Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based polymers and used in the textile industry for the production of clothing, gear, and technical fabrics. It is characterized by high strength, moisture resistance, fast drying, and long service life. Thanks to these properties, polyester is one of the most widely used materials in outdoor, military, and sports clothing. Polyester is a versatile synthetic material that has fundamentally transformed the modern textile industry. Due to its high durability, quick-drying performance, and easy maintenance, it has become the foundation of functional, outdoor, and military clothing and now forms the backbone of most technical textiles. Polyester is therefore a universal synthetic material that has significantly changed the modern textile industry. Thanks to its high durability, fast drying, and easy care, it has become the basis of functional, outdoor, and military clothing and today forms the backbone of most technical textiles.

Comparison of a cotton T-shirt and a polyester T-shirt

Origin and history of polyester

Polyester was developed in the 1930s by British chemists and entered wider production during the 1940s and 1950s. The most well-known form of polyester – PET (polyethylene terephthalate) – quickly spread thanks to its low production cost and excellent mechanical properties. Since then, polyester has become the foundation of modern functional textiles.

How polyester works

Polyester fibers have a smooth surface and minimal ability to absorb water. Instead of soaking up moisture, they:

wick sweat along the surface of the fibers,
allow rapid evaporation,
maintain low material weight even when wet.

Thanks to this, polyester dries significantly faster than natural materials and is ideal for physically demanding activities.

Main advantages of polyester

High strength and durability – resistant to tearing and long-lasting.
Fast drying – suitable for changing weather conditions.
Low absorbency – does not burden clothing with moisture.
Easy maintenance – wrinkle-resistant and retains its shape.
Color fastness – retains colors well even after repeated washing.

Disadvantages of polyester

Lower natural breathability than wool or cotton (addressed by fabric construction).
Can retain odors during prolonged wear.
Not biodegradable – environmental burden without recycling.

What was used before polyester

Before the mass adoption of polyester, the following materials were mainly used:

Cotton – comfortable, but heavy and slow-drying.
Wool – warm, but demanding to maintain.
Canvas and blended fabrics – durable, but less comfortable.

Polyester represented a major technological shift in the field of functional clothing.

Polyester in the military, outdoor, and airsoft

Thanks to its durability and low weight, polyester is commonly used both as insulation and as a standalone material:

in functional underwear and fleece,
in tactical jackets and trousers,
in airsoft and military gear.