100% cotton shirts (Formal / Dress that is) should be a preference. However, checking the label on most standard dress shirts you’ll find that many of them are not 100% cotton. Much of the time that blend can vary, but a popular manufacturing combination is 50-60% cotton. Normally cotton, a natural fabric, paired with a synthetic one like polyester.
Here, we’ll detail the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of wearing 100% cotton shirts, and cotton x polyester blends.
There are a few reasons why the cotton x polyester blend is so popular, particularly on the high street. The addition of polyester can strengthen the fabric in the short term. It is claimed to be more wrinkle proof, but the bottom line is this: it’s cheaper to produce.
The drawbacks of this method of shirt making are that it detracts from the comfort and aggravates the skin more easily. Think of that itching feeling you can sometimes get when wearing the shirt that has a full or higher percentage of polyester as opposed to cotton. It also doesn’t perform very well under heat, and while it’s just fine for a utilitarian, mid-quality shirt, it’s not going to cut the mustard as a formal or dress shirt. The polyester can give the shirt an unnatural sheen and stiffness, and ultimately, look cheaper.
The verdict? It’s good, but it’s not great.
In a word, yes.
First and foremost, cotton is a very soft fabric which gives it a much more luxurious look and comfortable feel than a cotton x polyester blend. It’s light yet carries enough weight to drape nicely over the wearer, complimenting their form.
Despite its softness, it’s also resilient, especially when wet. It can therefore withstand hot wash after hot wash without losing its best qualities.
Indeed, after washing, cotton’s well-ventilated fibres allow it to air-dry quickly. Cotton, relative to other fabrics, can also be tailored to iron extremely quickly and easily when produced in the right way. We’ve written in detail about this here.
Secondly, cotton is both cooling and warming. Its superior breathability allows it to keep you cool, dry, and fresh throughout the day. Those super breathable fibres create a small layer of air between your skin and the shirt, which invites insulation on colder days, and ventilation on hot days. If the shirt has polyester blended into the fabric however, it’ll slowly but surely begin to cling to the skin as the day wears on, causing you discomfort.
Finally, 100% cotton is hypoallergenic, which means it’s unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. If your skin is prone to irritation and abrasion, 100% cotton is undoubtedly the way to go. That softness and breathability we mentioned guarantees that your skin, no matter how sensitive, is extremely unlikely to be aggravated.
On that note, even if you’re someone who perspires a lot, cotton is able to easily absorb a great deal of moisture from the skin while remaining crisp and dry itself. As a result, your skin will stay dryer, cooler and much less susceptible to aggravation.
At Nickson, all of our shirts are made from 100% cotton. No shortcuts, and no compromise on quality. We hope you now know more about the benefits of going with cotton over a blended fabric. Check out our related articles and guides below and stop by the Nickson Online Store when you’re ready to purchase your next shirt.
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For every piece of clothing you own, you have to decide what fabric it’s made out of. You might choose cotton because it’s soft and breathable, or polyester because it’s sturdy and holds its shape well. While each fabric has unique benefits, they also each have their drawbacks, so choosing the right one can be tricky. Read on to find out more about the similarities and differences between cotton and polyester fabrics, as well as which one comes out on top in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness.
Why does Clothing Matter?
Clothing is a major part of our lives that we may not always notice. Depending on who you are, you might spend most of your day in work clothes, gym clothes, casual clothes, or even formal wear. But why do you feel more comfortable in some outfits than others? And is it possible to find clothing that’s good for your health? As it turns out, there’s a lot more to clothing than just being comfortable what we wear has a real impact on our lives.
Basic Differences between Polyester and Cotton
As two of the most popular fabrics around, polyester and cotton present a wide variety of positive and negative characteristics. For instance, both are easy to maintain but also tend to wrinkle. However, polyester is more resistant to stains, while cotton tends to look dull over time. When it comes down to it, though, each fabric presents its own set of pros and cons. Read on for a detailed breakdown of polyester vs cotton differences.
Compared to cotton, polyester can seem like an inferior option since it doesn’t breathe as well. The common myth is that fabric breathes through pores on its surface, which allow air in and out of these micro-openings. Because polyester has fewer pores than cotton, less air circulates through a piece of clothing made from it. This can make you feel hotter because your body doesn’t receive as much cool air as it would with natural fibers like wool or linen.
Which One to Choose -Polyester or Cotton?
Whether you’re looking for your next suit, dress shirt, blouse, pants, socks, or bed sheets, it’s important to know what kind of fabric is right for you. Both cotton and polyester are man-made fibers made from long chains called polymers. Many fabrics are blends that contain both cotton and polyester. Here we break down each option so you can decide which one will be best suited to your style preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs. Keep in mind that cotton fabrics have some additional properties over polyester—but not all products are created equal. It all depends on how they’re manufactured, where they come from, and who makes them.
Which One is Healthier – Polyester or Cotton?
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at two popular clothing materials: polyester and cotton. While they are both natural products, each has its advantages and disadvantages. In most cases, it’s better to choose one over another depending on your needs, but if you want an accurate answer as to which one is healthier overall, then you will have to consider more than just personal comfort. Here’s what you need to know. Polyester vs Cotton – Which One Is Healthier? A lot of people think that polyester is worse for you than cotton because it’s synthetic, but there are plenty of reasons why that isn’t necessarily true. First off, both fabrics are made from plants – cotton comes from a plant called Gossypium barbadense (or cotton plant), while polyester can be made from either petroleum or plant-based sources.
Ease-of-Care, Breathability, Wrinkle Resistance, And Colorfastness In Different Fabrics
Breathability, Wrinkle Resistance, And Colorfastness: Natural fibers are best at all three because they absorb very little water—the clothes dry quickly. Synthetic fabrics breathe, but not as well. As you’d expect, cotton is more breathable than wool, which is more breathable than polyester. Additionally, synthetic fabrics have a longer life cycle when it comes to colorfastness than natural ones do.
How Are They Made? What To Look For When Buying And How Much Should You Spend On Them
Polyester is more durable than cotton, making it a better choice if you’re often on the go. It’s also waterproof, stain-resistant, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and flame retardant; however, since polyester isn’t organic, it should not be worn in direct sunlight. Although polyester is hypoallergenic, many people find that polyester irritates their skin.
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