Is Microfiber Polyester? Polyester Vs Microfiber

Understanding the distinctions between polyester and microfiber will help you decide which will best meet your needs.

Microfiber and polyester are both common fabrics for a wide range of textiles. Although blankets, bedclothes, and other household items can also be made from polyester, clothing is where it is most commonly used. The majority of fabrics used in homes, including bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, and cleaning supplies, are made of microfiber.

So is microfiber polyester? No, microfiber and polyester are two different fabrics. The main distinction between microfiber and polyester is that the former is much softer, lighter, and thinner.

To comprehend these two fabrics more fully, let’s zoom in on them.

Is Microfiber Polyester?

It’s crucial to note that, aside from a few minor differences, polyester and microfiber behave very similarly before going into more detail about the traits of each fabric. They both consist of comparable synthetic fibers, which explains why.

When referring to the larger group of fibers used to create the fabric, polyester is used. One kind of polyester fiber in particular is microfiber. So fabrics that are labeled as “microfiber” are technically made of polyester. The two fabrics’ similar behaviors are due to this.

Because the polyester fibers in microfiber are so much finer than those in polyester fabric, microfiber is different from polyester fabric in that it is more delicate and softer.

Some microfiber products are entirely made of polyester, while others are a combination of polyester and another synthetic fabric—typically nylon—in varying proportions. Although microfiber is a type of polyester fabric, polyester isn’t the same as microfiber.

Microfiber Vs Polyester

Despite the fact that both fabrics are very similar, there are a few slight variations between them. For a quick reference of each feature of these two specific fabrics, we’ve created the following chart. Later in the article, we will discuss each trait in greater detail.

	Polyester	Microfiber
Breathability	Not as breathable	More breathable
Durability	More durable, resistant to shrinking	Less durable because of finer fibers
Softness	Stiffer	Softer
Warmth	Warm	Warm
Ease Of Care	Easy, avoid high temperatures	Easy, wash with other microfibers, dry on low heat
Cost	Inexpensive	Inexpensive
Uses	Clothing, sportswear, bedding	bedding, towels, cleaning cloths

Breathability

Polyester is breathable to a certain extent. Polyester is not very breathable because of the tightly woven fibers that make it up. However, polyester has a strong ability to wick away moisture, so you can rely on it to dry out your skin when you perspire.

Microfiber is more breathable than polyester because its thinner fibers aren’t as closely woven as that polyester, allowing more air to pass between them. Because of this, microfiber is frequently utilized in bed linens.

Durability

Polyester is known for its durability. It’s actually one of the toughest materials available, which is why it’s used for so many things, including clothing and bedding. Wear and tear resistance for polyester is strong. Additionally, it is not susceptible to wrinkles or shrinking. Polyester-made goods can last for many years if they are properly maintained.

Microfiber, on the other hand, is a fabric that was made to be thinner than polyester and features smaller fibers in comparison. It does, however, have a high level of durability because the main component is still polyester.

Softness

The thicker fibers that makeup polyester fabric can sometimes give the fabric a stiffer feel. Particularly when it is brand-new or has never been washed, it might feel a little scratchy, but after a few washes, it might become less so.

Microfiber is softer than polyester because of its finer and more numerous fibers. Microfiber is so soft that it can sometimes have a silky feel, but the fabric may start to feel rough without proper care.

Warmth

Polyester has a cool feel to it so it’s ideal for summers and warmer climates. Additionally, it draws sweat from your skin.

Like polyester, microfiber also wicks moisture away. Microfiber also has the added advantage of helping you stay warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot thanks to its advanced textile properties. So, both warm and cold climates benefit greatly from microfiber.

Ease of Care

Polyester is simple to care for. All you have to do is watch out for damaging high temperatures when washing or drying the item. Additionally resistant to shrinkage, the polyester fabric can be laundered using standard methods without risk.

Microfiber, just like polyester, should also not be washed or dried at high temperatures. In order to prevent fibers and lint from becoming embedded in the fabric, it is best to wash it with other microfibers.

Cost

Polyester and microfiber are both very affordable fabrics. Because they are produced in large quantities using chemicals in factories, synthetic fabrics are typically less expensive. They are incredibly affordable due to their accessibility.

Polyester is cheaper than microfiber. Although microfiber isn’t expensive, it does cost more than polyester because of how it’s made. Microfiber is extremely affordable in comparison to slower-producing natural fabrics like cotton and linen.

Uses

As a fabric, polyester has many applications, from consumer goods to industrial materials. Numerous clothing items, including shirts, pants, jackets, and hats, especially sportswear, are made with them.

Additionally, it can be combined with other fibers to be used in home furnishings like upholstered furniture, blankets, and bedding. Conveyor and safety/seat belt fabric, reinforced car tires, and coated fabrics are all made from industrial polyester.

Microfiber is most often used for bed sheets, pillow covers, and blankets because it’s low maintenance and has a soft texture. Considering how absorbent it is, it is also used to make towels. It is a popular choice for cleaning cloths and mops because of its quality. It won’t scratch or leave a mark because of its smooth texture.

Microfiber Vs. Polyester Bed Sheets

Bed sheets are made of synthetic materials like polyester and microfiber. Microfiber is made from recycled plastics and polyester fiber and is known for being very soft and comfortable to sleep on.

Microfiber bedsheets would be the best option if you tend to overheat at night because they allow air to circulate more easily than polyester sheets do. They are also much thinner than polyester sheets.

Microfiber clothing is water-resistant, shielding your mattress from spills and other mishaps. Similarly, microfiber blankets, pillows, and quilts are cozier than their polyester counterparts. Here is a comparison between Microfiber Vs. Cotton Sheets.

Conclusion: Microfiber Vs Polyester

Although polyester and microfiber have some similarities, such as being generally comfortable and long-lasting, there are still significant differences between the two that could have an impact on your purchase.

Microfiber is more absorbent, breathable, and comfortable than polyester, which is more durable. Both require little upkeep.

FAQs