Microfiber vs. Polyester – What are the Differences?

Last Updated on December 6, 2022

Microfiber vs. Polyester differences: Microfiber and polyester are “related” materials made from petroleum products, but the features of the production of synthetic fibers are different.

Microfiber is made from polyester and polyamide. The main feature is a hundredth-of-a-millimeter-thick pile, which is responsible for the softness and Hygroscopicity of the material.

Difference Between Microfiber and Polyester

Polyester is created from purified liquid polystyrene. It is practically not used in its pure form but is combined with threads of other materials and forms a web with certain properties necessary for producing specific products.

Many names of synthetic fabrics are heard. We talk about them and buy clothes made from them, but we don’t think at all if there is a difference between them. 

Meanwhile, almost every synthetic material has its functions: one protects against bad weather, the second retains heat, the third allows the skin to breathe, and the fourth gives convenience and comfort when playing sports. For example, Microfiber (another name is Microfabric) and polyester are widespread today. 

Is there a difference in these materials, what are they for, and which one to choose? Let’s try to answer these questions.

Microfiber – What Kind of Fabric is this?

This fabric is used for tailoring, bedding, and cleaning products. It is an interlacing of the finest polyester threads. Also, the composition includes viscose or cellulose, cotton, and polyamide fibers.

Microfiber is a dense, soft, lightweight fabric famous for its strength and high wear resistance. It practically does not wrinkle, is well washed, does not deform during operation, and does not lose color.

By the way! This fabric is undemanding and easy to care for. A contraindication for it is ironing and drying on dryer.

Polyester – What Kind of Fabric is this?

This fabric is a successful combination of oil, alcohol, special acids, and coal. More than 50% of all synthetic fabrics worldwide are derived from polyester. Not only skirts and dresses are sewn from it, but also outerwear – raincoats, jackets, and professional uniforms. It is also indispensable in the furniture industry: like upholstery made of this material is in particular demand.

Even though polyester is a product of the chemical industry, in its appearance, it resembles natural cotton or wool. It is entirely safe for human health. In polyester clothing, the skin breathes.

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Is Microfiber Polyester? – is Microfiber the Same as Polyester

Microfiber is not the same as polyester, but it is a type of polyester. Microfiber is a superior variety of polyester, a synthetic fiber manufactured from petroleum. The process of production is where the two diverge most significantly.

Polyester fibers are thicker than microfiber fibers and are not as soft or absorbent. Microfiber fabrics are often used in cleaning clothes because they can easily pick up dirt and dust.

What is Microfiber Polyester?

Polyester strands that are incredibly fine are used to create microfiber polyester fabrics. Due to its lightweight, breathability, and quick drying qualities, we frequently use it in sportswear and activewear. 

Additionally, microfiber polyester has excellent wicking properties, which can help keep you cool and dry during exercise. It can also be printed with designs and logos, making it a popular choice for activewear and team uniforms.

Microfiber vs. Polyester – The Main Differences Between Them

 Both Microfiber and polyester are a combination of polyester threads. And between these materials, there are differences and similarities. The main differences between Microfiber and polyester are:

1. Structure of the Fabric

Microfiber is soft to the touch, surface with a fine pile. Polyester is a denser and stiffer material with a smooth surface.

2. Moisture Absorption

Microfiber is the leader in this indicator, so products made from this material are the most popular for cleaning. Polyester has low absorbency. It repels not only water but also dirt and dust.

3. Usage or Application

Based on these properties, both materials’ application areas also differ. Polyester is excellent for producing waterproof and windproof outerwear: raincoats, jackets, windbreakers, and suits for sports and tourism. Also, polyester can be part of blended fabrics, along with cotton and viscose, from which bed linen, curtains, and casual clothes are sewn.

Microfiber is used to produce rags, wipes for dry and wet cleaning, and towels and hair accessories. It is also used in tailoring blankets, children’s clothing, and clothing for the home. Unlike polyester, Microfiber cannot protect against snow and rain, but it retains heat perfectly, removes moisture, and is pleasant to the body.

