Is Polyester a Good Fabric for Workout Clothes and Activewear?

How Suitable is Polyester for Workout Clothes?

When gearing up for a workout, choosing the right fabrics can enhance performance and comfort. Synthetic polyester has become ubiquitous in activewear for its moisture-wicking properties. But is polyester truly the best choice for workout clothes?

Polyester does have benefits for athletic apparel. However, some drawbacks exist as well. Understanding the pros and cons of polyester can help determine if it is the right material for your fitness needs.

The Rise of Polyester Activewear

In the 1960s, polyester became a popular fabric for athletic clothing. Brands began incorporating polyester blends into workout gear to create stretchy, sweat-wicking clothing. Pure polyester workout clothes followed in the 1980s.

Today, polyester remains one of the most common fabrics used in activewear like shirts, shorts, leggings, and sports bras. It can be found blended with other synthetic fibers like spandex or on its own in 100% polyester workout clothing.

Polyester rose to dominance as workout wear because of its useful performance properties, which include:

• Moisture-wicking
• Quick-drying
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Resists shrinking and fading
• Holds shape well
• Provides UV sun protection

But polyester also has some disadvantages that can make it less ideal for certain types of exercise and fitness activities.

The Pros of Polyester Workout Wear

Polyester has many attributes that explain its popularity in activewear. Benefits include:

Wicks Away Moisture and Sweat

A stand-out benefit of polyester is its excellent moisture wicking abilities. The fibers "wick" sweat away from the body by dispersing and evaporating perspiration quickly. This helps you stay dry during vigorous workouts.

Quick Drying Time

Polyester fabric dries very fast compared to natural fibers like cotton. It can dry in as little as 30 minutes after getting wet with sweat. This means your clothes won't stay damp long after exercising.

Very Lightweight

Polyester fabrics are lightweight and smooth. Polyester workout clothes don't weigh you down during sports and exercise. The lightweight feel offers freedom of movement.

Breathable and Cool

Moisture wicking and quick drying abilities give polyester workout wear breathability. Air can circulate through polyester fabrics, making them comfortable in hot conditions.

Holds Shape Well

Polyester is a resilient synthetic material that holds its shape through repeated wash and wear. It springs back well and resists sagging better than natural textiles.

Resists Shrinking and Fading

Polyester maintains its fit over time. The fabric is colored with a dyeing technique called solution dyeing that resists fading. Polyester workout clothes keep looking vibrant.

Provides UV Protection

Polyester fabrics often contain UV-blocking treatments. This offers protection against the sun's harmful rays during outdoor workouts.

The Cons of Polyester Activewear

For all its benefits, polyester also has some disadvantages as workout wear:

Doesn't Absorb Moisture

The same wicking property that pulls sweat away can feel clammy. Polyester lies directly on damp skin during exercise rather than absorbing moisture.

Can Be Heat Trapping

Polyester isn't very breathable when humidity is high. It can trap heat close to the body and feel hot for summer workouts.

Odor Retention

Bacteria cling to polyester easily, making odor retention an issue. Polyester clothes need washing after every wear to prevent smelly buildup.

Static Cling

Polyester is prone to static cling due to friction between fabric and skin. This can make polyester workout clothes feel clingy and uncomfortable.

Not Biodegradable

Polyester is a plastic-based synthetic fiber that doesn't biodegrade. Disposing of polyester workout wear creates landfill waste.

Can Irritate Sensitive Skin

The synthetic material and seams of polyester clothing can provoke skin irritation in people with skin sensitivities.

Loses Effectiveness When Wet

When polyester becomes saturated with sweat, it loses some ability to wick additional moisture. Wet polyester may feel cold and clammy against the skin.

How Polyester Compares to Other Workout Fabrics

Polyester isn't the only material used in activewear. How does it compare against other common workout fabrics like nylon, cotton, wool, and spandex blends?

Polyester vs. Nylon

Like polyester, nylon is a synthetic textile often used in athletic clothing. It shares a few performance similarities:

• Both fabrics wick moisture and dry quickly
• They are lightweight and resistant to shrinking/fading
• Provide UV protection

However, nylon has a softer feel than polyester's slightly slick, crisp hand. Nylon also absorbs a bit more moisture and is more breathable in hot, humid climates.

Polyester vs. Cotton

Cotton is comfortable, breathable, and absorptive. But it retains moisture against the skin rather than wicking it away. Soaked cotton also takes a long time to dry.

Polyester is generally better for activewear because of its sweat-wicking abilities. However, cotton's softness and breathability may be preferable for lower intensity workouts or yoga.

Polyester vs. Merino Wool

Like polyester, wool workout clothes provide moisture wicking and warmth. But wool is more expensive, less durable, and requires special washing.

Polyester is the more affordable choice for high performance workout wear. But merino wool may excel at temperature regulation for cold weather workouts.

Polyester vs. Spandex Blends

Many workout clothes blend polyester with spandex. This combines polyester's sweat-wicking durability with the stretch and flexibility of spandex.

Polyester-spandex blends optimize performance and movement for activewear. Pure polyester can sometimes feel restrictive during demanding workouts by comparison.

Which Types of Exercise Benefit Most From Polyester?

Polyester is well-suited for activities that make you sweat heavily for prolonged periods. The moisture management abilities help performance for:

• Running, jogging, sprinting
• Aerobics classes, Zumba
• Tennis, soccer, basketball
• Vigorous gym workouts with weights/cardio
• Hiking and climbing
• Hot yoga or Pilates

Polyester is also great for outdoor summer activities where its lightweight feel and sweat-wicking provide cooling comfort on hot, humid days.

However, polyester may not excel as much for things like:

• Yoga or pilates
• Low intensity strength training
• Walking, casual biking
• Stand-up paddleboarding

For lower sweat activities, moisture absorption and unrestricted breathability become less necessary. Cotton, wool, or other natural blends may be preferable.

Maximizing Polyester Performance in Workout Gear

If you do choose polyester-containing activewear, a few tips can help maximize its effectiveness:

• Look for polyester blends - Combining with spandex or stretchy synthetics enhances range of motion.
• Opt for loose/breathable fits - Avoid clingy styles; allow space for ventilation.
• Wash after every wear - Use antimicrobial detergent; don't let odors build up.
• Avoid overfilling the washer - Crowding reduces wicking performance.
• Load from largest to smallest - Start with bigger items to reduce pilling friction.
• Air or machine dry; avoid over-drying - Heat can damage synthetic fibers.

With proper care and laundering, polyester workout clothes will maintain their moisture-wicking properties and last longer.

The Bottom Line on Polyester Activewear

Polyester became popular with fitness brands and athletes due to its ability to effectively wick sweat. For high exertion activities where you sweat a lot, polyester can help keep you dryer and cooler.

But polyester isn't ideal for every workout. Consider what you'll be doing, the climate, and your preferences. Natural fibers or wool may be better suited for some low intensity activities.

Blend fabrics, breathable fits, and proper laundering help polyester work at its best. Overall, polyester can be a good option for workout wear when matched to the right training needs and care regimen.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.