Both polyester and cotton and widely used in fashion and furnishings. Polyester fabric is made from synthetic fibers, while cotton fibers are natural. Cotton and polyester have similar heat retention, breathability, and color-fastness. Cotton costs more to produce, but is far better for the environment. However, cotton is less durable than polyester.
Check out the comparison table below for more information:
Polyester vs Cotton Comparison Table
| Property | Nylon | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | - | PET (polyethylene terephthalate) |
| Made from | Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from materials derived from petroleum. | Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles. |
| Uses | Used extensively in fashion to make a wide range of items. | As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays. |
| Natural or Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Woven or Knitted | Either | Either |
| Thread Count | - | 200-1000 |
| Washing | Machine washable in hot or cold water (check label for which one is best for your garment). May last longer if hand washed. | Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first) |
| Drying | May wrinkle if dried in a dryer at hot settings. Opt for cooler settings or air dry. | Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first) |
| Ironing | Iron only on the lowest heat section without steam. Use a pressing cloth. Be careful because nylon can burn easily. | Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment. |
| Wrinkle Resistance | Don't tend to wrinkle | Don't tend to wrinkle |
| Heat Retention | Medium | Medium |
| Moisture Wicking | Medium | Good |
| Breathability | Poor | Very Good |
| Stretchability | High | Medium |
| Flammability (untreated) | Medium (tend to melt rather than burn) | High (tend to melt rather than burn) |
| Water-Resistance (untreated) | Medium | Medium |
| Color-Fastness | Poor | Good |
| Strength | Excellent | Very Good |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Drape | Fluid | Stiff |
| Softness | Good | Medium |
| Advantages | Strong, lightweight, and easy to care for. | Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost. |
| Disadvantages | Significant environmental concern. | Significant environmental concern. |
| Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst) | Virgin Nylon = E, Chemically Recycled Nylon = B, Mechanically Recycled Nylon = A | Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recylced Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A |
| Sustainability Issues | Nylon is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled nylon products. | Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products. |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
