Meet the material – polyester!
What is it?
Completely man made thermo plastic. (There are many variations of “polyester” with the most common being polyethylene terephthalate, or PET.)
Formally discovered in the 1930s (but set aside for the development of another material: nylon) polyester became a commercially fiber in 1941 created by British scientists – called Terylene. In 1946 Dupont bought the rights it plus created Dacron polyester.
Characteristics of polyester:
- hydrophobic – it doesn’t absorb liquids
- strong
- resistant to stretching and shrinking
- easy to clean
- quick drying
- resistant to wrinkles, mildew and abrasions
- very strong yet lightweight
Some cons:
- limited breathability
- may pill depending on how its woven
Where you can find polyester:
Dang near everywhere! Neckties – especially vintage to the 60s-80s, shirts, dress pants, coats, athletic wear, curtains, bedding (microfiber is a type of polyester) and many other wearables and housewares!
Cleaning & care:
– Delicate cycle, cold water & cold rinse
– Hang to dry
** Acrylic is a thermoplastic and can melt with heat **