Fabrics Database - Cotton-polyester blends

Summaries for Cotton-polyester blends

Key: Centre (0) Bad        Outer (6) Good

Characteristics / options defined by the above graphs are proportionally represented and approximate, and are only intended as a guide. As such they do not represent any industry standards. Among other things, fabric construction and weight will influence the perceived ranking.

Data Sheet for Cotton-polyester blends

General

Natural & synthetic fibre blend. Cotton & polyester blends combine the best of the properties of both fibres to provide a fabric that has easy care qualities with the comfort afforded by the moisture absorption characteristics of cotton.

Available as:

Widely available. Widely available in a range blends and an equally wide range of fabric weights.

Colouration

Can be dyed a wide range of colours. The bleaching and dyeing characteristics of the two fibres do differ and it is likely that a combined programme will be required to achieve the colouration required. Neither fibre is difficult to process

Dimensional Stability

Very low shrinkage. The presence of polyester improves the already good performance of cotton

Resistance to pilling

Resistant to pilling. The presence of the polyester in the blend brings about an improvement to the pilling resistance

Moisture regain

Blend dependant. Will depend on the blend composition and be between the low levels attainable with polyester to the moderate levels for cotton, 2-12%

Care information

Easy care, warm wash, gentle iron. The easy care properties associate with polyester overcome the difficulties that can be attributed to cotton. As with many properties the overall performance will depend on the blend ratio. With the higher polyester concentrations the care becomes easier. High temperature laundering can be undertaken if required.

Applications

Wide range of applications. Cotton & polyester blends find applications in almost all areas associated with "image wear" in the corporate clothing sector. Lightweight fabrics are used in shirts/blouses and heavier weights can be used for skirts & trousers.

End of life Possibilities

Restricted because of blend. Being a blended yarn does impose some difficulties on the end of life opportunities. Separation of the fibres is one of the biggest barriers preventing either fibre from being recycled or remanufactured. Re use as a blended fabric is restrictive and the stable nature of polyester prevents the fabrics from going into composting.

Eco aspects

Cost scope (economic impact)

Common trade names

Alternatives

Specialists

Carrington Career & Workwear Ltd,
Market Street
Adlington Nr Chorley Lancashire
PR7 4HJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1257 476 850
Fax: +44 (0) 1257 476 863

 

Oakdene Hollins Limited, 2024 for the CRR Uniform Reuse Project www.uniformreuse.co.uk

Disclaimer

The rationale behind the study has been to provide a means whereby current and potential fibres/fabrics for use in the corporate clothing sector, can be compared. Any such comparison will be dependent on a multitude of factors that will influence the choice. Although application is the foremost factor that will be influencing the material selection, service life and cost will also play an important role.

The information contained within the following data sheets is an attempt to draw together some of the salient points that may be of interest at the specification and design stage without trying to be exhaustive.

De Montfort University produces these data on the fibres/fabric groups and blends on a non exhaustive basis. De Montfort University therefore makes no representation, express or implied that any of the fibres/fabric groups or blends will be unaffected by other treatments or processes. Users of these data must address the possibility of any health and safety issues that may arise personally.