Polyester or acrylic – better/worse, or perhaps the same? We compare the two materials!
Choosing the right fabric can often be a challenge. There's a wealth of information about various fabrics online, but let's be honest, who has the time to research every fabric type in search of the perfect one? In our series of guides, we'll try to answer the most important questions about fabrics, so you can find all the essential information in one place.
Today, we'll focus on polyester and acrylic. These are two popular materials that have recently been taking the fashion industry by storm due to their properties and, above all, their low production costs. Whether it's acrylic or polyester, both materials have their drawbacks, which are worth exploring to avoid regretting your purchase. How do these two materials differ? What are their characteristics, and which one is the better choice? Find out in today's article.
---Acrylic and polyester and their common features
Polyester and acrylic are two synthetic fabrics with similar characteristics. Both materials are relatively easy to clean and durable, making them highly sought after in the clothing industry. Resistance to mechanical damage is another factor in favor of these materials. These qualities make manufacturers particularly keen to use them for products exposed to intense wear and tear.
Both products have poor thermoregulation properties, meaning they don't allow air to pass through. These fabrics can be said to "not breathe," meaning they don't absorb moisture. What does this mean in practice? If we sweat while wearing them, the sweat will roll off our bodies rather than being absorbed by the clothing, resulting in discomfort, even a feeling of cold and unpleasant odor.
It's also worth remembering that neither fabric provides virtually any warmth, so wearing them may be solely for aesthetic purposes, not practicality. It's safe to say, then, that wearing both fabrics isn't the best idea. To determine which material wins today's battle, it's also worth considering their differences and individual characteristics. So, let's examine the differences between acrylic and polyester.
---What are the differences between polyester and acrylic?
Although polyester and acrylic share several common characteristics, there are differences between them worth considering when purchasing clothing made from either fabric. The biggest difference lies in the materials' origins. Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from an ester polymer, while acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from the polymer acrylonitrile. But what differences can be noticed when wearing clothing made from acrylic or polyester?
Polyester exhibits higher abrasion resistance than acrylic, which is why it's often used in products requiring high strength and durability. However, both acrylic and polyester pill easily, causing clothes to look unsightly after just a few uses. Acrylic outperforms polyester in terms of elasticity and softness, but it still falls significantly short of natural fibers. Another drawback of polyester is that it easily attracts static electricity and can be unpleasant to the touch.
The above differences can therefore prove significant in various applications of both materials. There's also the price factor, although the differences aren't significant. Polyester may be even cheaper than acrylic, but it's important to remember that the production costs of both fibers are very low, which is why they're so popular among clothing manufacturers.
---Which material is better – acrylic or polyester when it comes to clothing production?
While many people are aware that synthetic materials should not be used in the clothing industry, a significant number still wonder which is better – acrylic or polyester. It's important to understand that the production of acrylic and polyester is a complex industrial process involving many steps. Both processes require significant amounts of energy, water, and other raw materials, such as chemicals.
The production of both polyester and acrylic has a disastrous impact on the environment due to the enormous water consumption, CO2 emissions, and pollution of local waters during the production process. Harmful working conditions, which are generally poorly compensated, also bear in mind. Both materials are difficult to recycle and take years to decompose, contributing to significant environmental pollution. Acrylic's advantage, however, is that it is used to create materials that, in theory, can be recycled, but are these just empty words? We don't know for sure yet. There's no doubt, however, that the production of both of these materials has a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, it's worth consciously avoiding these types of fabrics and opting for natural raw materials, for which not only our planet but also our bodies will thank us.
---What's worse – acrylic or polyester, in terms of wearing and caring for clothes?
Reading online reviews, you might notice that acrylic tends to wear out and stretch, which can lead to faster wear and tear. Furthermore, both acrylic and polyester pill and can lose their original shape after washing, meaning clothes made from these materials require careful care. Without it, they'll quickly become unsightly. Unlike polyester, acrylic is quite soft to the touch, but neither fabric provides warmth or wicks away moisture.
When it comes to polyester, one of its main drawbacks is its tendency to static, which is very uncomfortable, especially for many women with long hair. Online reviews suggest that polyester is more stain- and dirt-resistant than acrylic and dries faster after washing. However, be careful not to wash polyester clothes at too high a temperature or tumble dry them, as this can damage the fabric.
---Are acrylic and polyester the same in some respects?
Acrylic and polyester, although different materials, share many common characteristics. Both fibers are synthetic, and their production uses petroleum-based raw materials. The main advantages of acrylic and polyester also include durability. Unfortunately, the list of disadvantages of both fibers is much longer than the list of advantages, but they do contain similar items. It's worth remembering that these types of fabrics have poor thermoregulation properties, meaning they don't guarantee warmth or wick away moisture. However, they are sought after by large clothing companies because their production costs are remarkably low compared to natural materials. The ecological aspect also cannot be overlooked, as their production process has a negative impact on the environment. This is another characteristic that both materials share.
---Polyester vs. Acrylic – The Final Verdict
To answer the question "acrylic or polyester," our answer would be—preferably neither. It's like choosing between the lesser and greater of two evils. The decision to buy polyester or acrylic, however, depends on individual needs and preferences. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, although the list of advantages is short. As a brand responsible for creating ethical fashion, we recommend avoiding both materials. Unfortunately, because they are so valued by global manufacturers, little is known about their actual origins and the environmental consequences they pose. Wearing clothes made of polyester or acrylic can, in a sense, be compared to wearing plastic.
It's worth remembering that both materials are petroleum derivatives, and we don't yet have detailed research on their long-term effects on our bodies. We can only assume that nothing good comes from this. Furthermore, in times of climate crisis, we should care for the environment, and one step in this direction is choosing conscious fashion. It's worth investing in natural materials sourced from local suppliers, ensuring that we are properly caring for the planet and supporting the national economy.
The Bombshe brand is synonymous with ethical fashion, showing Polish women what fashion can look like while respecting the environment. Their passion for design gives birth to unique designs that become favorites of women across the country and beyond. Explore the Bombshe collection and create your own clothing collection made from natural fabrics. We guarantee you'll feel the huge difference and ditch acrylic and polyester clothes once and for all.
