Polyester is a long-lasting and economical fabric that is extensively used in various styles of clothing. However, there is a question that needs to be asked: is polyester waterproof? Does polyester get wet?
You might be in search of a new raincoat, or you might be able to get a material that is waterproof to make your own raincoat.
And this might make you wonder whether you should go for polyester or even make you ask which fabric is waterproof.
Well, to answer the question, I won’t say polyester is waterproof, especially on its own, but it can withstand water.
The individual fibers of polyester are waterproof thanks to the fact that it is a polymer. However, they can absorb water through the gaps in the material’s weave after they are woven into a fabric.
So, in this guide, related questions and topics to the above question “Is polyester waterproof?” will also be answered, discussed, and explained.
What is Polyester?
Before I go deeper into this, let’s quickly explain what polyester is. Polyester, which can also be referred to as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), is a synthetic fiber that is made with two ingredients.
These two ingredients include purified mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) and terephthalic acid (PTA).
These two ingredients are gotten from the chemical reaction between air, water, and petroleum. And, there has been controversy about whether polyester is a natural or artificial fiber.
However, all you need to know is that polyester occurs naturally, but the fiber that is extensively used in the textile and clothing world is man-made polyester.
Does Polyester Repel Water?
The short answer to the question, “Does polyester repel water?” Yes, polyester can repel water.
Although this is determined by the number of threads that are used to make the polyester fabric.
This means if the polyester is thick enough, something like a tent, it will surely repel water and protect you from it. However, the polyester will get wet quickly if it is as thin as your daily wear.
Does Polyester Absorb Water?
The truth is that the 100% polyester fabric can withstand quite a good amount of water on its own, and this is thanks to its plastic threads.
Polyester is somewhat hydrophobic, which is another way of saying water can withstand water.
And, in comparison, cotton threads absorb way more water than polyester threads would ever do.
There are gaps between the polyester threads in the weave, so the polyester fabric will hold water if the right amount of water piles up there.
What Are Polyester Blends? Are They Waterproof?
Polyester fabrics are also mixed with other fabrics to create different products, and this is the same with most of the other fibers.
But, the question here is whether any of those polyester blends are waterproof, and this is what I will be answering in this area.
Below will be a few of the most popular polyester blends. These are what we will be looking at, whether they are waterproof or not.
Poly-Spandex Blend
The first on my list here is the poly-spandex blend. Spandex, which is also commonly referred to as “elastane” or “lycra”, is an artificial fiber that is quite well known for being elastic in nature.
The poly-spandex blend, which is a blend of polyester and spandex, is what creates a fabric that is soft to the touch. It is also long-lasting and flexible.
And, when it comes to the fact of being resistant to water, these blends do the job efficiently.
This blend, the poly-spandex blend, is frequently used to create active wear. It is what is mostly used to make the yoga pants you see around.
Poly-Cotton Blend
Cotton fabrics are popular for their comfort and convenience. And then, blending them with polyester will surely result in fabrics that are more resistant to tearing, adding to their longevity and resilience.
In addition, poly-cotton blends are more affordable compared to pure cotton fabrics, which also increases the popularity of this blend.
But, don’t get too excited. This blend is not so good at resisting water and this is thanks to the cotton present in it.
These poly-cotton blends are frequently used in the production of t-shirts, pants, and skirts.
Is Polyester Good for Rain?
Polyester is commonly regarded as the “everyday waterproof”, and this is thanks to the fact that it is very resistant to water.
This material is popular for being used to make raincoats, winter coats, and windbreakers.
There are even brands that sell polyester coats, brands like North Face and Lands End.
Polyester is manufactured in a way that makes it durable and reliable. And, there’s good news in the fact that polyester is not biodegradable.
Polyester possesses excellent qualities, such as being resistant to stains, wind, and mildew. It is also resistant to tearing thanks to its strong plastic threads.
Polyester can withstand moisture. It resists it, which makes the surface of polyester easy to clean.
Without affecting or damaging the polyester surface, you can clean any stain or mud off it.
So, to answer the question, “Is polyester good for rain?” Well, yes, generally, polyester is good for rain.
However, polyester is not all perfect as it is not good with high heat. Polyester fabric will melt and can lead to severe injuries at high temperatures.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What’s the Difference?
You might be confused about material or fabric being waterproof or water-resistant.
And, as mentioned earlier, I described polyester as being water-resistant, not waterproof.
So, in the section, I will be explaining the differences between waterproof and water-resistant as they are different from each other.
Fabric or material being waterproof means it is completely impenetrable by water. An example of waterproof fabric is a plastic bag.
However, on the contrary, fabric or material that is water-resistant is a fabric that water can’t easily pass through, a fabric that is tightly woven.
Furthermore, no fabric is 100% waterproof in its original form, whether it is a natural or artificial fabric. To get a fabric that is 100% waterproof, you will need to blend or reform it.
Final Thoughts: Is Polyester Waterproof?
And some people argue about which one is better, waterproof fabric or water-resistant fabric.
Some think waterproof fabrics are better than water-resistant fabrics, but I think the case is quite the opposite.
Water-resistant fabrics are much better than waterproof fabrics in the sense that waterproof clothes are less breathable compared to water-resistant fabrics that have room for air to pass.
However, you are to choose either of these, based on your preference. So, the summary of all this is that polyester is very resistant to water and it is a synthetic fiber.
And, don’t be fooled, it’s not completely waterproof. There are ways you can make it waterproof.
So, this will be the conclusion of this guide as the question “Is Polyester Waterproof?” has been answered fully and every other detail has been given.
