Difference Between Polyester and Silk

Key Difference – Polyester vs Silk
 

Polyester and silk are two types of fabrics that are often used in the textile industry. The key difference between polyester and silk is their origins; polyester is an artificially manufactured fiber whereas silk is obtained from silkworms. Thus, polyester is a synthetic fiber whereas silk is a natural fiber.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is used to manufacture fabrics. When compared to natural fibers, it is very inexpensive and is easy to maintain. Polyester fiber is elastic; thus, it is not easily subject to wear and tear. Polyester fabrics can be washed regularly even with harsh detergents. The fabric is not soft as fabrics made from natural fibers; neither does it drape well. Garments made from polyester fabric is ideal when doing hard physical labor or any outdoor activities.

Polyester fabric is also strong and durable and comparatively resistant to wrinkles and creases. However, it has a tendency to stick to the skin when it gets wet. Therefore, it should not be worn in warm weather where people perspire a lot. Polyester is more suitable for colder weather conditions because this fabric can retain heat and keep the wearer warm.

Polyester is also blended with other materials such as cotton or linen in order to get the maximum advantages of both fabrics. Polycotton, a blend of polyester and cotton, is an example of such a blend.

Polyester has a variety of uses; it can be used to manufacture shirts, pants, jackets, hats, blankets, bed sheets, upholstery and computer mouse mats. Polyester fibers and ropes are used in safety belts, tyre reinforcements, conveyor belts, etc.

What is Silk?

Silk is a natural fiber that is taken from the cocoons of silkworms. These silk fibers are woven into clothes. Chiffon, crepe de chine, taffeta, charmeuse, tussah and habutai are some types of fabrics that are made from silk fiber.

Silk is often used for formal clothes, dresses, shirts, ties, blouses, pajamas, dress suits, lingerie, and Eastern traditional dresses. It is also used as beddings, upholstery, wall hangings, etc.

Silk is one of the strongest natural fibers used in the textile industry, but it loses some of its strength when it is wet. Silk fabrics may also become weak if they are exposed to too much sunlight.  They also have a moderate to poor elasticity, which results in the fabric being stretched even if a small force is applied. The texture of silk is soft and very smooth, but it is not slippery like many artificial fabrics. The shimmer of silk is caused by the triangular prism-like structure present in the silk fiber.

What is the difference between Polyester and Silk?

Type of Fiber:

Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber.

Silk: Silk is a natural fiber.

Wrinkles and Creases:

Polyester: Polyester is resistant to wrinkles and creases.

Silk: Silk tends to get wrinkles and creases easily since it is a natural fiber.

Texture:

Polyester: Polyester is not soft or smooth as silk.

Silk: Silk is very smooth and soft and has a shine.

Maintenance:

Polyester: Polyester does not need to be maintained carefully.

Silk: Silk should be maintained carefully.

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