Fabrics & Materials II
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based plastic, prized for being strong, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, colorfast, and inexpensive. It's used on its own or blended with cotton, wool, and other fibers to add durability and shape retention, appearing in everything from activewear to suiting — though it breathes less than natural fabrics.
Polyester holds pleats and prints well and resists shrinking and stretching, but it can trap heat and odor and feel less luxurious than natural fibers. Blends aim to combine its resilience with cotton's or wool's comfort.
It's the fiber behind much affordable satin and fleece, and a common addition that improves a fabric's wrinkle resistance and longevity.
