FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Polyester
D
⚠️ Commonly associated with fast fashion. Consider higher-quality alternatives.
The most widely used synthetic fiber. Made from petroleum-based polymers. Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying but not breathable.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
52/100
DurabilityStrong85
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortWeak45
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityPoor30
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthWeak40
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingTypical55
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EaseStrong90
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityPoor20
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using polyester
8 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains polyester. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Old Navy
123 products
Uniqlo
79 products
Under Armour
74 products
Lululemon
67 products
GU
60 products
Nike
52 products
Patagonia
44 products
Uniqlo JP
44 products
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing polyester.
Products with polyester
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains polyester. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
Ridge MerinoB
Onsen Merino Hoodie
92% Merino Wool, 8% Polyester
$150
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Pursuit Ultralight Long Sleeve Merino Shirt
84% Merino Wool, 16% Polyester
$80
Ridge MerinoB
Men's Pursuit Ultralight Merino Hoodie
84% Merino Wool, 16% Polyester
$100
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Pursuit Ultralight Merino T-Shirt
85% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester
$68
Ridge MerinoB
Men's Pursuit Ultralight Merino T-Shirt
85% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester
$68
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Pursuit Ultralight Merino Hoodie
84% Merino Wool, 16% Polyester
$100
Ridge MerinoB
Men's Pursuit Ultralight Long Sleeve Merino Shirt
84% Merino Wool, 16% Polyester
$80
IbexB
Women's Wool Aire Hoodie
80% Merino Wool, 20% Polyester
$185
Minus33B
Ski Sock 3-Pack
78% Merino Wool, 15% Spandex, 4% Nylon, 3% Polyester
$40
IbexB
Women's Wool Aire Vest
80% Merino Wool, 20% Polyester
$150
Minus33B
Lightweight Wool Ski Sock - Over the Calf Socks
78% Merino Wool, 15% Spandex, 4% Nylon, 3% Polyester
$15
Ridge MerinoB
Men's Cloudripper Merino Grid Fleece Full Zip Jacket
69% Merino Wool, 15% Recycled Polyester, 13% Nylon, 3% Spandex
$200
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from polyester. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same polyester feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best Uses
activewear
70Quick-drying but retains odors
outerwear
65Good as shell or fill material
everyday
55Affordable but uncomfortable in heat
formal
45Cheap suits look and feel cheap
Pros
- ✓ Very durable
- ✓ Wrinkle-resistant
- ✓ Quick-drying
- ✓ Extremely affordable
Cons
- ✗ Not breathable
- ✗ Retains odors
- ✗ Made from petroleum
- ✗ Sheds microplastics
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
Gore-TexB
+24 vs Polyester · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
DyneemaB
+23 vs Polyester · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
HardshellB
+22 vs Polyester · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Washwarm (40°C)
Cyclepermanent press
Detergentregular
BleachDo not bleach
Drytumble low
Ironlow
Dry Cleanavoid
SoftenerNo
Special Notes
• Avoid high heat — can melt
• Wash with similar fabrics to reduce static
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash warm or cold (30–40°C) on permanent press cycle
- • Tumble dry on low heat — remove immediately to prevent wrinkles from setting
- • Iron on low heat if needed — high heat will melt or glaze polyester fibers
- • Wash inside out to reduce pilling and static buildup
- • Avoid fabric softener — it reduces moisture-wicking capability and builds up residue
- • Does not shrink — safe for regular washing, but use a microfiber-catching bag to reduce microplastic shedding
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact