Polyester

The world's favorite synthetic textile. Polyester was first patented during WWII, and became commercially popular a couple of decades later, mostly for its anti-wrinkle properties and durability.

Wordans always aims to provide our B2B customers with a variety of wholesale garments at a fraction of their retail prices. While style and design are obviously important, the type of fabric also plays a key role. One of the most popular options is polyester, and there are many reasons why clients may prefer this solution over other materials.

However, we should first begin to appreciate some of the qualities that have come to define our selection of polyester t-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies. It is therefore a good idea to start by taking a look at the history of this fabric before moving on to discuss its many uses and benefits.

What exactly is this material?

Many readers are likely to be surprised that this fabric is actually a type of plastic. It is technically known as a long-chain polymer, and thanks to this molecular configuration, it is also extremely durable. There are also several different forms (each of these associated with a rather complicated chemical name). This is why they are instead referred to by specific brands. Some common examples include:

• Mylar®.
• Impet®.
• Rynite®.

While common in clothing, it should be mentioned that this form of plastic is also widely employed throughout the packaging industry. Other applications include (but are not necessarily limited to) carpets, fishing nets, upholstery, and even tyres. We can now begin to see that this rather humble plastic concoction is involved with many everyday products that are often taken for granted.

A brief history of polyester

Compared to other fabrics such as cotton and wool, this material is rather new. It was first discovered in the 1930s by a team working for the DuPont chemical manufacturing company. A scientist named W.H. 

Carothers found that it was possible to make a type of synthetic fiber by combining alcohols with a category of acids known as carboxyls. While an interesting observation at the time, it was largely eclipsed when the uses of nylon became apparent.

Enter the British

Another few years would elapse before this unique fabric once again generated interest. A pair of British scientists began to wonder about its potential applications, and they developed what many feel was the first "true" plastic-like fabric (known as Terylene). 

DuPont soon began to realize the potential to generate a substantial profit, and they eventually purchased the manufacturing rights in 1946. This subsequent brand would be named Dacron (a term that many readers might already be familiar with).

An introduction to the general public

DuPont was aware that consumers (particularly Americans) were eager to capitalize upon the latest technological advancements that immediately followed the Second World War.

They chose to develop a unique advertising campaign, claiming that a shirt knitted from Dacron could be continually worn for 68 days without the need for any type of ironing. This attribute appealed to homemakers across the country, and thanks to its seemingly maintenance-free characteristics, it soon became a household name.

A time of stagnation

The pragmatic nature of this material enabled it to become commonplace throughout the fashion community. From polyester sweaters and t-shirts to pants and undergarments, it seemed that this fabric was indeed the "next best thing". However, some began to disagree. Younger wearers (such as teenagers) stated that its double-stitched design made the fabric feel rather cheap. 

Others claimed that relatively poor ventilation led to discomfort during the warmer times of the year. These are a handful of reasons why the popularity of polyester sweatshirts and similar garments began to decline during the latter half of the 1970s.

Further refinement

Even though its popularity had waned during this period, designers still appreciated the sheer number of possibilities. Major names such as Calvin Klein therefore decided to perform additional research. 

This primarily involved the use of single stitching as well as combinations of different materials that resulted in synthetic combinations (neoprene and spandex are two contemporary examples). This is also the reason why many Wordans products are manufactured from specific blends as opposed to a single material.

Single stitching also addressed the comfort concerns that users had previously expressed. When we then remember that this fabric is relatively cheap to produce, it is easy to understand why an entirely new generation of wearers became attracted to its uses throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

The present day and beyond

The sheer ubiquitous nature of this material has enabled it to be present within numerous sectors of the garment industry. To be clear, we are not talking about clothing alone in this sense. Browsing through the possibilities offered by Wordans will highlight additional applications such as:

• Backpacks.
• Briefcases.
• Belts.
• Wristbands.
• Hats.

In terms of versatility alone, there is no doubt that this fabric is here to stay. There are still some other recent advancements that should appeal to an even wider audience base. Let's see where the industry maybe headed.

Environmentally conscious solutions

What ideas come to mind when discussing the concept of recycling? Common answers will normally include plastic bottles, landfills, and the ability to effectively combat the ongoing effects of climate change. Believe it or not, the clothing sector has also adopted an environmentally friendly approach to its manufacturing processes.