Microfiber is a more advanced material and therefore is valued more. Its scope is more expansive. Both materials are actively used in tailoring and upholstery, but polyester is not suitable for cleaning. In contrast, Microfiber is not designed to protect against rain, snow, and wind.

Overall, Microfiber is the best fabric for cleaning. It cleans and polishes lacquered, and glass surfaces well. Polyester is ideal for outerwear. However, microfiber underwear and clothes are more comfortable.

4. Appearance

Microfiber is a very soft fabric. Polyester, on the other hand, is a bit rough to the touch. It has more shine and gloss. The microfiber surface is porous and fleecy.

5. Strength

In this regard, both materials deserve high praise. They are not only durable but also long-lasting. It is difficult to break them, even with maximum effort.

6. Characteristics

Microfiber perfectly absorbs water, so this fabric is ideal for wet cleaning. Polyester repels liquids and has poor absorbency. At the same time, Microfiber protects against wind much worse than its “colleague.” Polyester is cheaper than Microfiber and more common. What they have in common is that both materials retain heat very well.

7. Tissue Chemistry

Considering the properties and characteristics of Microfiber and polyester fabrics, it is hard to imagine that they are all made from essentially the same polymer. And this is the well-known polyethylene terephthalate from which the usual bottles for water and drinks are made.  

Polyethylene terephthalate is the best-known polyester. This class also includes macromolecular compounds. They are obtained by polycondensation of polybasic acids or their anhydrides with polyhydric alcohols. 

In addition to polyethylene terephthalate, glyphthalic resins, polyester maleates, and polyester acrylates are used in practice. Polyester fibers are usually called fibers formed from polyethylene terephthalate and its derivatives. 

And if we take into account the fact that polyesters are often called polyesters, we can conclude that polyester and polyester fabrics are the same.

But that’s not all. What is Microfiber or Microfiber made of? It turns out that everything is made of the same polyester (or polyester, or polyethylene terephthalate – as you like).

Microfiber vs. Polyester Comforter: Which One is Better Under What Conditions?

Microfiber saw the light relatively recently: in the 70s of the twentieth century. Polyester has been produced for over 80 years. 

But today’s market offers a wide variety of comforters. Microfiber and polyester are two of the most widely utilized materials in comforters. Both have unique benefits that make them ideal for use in a comforter.

Here is a look at the critical differences between microfiber and polyester comforters to help you choose the right one for your needs. 

Microfiber Comforters

Microfiber comforters are made from excellent synthetic fibers. These fibers are usually less than one denier in diameter, which makes them much thinner than most other types of fibers used in textile production.

Microfiber comforters are typically lighter and more breathable than their polyester counterparts. It makes them ideal for people who tend to get hot quickly or live in warmer climates.

Microfiber is also less likely to pill or snag than polyester, so it will stay looking new for longer. However, microfiber comforters are more expensive than polyester ones. 

Polyester Comforters

On the other hand, polyester comforters are usually heavier and warmer than microfiber comforters, making them better suited for colder climates or people who tend to feel cold quickly. Polyester is also less likely to fade in sunlight, so it’s a good choice if you want your comforter to last for many years.

However, polyester comforters can sometimes feel stiff and uncomfortable, and they’re not as breathable as microfiber options.

People also ask – FAQ

Conclusion

From a chemical point of view, there is, by and large, no difference between Microfiber and polyester. Various properties of polyester fabrics are achieved in several ways: by chemical modification of the polymer (during the polycondensation of polyethylene terephthalate, multiple additives and copolymers are introduced), by different methods of forming a thread (the thinner the thread, the softer the fabric), the composition and process of developing the material itself.

Due to its waterproofness, polyester makes excellent outerwear – raincoats, jackets, windbreakers, and things for tourism and sports. As part of blended fabrics, polyester is used for sewing bed linen, curtains, and casual wear. In the latter case, polyester is most often mixed with cotton or viscose. Also, polyester is irreplaceable in the industry.

Microfiber is ideal for the production of napkins for cleaning rooms and towels. Unlike polyester, Microfiber does not protect against rain or snow but perfectly retains heat, does not sweat, and is pleasant to the body. Therefore, it produces blankets, children’s and home clothes, and linen.