For every piece of clothing you own, you have to decide what fabric it’s made out of. You might choose cotton because it’s soft and breathable, or polyester because it’s sturdy and holds its shape well. While each fabric has unique benefits, they also each have their drawbacks, so choosing the right one can be tricky. Read on to find out more about the similarities and differences between cotton and polyester fabrics, as well as which one comes out on top in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness.
Why does Clothing Matter?
Clothing is a major part of our lives that we may not always notice. Depending on who you are, you might spend most of your day in work clothes, gym clothes, casual clothes, or even formal wear. But why do you feel more comfortable in some outfits than others? And is it possible to find clothing that’s good for your health? As it turns out, there’s a lot more to clothing than just being comfortable what we wear has a real impact on our lives.
Basic Differences between Polyester and Cotton
As two of the most popular fabrics around, polyester and cotton present a wide variety of positive and negative characteristics. For instance, both are easy to maintain but also tend to wrinkle. However, polyester is more resistant to stains, while cotton tends to look dull over time. When it comes down to it, though, each fabric presents its own set of pros and cons. Read on for a detailed breakdown of polyester vs cotton differences.
Compared to cotton, polyester can seem like an inferior option since it doesn’t breathe as well. The common myth is that fabric breathes through pores on its surface, which allow air in and out of these micro-openings. Because polyester has fewer pores than cotton, less air circulates through a piece of clothing made from it. This can make you feel hotter because your body doesn’t receive as much cool air as it would with natural fibers like wool or linen.
Which One to Choose -Polyester or Cotton?
Whether you’re looking for your next suit, dress shirt, blouse, pants, socks, or bed sheets, it’s important to know what kind of fabric is right for you. Both cotton and polyester are man-made fibers made from long chains called polymers. Many fabrics are blends that contain both cotton and polyester. Here we break down each option so you can decide which one will be best suited to your style preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs. Keep in mind that cotton fabrics have some additional properties over polyester—but not all products are created equal. It all depends on how they’re manufactured, where they come from, and who makes them.
Which One is Healthier – Polyester or Cotton?
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at two popular clothing materials: polyester and cotton. While they are both natural products, each has its advantages and disadvantages. In most cases, it’s better to choose one over another depending on your needs, but if you want an accurate answer as to which one is healthier overall, then you will have to consider more than just personal comfort. Here’s what you need to know. Polyester vs Cotton – Which One Is Healthier? A lot of people think that polyester is worse for you than cotton because it’s synthetic, but there are plenty of reasons why that isn’t necessarily true. First off, both fabrics are made from plants – cotton comes from a plant called Gossypium barbadense (or cotton plant), while polyester can be made from either petroleum or plant-based sources.
Ease-of-Care, Breathability, Wrinkle Resistance, And Colorfastness In Different Fabrics
Breathability, Wrinkle Resistance, And Colorfastness: Natural fibers are best at all three because they absorb very little water—the clothes dry quickly. Synthetic fabrics breathe, but not as well. As you’d expect, cotton is more breathable than wool, which is more breathable than polyester. Additionally, synthetic fabrics have a longer life cycle when it comes to colorfastness than natural ones do.
How Are They Made? What To Look For When Buying And How Much Should You Spend On Them
Polyester is more durable than cotton, making it a better choice if you’re often on the go. It’s also waterproof, stain-resistant, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and flame retardant; however, since polyester isn’t organic, it should not be worn in direct sunlight. Although polyester is hypoallergenic, many people find that polyester irritates their skin.
Visit: Miska for women's clothing and kid's night dress.
By now, you’re likely familiar with the basic comforts of cotton, but what about the benefits of fabric made from bamboo? Is it better than cotton?
Like many others, you’re probably wondering what the true difference is between these two seemingly similar fabrics. That’s why today, we’re taking a closer look at the basics of clothing made from bamboo vs. cotton and how they compare in categories of comfort, value, and sustainability.
Viscose From Bamboo vs. Cotton: How They Stack Up
To better examine the advantages and drawbacks of each of these fabrics, we've split things up into these five vital categories.
Comfort
Cotton is certainly comfortable, but it simply can't compare to the luxurious softness of clothing made from bamboo. The secret lies in the structure of the bamboo fibers themselves, which are naturally strong and circular. This allows them to be spun into an ultra-fine yarn that feels incredibly soft to the touch.
Additionally, bamboo fibers are longer than typical cotton fibers, which means they can be woven together with fewer connections. This results in a smoother and more even fabric that feels silky and downright luxurious against the skin. The combination of these factors makes clothing made from bamboo incredibly comfortable to wear, whether you're lounging at home or out and about.
Durability
Cotton is often praised for its durability, especially when compared to fabrics like wool or polyester. It can maintain or even increase its strength when wet, making it a popular choice for outdoor wear. Even with these strengths, cotton can't match up to the durability of viscose from bamboo’s long, smooth, and strong fibers.
Bamboo fibers are so durable they resist shrinking, stretching, tearing, and pilling. And because clothes made from bamboo require fewer washes, they maintain their quality for years, long after cotton garments show signs of wear and tear.
Related: Does Clothing Made From Bamboo Shrink When Washed?
Breathability
Breathability is a crucial comfort factor not to be overlooked, especially during warmer months, and viscose from bamboo has the upper hand.
The natural moisture-wicking properties of viscose from bamboo help draw sweat and moisture away from your skin, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable. It also allows for better air circulation, allowing your skin to breathe and thermoregulate. This makes clothing made from bamboo ideal for activities like yoga, hiking, or any outdoor activities where you're likely to sweat.
Cotton, on the other hand, tends to absorb and retain moisture, leaving you feeling damp and sticky, not to mention susceptible to skin irritation and chafing.
Cost and value
Those looking to spend as little as possible on their clothing can save some money by opting for cotton over viscose from bamboo. This is because cotton clothing can be mass-produced at low costs, keeping prices down.
However, those with an eye toward long-term value and not just initial cost may choose to buy clothing made from bamboo instead. We've mentioned viscose from bamboo’s durability, which allows it to stay wearable and look great long after you've had to replace that cheaper cotton version. Over time, opting for quality apparel made from bamboo can save you money, while providing more value in terms of comfort and versatility.
Resources needed
These days, it's vital that clothes not only look and feel good but also don't require tons of resources to produce. Fortunately, bamboo fits the bill. It can grow in nearly any region of the world, requires relatively little water or outside fertilizers, and grows incredibly fast—almost three feet per day in some cases!
Bamboo can also be harvested and continue to grow and replenish itself. This isn't true of cotton, which needs seasonal plantings to produce fiber. While organic cotton can reduce some environmental impact concerns caused by fertilizers and pesticides, it remains a slower-growing crop that can only be planted in some areas of the world.
Is Clothing Made From Bamboo Better Than Cotton?
What you wear comes down to two factors: comfort and personal style. While we can’t tell you what to wear, we can say with confidence that if you’re looking for quality, breathability, durability, and value second to none, viscose from bamboo is for you.
From the incredible softness to the sustainable roots (no pun intended), there are plenty of reasons to add clothing made from bamboo to your wardrobe.
Shop some of Free Fly’s styles below to experience the difference for yourself.
Men’s
Women’s
Discover even more reasons to love our bamboo viscose clothing on the Free Fly Blog, or drop us a line on Instagram @freeflyapparel.