There are now plenty of opportunities to purchase garments made of partially recycled materials. The only issue here is that some may believe that recycled clothing is a low-quality alternative to purely synthetic blends. The good news is that this is certainly not the case.

Polyester t-shirts and sweatshirts made of recycled substances are just as comfortable and durable as their traditional counterparts. Furthermore, they represent a cost-effective alternative for Canadian wholesalers. 

Another point to mention is that the bulk orders themselves can now be associated with a lower overall carbon footprint. This is an excellent selling point, as many consumers have become increasingly wary about how their purchases may impact the environment.

Why choose polyester sweaters, t-shirts and hoodies?

We have just taken an in-depth look at the history of this material, and some of its inherent applications. It is now a good idea to turn our attention back to its uses within the wholesale garment industry. What are some of the reasons why this fabric has become the mainstay of many B2B wholesalers?

Hydrophobic properties

The term "hydrophobic" is used to describe any type of material that will not readily absorb water. This is obviously beneficial when manufacturing clothing items, as such a property will help the wearer remain dry. 

It therefore stands to reason that polyester sweatshirts and hoodies are popular choices by those who enjoy outdoor activities, as well as anyone who wishes to be protected against the elements. However, we should note that constant exposure to water (such as heavy rain) can still cause this fabric to absorb moisture over time.

Impressive UV protection

While this is a relatively thin fabric, it is also quite dense when compared to other materials such as cotton. Why is such an attribute important? One reason involves its ability to protect the user from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. 

UV rays can damage the skin over time, lead to premature aging, and even cause some types of skin cancer. The ability to be guarded from this form of radiation is obviously beneficial. It therefore makes perfect sense that these fabrics are often present within recreational items such as beach hats, shorts, and umbrellas.

Chemical resistance

Plastics are not easily affected or degraded by harsh chemicals. This is why bleach is contained within plastic bottles, and why plastic is often used to store household cleaning agents. Such a property is just as relevant when discussing clothing items. After all, it makes little sense to purchase a product only to realize that it has begun to degrade after a few laundry sessions.

This is yet another reason why Wordans shoppers will encounter many proprietary blends (such as a 60/40 cotton-polyester combination) when browsing through our line of t-shirts and sweaters. The use of such a "wonder" material signifies that the clothing item in question will last longer, offering both the wearer and the seller an impressive return on investment (ROI).

Sheer durability

The notion of durability should once again be mentioned, as this is arguably one of its most important qualities. While there are many advantages associated with fabrics such as wool and cotton, the fact of the matter is that pure blends can eventually begin to wear down, especially when worn during exercise sessions or for work-related purposes. 

Plastic fibers are much more resilient, and therefore, will last for longer periods of time without requiring a great deal of maintenance. When additional attributes such as a resistance to staining are thrown into the mix, its pragmatic appeal becomes entirely clear.

Frequently asked questions

We can now appreciate why the wide range of polyester sweaters and t-shirts supplied by the team at Wordans are some of our most popular wholesale garments. Why not conclude by addressing a handful of common questions, and by providing targeted answers? These will all enable you to make an informed decision.

Is this type of fabric breathable?

To be clear, this material does not offer as much ventilation as other fabrics such as cotton. The trade-off is that it still provides moderate levels of thermal insulation. However, proprietary blends (such as those containing cotton) are available. These will help to efficiently wick sweat away from the body.

Are there any special cleaning requirements?

While it is always wise to follow the advice provided by the manufacturer, most items can be machine washed, and they will not require ironing (this is a wrinkle-resistant fabric).

Can these shirts and sweatshirts be customized?

Like many of the other products supplied by Wordans, customisation is always an option. This is an excellent feature for wholesales who wish to include additional elements such as corporate branding or logos.

What clothing items available at Wordans are made from polyester?

It is possible to select from a kaleidoscope of unique options. Examples include:

• Shirts.
• T-shirts.
• Hats. 
• Sweaters.
• Softshell jackets. 
• Belts.
• Hoodies. 
• Computer mouse pads.

A miracle material

Although it might appear somewhat humble in nature, the impact that this plastic-based fabric has had upon society can never be overstated. 

This is why it features prominently within many Wordans collections. Please take a moment to examine our products in more detail, and if you have any questions, a representative can be contacted directly.