damask](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/damask.md)
- [Damask (Decor)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/damask-decor.md)
- [Decor Tweed](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/decor-tweed.md)
- [Dobby Cloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/dobby-cloth.md)
- [Double Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/double-jersey.md)
- [Duchess Satin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/duchess-satin.md)
- [Embroidered Net](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/embroidered-net.md)
- [Embroidered Organza](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/embroidered-organza.md)
- [Faille](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/faille.md)
- [Faux Fur](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/faux-fur.md)
- [Felt-Backed Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/felt-backed-fabric.md)
- [Filter Cloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/filter-cloth.md)
- [Fishnet](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/fishnet.md)
- [Flocked Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flocked-fabric.md)
- [Foil-Printed Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/foil-printed-fabric.md)
- [Gabardine](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/gabardine.md)
- [Galloon Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/galloon-lace.md)
- [Geotextile](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/geotextile.md)
- [Gobelin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/gobelin.md)
- [Guipure Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/guipure-lace.md)
- [Hardshell](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/hardshell.md)
- [Hex Net](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/hex-net.md)
- [Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/interlock.md)
- [Jacquard Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/jacquard-knit.md)
- [Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/jersey.md)
- [Lining Taffeta](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/lining-taffeta.md)
- [Lining Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/lining-twill.md)
- [Matelassé](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/matelasse.md)
- [Mesh Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/mesh-knit.md)
- [Microfleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/microfleece.md)
- [Microsuede](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/microsuede.md)
- [Milanese Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/milanese-knit.md)
- [Milano Rib](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/milano-rib.md)
- [Minky](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/minky.md)
- [Moiré](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/moire.md)
- [Needle-Punched Felt](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/needle-punched-felt.md)
- [Ottoman Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ottoman-knit.md)
- [Oxford (Nylon/Poly)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/oxford-nylon-poly.md)
- [PU-Coated Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pu-coated-fabric.md)
- [PVC-Coated Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pvc-coated-fabric.md)
- [Packcloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/packcloth.md)
- [Peau de Soie](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/peau-de-soie.md)
- [Plush](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/plush.md)
- [Polar Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/polar-fleece.md)
- [Rainwear Gabardine](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/rainwear-gabardine.md)
- [Raschel Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/raschel-knit.md)
- [Raschel Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/raschel-lace.md)
- [Reflective Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/reflective-fabric.md)
- [Ripstop (Apparel)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ripstop-apparel.md)
- [Ripstop (Nylon/Poly)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ripstop-nylon-poly.md)
- [Sailcloth Laminate](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sailcloth-laminate.md)
- [Sateen Drapery](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sateen-drapery.md)
- [Satin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/satin.md)
- [Schiffli Embroidered Net](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/schiffli-embroidered-net.md)
- [Scuba Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/scuba-knit.md)
- [Sequined Mesh](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sequined-mesh.md)
- [Sheer Drapery](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sheer-drapery.md)
- [Sherpa (Knit Pile)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sherpa-knit-pile.md)
- [Silicone-Coated Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/silicone-coated-fabric.md)
- [Softshell](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/softshell.md)
- [Spacer (Athletic)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/spacer-athletic.md)
- [Spacer Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/spacer-fabric.md)
- [Spunbond Nonwoven](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/spunbond-nonwoven.md)
- [Spunlace/Hydroentangled](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/spunlace-hydroentangled.md)
- [Suedecloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/suedecloth.md)
- [Sweater Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sweater-fleece.md)
- [Tapestry](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/tapestry.md)
- [Teddy Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/teddy-fleece.md)
- [Terry Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/terry-knit.md)
- [Thermal Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/thermal-knit.md)
- [Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/tricot.md)
- [Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/twill.md)
- [Ultrasuede-Type](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ultrasuede-type.md)
- [Upholstery Chenille](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/upholstery-chenille.md)
- [Upholstery Jacquard](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/upholstery-jacquard.md)
- [Velour (Knit Pile)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/velour-knit-pile.md)
- [Venise Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/venise-lace.md)
- [Waffle Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/waffle-knit.md)
- [Waffle Weave](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/waffle-weave.md)
- [Warp Tulle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/warp-tulle.md)
- [Wet-Laid Nonwoven](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/wet-laid-nonwoven.md)
- [ePTFE-Laminate](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/eptfe-laminate.md)

## Similar Fibers

- [Nylon](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/nylon.md) — Thermoplastic
- [PLA](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/pla.md) — Thermoplastic

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester) — HTML version of this page.*