Key Difference – Cotton vs Polyester
Cotton and polyester are two types of fabrics that are often used in the textile industry. The key difference between cotton and polyester is that cotton is a natural product whereas polyester is a man-made product.
What is Cotton?
Cotton is the most popular fabric used all over the world. It’s a natural fabric made from the fibers of the cotton plant. Cotton, as it is a natural fiber, allows the fabric to breathe, which means that it absorbs and releases perspiration quickly. Thus, cotton garments remain fresh throughout the day. Cotton does not cause irritation and even people with very sensitive can wear cotton. It is prudent to make infants and kids wear cotton as far as possible as their skins are much more sensitive than adults. The cotton fabric feels very light and soft against the skin. Cotton is mainly used for the purpose of textiles and not just as clothing but also as bed sheets, curtains, quilts, and blankets.
However, cotton has a disadvantage when it comes to durability. It fades away much more quickly and colors that are given to the fabric do not last long.
You may think using cotton is better both for you and the environment. because it is a natural product. However, if one takes a look at the production processes and the amount of energy released along with pollutants, it becomes clear that cotton is no less a culprit than man-made fabrics when it comes to the use of toxins and chemicals during its production. Another factor that forces us to think twice is the fact that cotton is perhaps the most pesticide-dependent crop, consuming nearly one-fourth of all pesticide used around the world.
What is Polyester?
Polyester is a man-made fabric. It is nearly indestructible and never fades.Polyester fabrics keep the sweat next to the body, not allowing it to get released from the fabric. This means that the fabric is not breathable and you start to feel smelly in a few hours. However, polyester fabric is smoother than cotton. Polyester fabrics can also cause irritation since it is not a natural product; thus it is prudent to make infants and kids wear cotton as far as possible since their skins are much more sensitive than adults.
Polyester is also cheaper than cotton though prices of both polyester and cotton fabrics have a great range. Polyesters are not just used to make fabrics; they are widely used to manufacture PET products used in the kitchens.
What is the difference between Cotton and Polyester?
Cotton vs Polyester |
|
| Cotton is a natural product. | Polyester is a man-made product. |
| Durability | |
| Cotton is not as durable as polyester. | Polyester is extremely durable. |
| Color | |
| Cotton fades away in a short time period. | Polyester retains its colors and shines for a long time. |
| Skin Irritations | |
| Cotton suits all skin types since it’s a natural product. | Polyester may not be suitable for those having skin allergies |
| Breathability | |
| Cotton is breathable. | Polyester is not breathable |
Image Courtesy: Pixabay
It would be nice if you would mention that organic cotton clothing is a much more environmentally-friendly version of cotton as the crop is not sprayed with all the pesticides and therefore not being inundated with toxins and chemicals during production.
Have been testing types of clothing for climbing, skiing, hiking, backpacking and fishing. This has been a life time experiment. What is not explained above is that cotton holds moister and will eventually make you cold from exercise. Polyester and nylon, too, wick moisture away from your body and dry quickly. That is why there is a huge industry, for active people, to buy clothing that do not leave you feeling clammy while participating in sports. If you are sitting in an office, cotton is fine. If you are in the outdoors, and participating in sports, cotton is not the way to go. I learned the hard way skiing and climbing.