In the world of textiles, blends of cotton have gained popularity because they combine the benefits of synthetic durability with natural comfort. To combine the best qualities of both fibers, a common blend is a fabric that is 80% cotton and 20% polyester.
Because of its balanced qualities, this blend is frequently used in home textiles and apparel. The polyester provides strength and lessens wrinkles, while the high cotton content guarantees breathability and softness.
Like any fabric, this blend has advantages and disadvantages. When selecting materials for your clothing or other fabric needs, having a clear understanding of these will help you make wise choices.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Breathable and comfortable due to high cotton content | Less durable compared to fabrics with higher polyester content |
Soft texture, making it pleasant to wear | Prone to wrinkles more easily than fabrics with higher polyester |
Absorbs moisture well, keeping you dry | May shrink after washing |
Good for people with sensitive skin | Can fade over time with repeated washing |
What is this fabric 80 cotton, 20 polyester – description
Cotton and polyester together are a very popular combination.
- Cotton is a natural fabric of plant origin. It is distinguished by good moisture absorption, breathability, lightness. But at the same time, cotton itself wrinkles a lot, loses shape, fades and loses strength in the sun.
- Polyester is an artificial high-tech fabric made from compounds of oil and coal. Its strengths are increased strength, resistance to wrinkling, deformation when worn, low cost, paint fastness. The disadvantages are electrification, low hygiene.
All the benefits of both natural and synthetic materials are present in this 80% cotton/20% polyester fabric. In addition to being extremely hygienic, it is also dependable and long-lasting.
Composition and properties
80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester fabrics can look different or resemble knitwear, velour, or cotton. Picture:
Similar properties are shared by various types. Material consisting of 80% cotton and 20% polyester:
- durable;
- resistant to changes during wear and washing;
- absorbs moisture and partially repels;
- breathable;
- only primary shrinkage;
- wide range of colors, printed, melange and plain options;
- wide range of density – from 120 to 320 g/m2.
Types
Describe the types of fabrics that are composed of 80% cotton and 20% polyester:
- Cotton velour. Dense, but soft and velvety to the touch fabric with short and thick pile on the front side. Smooth on the back side. Is a type of knitted fabric. Has good wear resistance.
- Dress fabrics. Light and breathable material. In appearance resembles good quality cotton.
- Shirt fabrics. Material with a classic linen weave. It can be cool, of low density and warm, dense or with flannel. Modern shirting fabrics are distinguished by a wealth of colors. When mixed with polyester, shirt cotton almost does not wrinkle, does not stretch and dries faster than with a completely natural composition.
- Knitwear. Elastic material. It is not woven, but knitted on special equipment. Flexible loops bend around each other, connect, but the traditional weft and warp threads for the fabric are preserved. Knitted fabric is highly comfortable due to good stretchability and elasticity.
Application: what is sewn from the fabric
There’s a big market for fabrics made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Most frequently sewn:
- Shirts and dresses. For summer, clothes made of 100% cotton are considered the most comfortable. But a small amount of polyester is also often included in the composition to make the products more durable, soft and comfortable. Shirts and dresses made of blended fabric hardly wrinkle, they can be washed frequently. For warm autumn, use the option with flannel.
- Clothing for children and adults of all ages. Due to the content of 80% cotton, the fabric is allowed for sewing nursery clothes and clothes for newborns.
- Underwear group of knitwear: panties, pajamas for sleeping, house dresses, dressing gowns. Clothing made of cotton 80, polyester 20 is great for sleeping, absorbs body secretions well, allows the skin to breathe, does not squeeze.
- Workwear. The ratio of cotton and polyester 80/20 is considered optimal for a climate zone with a temperature of -30-35 degrees, special climate zones, for work in conditions where increased wear resistance of clothing is required.
- Sportswear. Knitwear with 80% cotton and 20% polyester allows you to comfortably play sports and lead an active lifestyle. Shorts, sweatpants, T-shirts, leggings, tracksuits are sewn from the fabric.
- Headwear. For baseball caps and panamas, one of the important criteria when choosing a fabric is resistance to fading. At the same time, it should not cause a greenhouse effect. Air-permeable and hygroscopic materials made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester are ideal for all criteria.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are objectively no drawbacks to textiles made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. You must be aware of the characteristics and application features before making a decision.
Benefits
- pleasant to the body;
- breathable;
- increased wear resistance;
- does not lose shape;
- practically does not wrinkle;
- lightweight;
- quickly evaporates moisture;
- easy to iron;
- brightness and durability of paint;
- does not form pellets;
- does not electrify;
- easy to care for – does not require intensive washing and the use of special products.
Cotton 80, polyester 20" is a popular blend for everyday wear that combines the breathability and softness of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. Even though it’s comfortable and simple to maintain, it might not breathe as well as pure cotton and occasionally feel less organic against the skin. Although this fabric is affordable and adaptable, you should consider its benefits and drawbacks based on your own requirements.
Care
Both manual and automatic washing methods are available for the fabric. Depending on the kind, 30 to 40 degrees is the recommended temperature. Standard detergents, such as powders, washing gels, and conditioners, can be used. Carefully and without twisting, wring out products. The maximum number of revolutions that can be achieved when spinning in a washing machine is 800.
Utilizing room temperature, dry the fabric. Adjust the heat to medium while ironing. A steamer is available. Iron pile types in an inside-out manner to maintain their lovely velvety structure.
Selecting a fabric blend such as cotton 80, polyester 20 provides an equilibrium between the robustness of polyester and the inherent comfort of cotton. This mixture reduces the fabric’s tendency to shrink and wrinkle while also making it softer and more breathable.
Still, it’s vital to weigh the disadvantages. Even a small amount of polyester can lessen the fabric’s breathability and make it less comfortable in warm weather. Furthermore, the blend might not feel as opulent as 100% cotton.
In the end, this fabric blend is a sensible option for daily use, providing a decent balance between comfort and toughness. It’s ideal for people searching for clothes that are low maintenance and hold their style over time.