How to Soften Stiff Polyester Fabric? 2 Simple Methods
We’ll talk about how to soften stiff polyester fabric in this blog post so it’s more comfortable to wear.
While some people prefer to portray a professional appearance by donning stiff polyester clothing, such as suits, others wish to soften polyester clothing for a laid-back style. Polyester clothing loses stiffness and becomes more comfortable to wear when it is washed with fabric-softening agents.
Use vinegar or fabric softener to soften the stiff polyester fabric. To use, add a capful of conditioner to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
Fortunately, simple methods can be used to soften polyester clothing.
How to Soften Stiff Polyester Fabric?
The polyester fabric can be softer in a few different ways.
Give Them a Vinegar Bath
- Put the warm water setting on the washing machine. In the warm running water, add 2 ounces of laundry detergent.
- Put the polyester in the washer and let it run its cycles. During the final rinse cycle of the washing cycle, add 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar to the washer to soften the polyester. Contrary to the majority of commercial fabric softeners, vinegar does not introduce dangerous chemicals into the fabric.
- Place the polyester item in the dryer. To further soften the fabric, dry the polyester on low heat.
- Once the tumbling cycle is complete, take the polyester item out of the dryer. Avoid running the polyester through the entire cycle of the dryer because the fabric might start to develop static cling.
Tip: 1/4 cup baking soda can be used in place of vinegar.
Here are guides to care for polyester fabric:
Use Fabric Softener
The most obvious advice is probably this one, but it also works the best. Simply add a cup of fabric softener to your washing machine’s rinse cycle, then sit back and watch it work. After one wash, you’ll be astounded at how much softer your clothing feels.
It is best to check the label of the clothing for washing instructions before using fabric softener on cotton or polyester. It’s also crucial to use fabric softener correctly by dilution and by adhering to the instructions on the bottle.
It’s also important to check the label to make sure the fabric softener is appropriate because some of them contain optical brighteners that can change the color of some fabrics.
Finally, it’s crucial to remember that using fabric softeners too frequently can make fabrics less breathable and cause them to accumulate residue. It is therefore advised to use them sparingly.
It is easy to soften different types of fabrics if you read our Fabric Soften Guide first.
What Makes Polyester Stiff?
Due to its resistance to creases, shrinkage, and stretching, polyester fabric is frequently used. To avoid these unlikely occurrences, polyester fabric is frequently blended with fibers or fabrics like cotton, which are very likely to wrinkle and shrink.
Because the polyester fabric is naturally stiff, formal attire like men’s suits may be made entirely of the material in order to project a professional air of formality. Therefore, some people might prefer their polyester fabric to be stiff rather than soft.
Stiff fabrics are typically worn for a brief period of time because they are frequently extremely uncomfortable. Soft fabrics don’t have the same disparity; instead, they can be worn for longer periods of time without making the wearer uncomfortable.
To add a certain level of comfort to polyester fabric, simple household ingredients can be used.
How Can I Make Polyester More Comfortable?
The texture, feel, and breathability of polyester can be changed using a variety of methods and treatments to make it more comfortable. Some techniques to make polyester more comfortable include:
- Furnishing the fabric with a brushed or peached finish. By brushing the fabric, you can raise the fibers and give it a softer, smoother hand.
- Using methods for cleaning clothing. This involves softening the fabric and giving it a shimmering appearance using stones, pumice, enzymes, and silicone.
- Putting a finish on the fabric, such as a wrinkle-, stain-, or water-resistant finish. These finishes will increase the garment’s comfort and make it simpler to clean and maintain.
- Enhancing the fabric with a moisture-management finish. This will assist in wicking moisture away from the skin and absorbing sweat. Additionally, it will give the fabric a sense of lightness.
- Adding a finish, such as Ultra-Fresh or Sanitized, which gives the fabric an antimicrobial finish and prolongs its freshness and odor-free life.
When these methods are combined, they can help give polyester fabrics a more cozy and opulent feel.
Further Reading:
Is Polyester Softer Than Cotton?
Not usually; cotton is always softer than polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fabric with a rough, almost plastic-like feel. Contrarily, cotton is a natural, plant-based fabric that feels soft and breathable.
Although polyester does soften over time, cotton still has an advantage in terms of softness. Cotton is a better option for warmer weather because it breathes better than polyester, which it lacks. When compared to cotton, polyester also has a tendency to be more wrinkle-resistant, which can be useful in some circumstances.
Conclusion: Soften Stiff Polyester Fabric
If all you want is softness or comfort, softening your stiff Polyester fabric (or clothing) won’t do much for you. Most people soften the polyester fabric to maintain the fabric’s distinctive appearance while also making it more comfortable and well-fitting against the wearer’s skin.
Try these methods to breathe new life into the stiff polyester fabric and make it more enjoyable to wear.
FAQs
Can the Polyester Fabric Be Ironed?
It can be ironed with a low heat setting.
Is the Polyester Fabric Waterproof?
Despite being water-resistant, polyester fabric is not waterproof on its own. It is a polymer, polyester. Although its individual fibers are waterproof, water can still penetrate the fabric’s weave once it has been made into a piece of clothing.
Can the Polyester Fabric Be Dyed Easily?
Using conventional or synthetic fabric dyes, the fabric can be easily colored.
How Durable is the Polyester Fabric?
It is extremely robust and resistant to stretching and shrinking.
