Polyamide or polyester: which is better to choose depending on the purpose of the product

Polyester and polyamide are two textiles you’ve undoubtedly encountered when shopping for clothing or textiles. Although they are both well-liked options in the textile and fashion industries, their unique characteristics may make one better suited for your needs than the other.

Understanding the distinctions between polyester and polyamide will help you choose wisely, regardless of your needs—durability, light weight, or breathability. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each fabric will help you select the best one for your purposes.

We’ll go over the salient features of polyester and polyamide in this post so you can quickly determine which material is ideal for the project you’re working on.

Feature Polyamide Polyester
Strength More durable, ideal for products needing high strength. Strong, but not as durable as polyamide.
Moisture Resistance Absorbs more moisture, less suitable for wet conditions. Repels moisture well, great for outdoor and sportswear.
Comfort Softer, more comfortable for daily wear. Can be less comfortable, slightly stiffer feel.
Cost Usually more expensive due to superior qualities. Generally more affordable, good for budget-conscious choices.
Usage Best for high-end clothing, swimwear, and heavy-duty products. Common in a wide range of clothing, from casual to athletic wear.

Description of polyester

It is important to give each of the two materials more thought before deciding which is superior: polyester or polyamide. Let’s talk about polyester first.

Polyester, also known as PE, is a typical synthetic material. Polyethylene terftalate, which is obtained from products used in oil refining, is used to make it.

Vital. Polyester can be utilized as monovol fiber in the light industry. It improves the strength and resistance to wear of materials, including natural materials, in mixed materials.

Polyester also lowers the price of flax, cotton, silk, and wool. Textured materials feel good to the touch. They have low air ductility, are hygroscopic, do not think, and do not wrinkle at average density values.

Among the additional benefits of PE

  • good fixation in high temperatures (used to form folds);
  • low creasing;
  • variety of colors and textures;
  • sufficient water-repellent properties;
  • wear resistance;
  • wrinkle resistance even under conditions of intense compression;
  • undemanding in care.

The drawbacks of polyester

  • low hygroscopicity ─ the ability to absorb and release moisture;
  • electrostaticity;
  • high density, which creates discomfort when worn;
  • allergen, when cheap material was created under conditions that violate the process technology;
  • fading in the sun.

One of the materials that makes up the combined fabrics is polyester. They resemble wool, natural silk, and cotton on the outside. Additionally, interlining, isosoft, and synthetic padding are made with PE.

Information about polyamide

One more synthetic material is polyamide. Natural hydrocarbon sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, serve as its raw materials. Chemical transformations occur in a lengthy, multi-level technological chain prior to the production of polyamide fiber. The polymer is a liquid that has a slight viscosity at first. The real polyamide threads are obtained after it is spunneretted through plates with the finest holes.

Their characteristics:

  • hygienic, 10 times higher than the similar property of polyester;
  • easy to care for;
  • wrinkle-resistant;
  • wear resistance;
  • elasticity;
  • lightweight;
  • strength is higher than that of polyester.

There are a number of drawbacks to polyamide, the principal ones being:

  • low heat-saving properties;
  • electrostaticity;
  • low level of hygroscopicity;
  • formation of difficult-to-remove stains upon contact with fats;
  • rigidity at temperatures above 40°C.

Megalon, a fiber as hygienic as cotton, and Trilobal, an imitation of natural silk threads, are made of polyamide.

Vital. Textile workers are not interested in pure polyamide, but when combined with other threads, it can create materials with excellent consumer qualities.

Polyamide is breathable, wears well, wrinkles less, and doesn’t fade in the sun. It can also be dyed. It repels dirt and water, has a slight roughness, and does not sink. Since it doesn’t burn, it falls into the highest category of fire safety.

When selecting between polyester and polyamide, it’s critical to take the product’s particular requirements into account. Because of its strength and elasticity, polyamide is a great material for items like activewear that need to be flexible and durable. In contrast, polyester does not shrink or wrinkle, which makes it an excellent fabric for regular clothing that needs to keep its shape. Knowing these important distinctions will enable you to select the appropriate material for your needs.

Differences and similar properties of materials

The distinction between polyester and polyamide, two types of polymers, is not very great. They are both inherently synthetic. They even resemble each other quite a bit.

What makes polyester and polyamide different is shown in the table below.

Signs Polyamide fiber Polyester fiber
Strength indicators Tall Moderate
Permeability for air Low High
Durability High High
Moistenous properties Tall Medium
Compatibility with natural fibers Low Excellent
Price High moderate

What fabric to give preference

None of the polymers are flawless, as the comparison table demonstrates. Everybody has benefits and drawbacks of their own. It is therefore challenging to determine which artificial additive is superior. For instance, 100% polyamide is the basis of nylon and capron. They are utilized to create the best-in-class windbreakers, warm-down jackets, and sportswear in their respective markets. However, these things become stiff in deep frost. Polyamide materials are also used in protective suits intended for use in harsh work environments.

In contrast to polyamide, polyester is used in the textile industry more extensively. It is a component of many different products, such as outerwear, backpacks, tents, and curtains. The performance characteristics of the material are enhanced when it is blended with natural fibers.

What you need from the fabric ultimately determines whether to choose polyester or polyamide. While each material has advantages, they are not equal in all respects.

Polyester is a great option if you’re searching for something with outstanding durability, resistance to abrasion, and good moisture management. It’s a fantastic option for everyday wear, outdoor gear, and sportswear that must withstand frequent use.

However, when comfort is a top concern, polyamide—which is renowned for its elasticity and softness—is perfect. Lingerie, hosiery, and other clothing items that need to fit snugly and feel comfortable against the skin frequently use it.

Your decision should ultimately take into account the particular requirements of the item you’re purchasing. Think about what matters most to you when making a purchase, be it moisture resistance, comfort, or durability.

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Dmitry Kornev

Interior designer and passionate fan of textiles. For me, fabric is not just a material, but a tool with which you can create coziness and style in any room. On this site I share my ideas and tips on how to use textiles in interior design to emphasize your individuality.

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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