How Are Polyester and Microfiber Different From Each Other?

Both polyester and microfiber have properties that make it durable and comfortable to wear. It’s no wonder they’re both so widely used in a lot of everyday products we use and wear. But what is the difference between microfiber and polyester? What are some advantages of microfiber vs polyester? Read on to find out.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric material that is derived from petroleum and fossil fuels. Polyester materials are generally durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for, making them perfect for everyday use. This is why you see them in almost everything, from clothes, bed sheets, throw blankets, to fishing nets and computer mouse pads.

What is Microfiber?

Is microfiber polyester? Not quite. In short, microfiber is a derivation of polyester. Microfiber is made from a blend of polyester and other synthetic materials like polyamides.

Polyamides can be both naturally occurring or synthetically made. Polyamides are found in silk and wool, whilst an example of synthetically made polyamide is nylon.

This blend of materials enriches the microfiber with texture and density, making it more soft to the touch and more absorbent.

The name microfiber comes from the fact that it boasts incredibly thin fibers, often measuring less than 1 denier (a unit of fiber fineness). In comparison, regular polyester fibers are significantly thicker. This seemingly small difference has a big impact on several key properties.

There are also a few types of microfiber fabric, usually divided by their weave style. Some of the most common are flat-weave, split-weave (widely used in sportswear), ultrasuede, suede (for cleaning your lenses) and terry wave (usually for towels).  

 

In certain types of weave, like the split-weave, the microfiber material are further split into finer fabric, making itu more comfortable and moisture absorbing. 

Pros & Cons of Polyester

One of the most obvious pros of polyester is that it is a highly durable material, making it an easy fabric to care for with a long lifespan.

 

However, polyester are not really known for being comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Because of this, 100% polyester fabrics has fallen out of popularity and manufacturers usually mix polyester with other materials to make it more comfortable and breathable.

 

Pros & Cons of Microfiber

Since microfiber is a polyester blend with other more breathable synthetic materials, microfiber is more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. It also has tactile superiority over polyester, as microfiber materials are softer to the touch.

 

However, microfiber materials are usually more expensive when compared to polyester. Though microfibers are durable in its own right, it falls short when compared to polyester.

Microfiber vs Polyester

When compared vis-a-vis, there are a few key differences between microfiber and polyester.

1. Texture

As previously mentioned, when it comes to feeling like a gentle cloud against your skin, microfiber reigns supreme.

Microfiber's incredibly fine fibers create a luxuriously soft texture, far surpassing the sometimes rougher feel of regular polyester. Imagine the difference between a well-worn t-shirt and a cashmere sweater – that's the kind of leap in comfort microfiber offers.

2. Absorption

In terms of absorption, microfiber's fine fibers create a much larger surface area, making it significantly more absorbent than polyester. This allows it to wick away moisture more effectively. 

Picture stepping out of a warm shower and wrapping yourself in a microfiber bathrobe. The fabric will quickly absorb water droplets, leaving you feeling dry and pampered. The same goes for throw blankets – microfiber prevents that clammy feeling that can occur with some polyester fabrics.

3. Breathability

Another advantage of microfiber vs polyester is its breathability. Microfiber’s fibers are not woven as tightly as polyesters are, which makes it highly breathable.

This is what makes microfiber a popular material for throw blanket and bathrobes. 

Because microfiber is highly breathable, you won’t end up feeling stuffy.

Imagine snuggling under a heavy polyester blanket on a slightly warm evening – not exactly the recipe for relaxation. Microfiber, on the other hand, allows for better airflow, keeping you comfortable all year round.

4. Warmth

Both in warmer and colder climates, microfiber reigns supreme. 

Due to its incredibly fine fibers, microfiber creates a denser network of air pockets. These air pockets act as natural insulators, trapping body heat and keeping you warm.

On the other hand, regular polyester fabrics can vary in warmth depending on their thickness and weave. Thicker weaves offer better insulation, but can also feel bulky, rough, and has that synthetic feel to it. However in warmer climates, regular polyester fibers will feel stuffy.

5. Water resistant properties

Polyester fabric is water resistant and will wick away sweat. It does not absorb water, but instead moisture will stay on its surface and evaporate. This is why polyester is popularly used as sports clothing material. 

On the other hand, microfiber is more absorbent. And since microfiber products are positively charged, they are able to attract negatively charged dirt and grease, which is why they’re so widely used as cleaning cloths. 

6. Durability

Both polyester and microfiber are easy to care for. Just make sure to not wash and dry them in high temperatures as that will damage the fabric. They are shrink-resistant so it is safe to wash them at normal temperatures.

 

Microfiber isn't quite the same as polyester, though both offer advantages depending on the use.  Polyester's rough and resilient nature makes it ideal for products like nets, while microfiber is the clear winner when it comes to comfort.

Microfiber is engineered for a whole new level of performance and experience. Microfiber takes the basic structure of polyester and refines it to create something truly special.

In terms of comfort and breathability, polyester has that synthetic feel that makes it a bit uncomfortable to be used for extended periods of time. 

While microfiber, due to its finer fibers and hence better breathability, is more absorbent, breathable, and softer to the touch, which makes it the better choice for blankets and bath robes.

So who’s going to be the winner between polyester and microfiber? That truly depends on what you’re looking to use them for. Some people will prize comfort and breathability over durability, and vice versa for some. 

Touch of God bathrobes and throw blankets are crafted from high-quality Touch of God® microfiber made in Taiwan using advanced Japanese technology. 

Our soft bathrobes and throw blankets are the perfect companions for your relaxation time. They're cool and breathable, making them ideal for snuggling in on warmer days. Yet, they're also warm enough to keep you cozy on cooler days. Treat yourself to the best of both worlds with our luxurious, versatile essentials.

Explore our collection of bathrobes and throw blankets today, and discover the difference yourself!