Polyester is widely used globally in the fashion industry; most of our clothes are made with polyester. Though our wardrobe is filled with polyester clothes, are these clothes waterproof? Is polyester a waterproof fabric? These questions might hit your mind while wearing a polyester jacket in the rainy season.
Yes, polyester is waterproof fabric, but when it comes to cloth, its property might change a bit because it depends on the number of stitches or thread that repels water entering it. In its original condition, it’s 100% waterproof, but in clothes, there are numerous gaps soaking water into it.
Here we have all the information about polyester that you want to know. Read till the end to learn more about polyester’s properties, whether it is waterproof or not.
Contents
Is 100% Polyester Waterproof?
Polyester is overall a water repellent that doesn’t absorb water. It is a type of plastic made through the polymerization process. It’s manufactured from petroleum in which stiff bristles of plastics are formed, which are further broken and melted again to align its molecule and make it strong and waterproof.
In the 100% polyester, there isn’t enough space among molecules through which water can pass, but when it’s woven, small holes are made through which thread passes, and water molecules are absorbed into it. Keeping this in mind, an extra layer of fabric is used to make the cloth entirely waterproof.
Does Polyester Fabric Absorb Water?
Polyester fabric is highly repellent; they do not absorb water like natural fibers, mainly cotton. Other fibers like cotton have tiny holes, making them water absorbers, while polyester lacks. If you put the polyester in rain or direct water flow, water will move straight from it. There might be fewer or no chances of entering water into the polyester if it hits the fabric with tremendous pressure.
Typically curtains in bathrooms are made from polyester; as you have seen, they do not absorb water; instead, they flow downward and will dry within a few minutes.
Is Polyester Waterproof Or Water Resistant?
Polyester couldn’t protect you from water as they are water-resistant, not waterproof, because waterproof material doesn’t allow water to pass through it. In contrast, water-resistant material soaks water into it until it reaches its limit.
Polyester clothes are considered water-resistant, while the polyester fabric itself is regarded as waterproof because, during sewing, numerous holes are formed that allow the water to pass through it.
Water-resistant fabrics are much more reliable because their waterproof fabric doesn’t allow the water, air, and sweat to pass through, making it harder for the wearer to survive in hot conditions.
Is Polyester Good For Rain?
Wearing polyester clothes during rain is an excellent choice because they are water-resistant, mud-resistant, stain-resistant, and moisture-resistant. These properties make it a more durable, long-lasting, and preferable fabric; you can quickly wipe all the mud and water, making it easier to handle. But sometimes, its wind-resistant quality makes it worse.
How To Make Polyester Waterproof?
As you know, polyester clothes are not waterproof, so you might need something else in rainy weather to protect yourself from rain. Instead of buying expensive waterproof fabrics, you can simply make your polyester waterproof through different means. Some of the best ways to make polyester waterproof are as follows.
Increase Tightness
During the sewing process, numerous tiny holes form, which allows the water to enter the fabric, so the best way not to allow the water to enter the fabric is by increasing the tightness. There will be no hole or very few holes through which water can pass through this. To increase tightness, the fabric will be woven closer than before.
Extra Coating
Once the final product is manufactured, another layer of different polyester types is being used to prevent water from passing or soaking into it. The most commonly used form of polyester is PUL and TPU.
Water Repellent Sprays
The easiest way to make polyester waterproof is by using water repellent sprays. These sprays do not attract dirt and are odorless, making them easier to spray on any surface. But primarily, they are used for footwear, tents, and other outdoor gadgets. You can prefer buying sprays from well-reputed brands because some brands take around 72 hours to dry completely.
Are Polyester Blends Waterproof?
Polyester has been blended with different fabrics to enhance its properties or make it more durable and comfortable. Polyester is blended with other materials like natural fabrics as well as synthetic, most common blends are polyester cotton, polyester spandex, and polyester wool.
In the polyester-cotton blend, polyester is highly water repellent while cotton is a water absorber; when mixed, they become much water repellent but not entirely because of cotton.
In the polyester-spandex blend, spandex is one of the softest and most comfortable fabrics, which is water-resistant. When it’s mixed with polyester, the mixture becomes waterproof; that’s why yoga pants are manufactured with it.
In polyester wool blend, both fabrics are water-resistant; they are primarily used in winter coats.
Which Is Better, Waterproof Fabric, Polyester Or Nylon?
Both materials are waterproof, but polyester is better and more preferable when it comes to waterproofing. Though nylon is more durable than polyester, but polyester’s thread count rises. Still, both need an extra coating to become waterproof entirely.
Which Is The Best Waterproof Fabric?
One of the best waterproof fabrics other than polyester is Gore-Tx. It’s the most durable, waterproof, and breathable fabric, its unique properties allow it to breathe from the inside, but at the same time, it doesn’t allow the water to enter from the outside.
Final Words:
Polyester clothes are water repellent, allowing you to stay dry in rainy conditions. After reading this article, you will be assured that your clothes are water-resistant, but if you want to confirm whether they are waterproof, check out the care label pr the product site to see whether they have an extra coating. The additional coating will ensure that ist 100% waterproof without any doubt.
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