Every time the colder winter months come around, I start thinking about my options for staying warm. Sure, I could dig out the heavy winter coats and fuzzy sweaters but sometimes you just want to look a bit more stylish.
Sometimes you just want fabrics that will keep you warm without being too bulky or uncomfortable to wear.
Polyester is a great fabric option for retaining heat. It’s lightweight and durable, and it traps body heat inside. So you get the warmth you need without having to look like a snowman while doing it!
Plus, polyester is perfect for layering. You can add more layers on top of each other – again trapping that precious body heat – making it a great option for staying warm in the winter months.
Let’s take a closer look at why polyester is so great for retaining heat.
Why Polyester?
I’ve found polyester to be a great choice because it can keep you warm but also lets your body breathe. It’s a synthetic material, so it doesn’t absorb moisture as cotton would. This means it can keep you both warm and dry – perfect for those colder days when temperatures dip.
It’s an inexpensive option as well – so if you’re on a budget, this is definitely something worth considering.
Polyester is obviously a lightweight option and, unlike some other fabrics that require special cleaning or delicate handling, polyester is easy to take care of. Just throw it in the washing machine and you’re good to go.
Polyester also has excellent water-repellency properties, which makes it perfect for winter wear since you don’t have to worry about getting wet from light rain showers.
Does Polyester Shrink in Heat?
Polyester is a man-made fabric that contains polymer chains that tend to hold their form and shape. This means that polyester won’t shrink when exposed to heat as some other fabrics do.
The polymer chains resist shrinking when exposed to heat, allowing you to wash or dry your clothes with hot water or use a hot iron without fear of it shrinking.
With that said though, if you expose your polyester fabric to too much heat or leave it soaked for too long, there is a chance that it will shrink.
To make sure that your polyester garments remain wrinkle-free and intact after washing, follow these three tips:
1) Avoid Soaking the Fabric in Hot Water
If you leave your polyester clothing soaking in hot water for too long, the heat may cause it to shrink. To prevent this from happening, avoid soaking fabrics made of polyester in water for more than 20 minutes at a time.
2) Wash with Lukewarm Water
When machine washing garments made of polyester, always use lukewarm water as the higher temperature can cause shrinkage over time.
Also, remember to read the care label before you begin – some fabrics need to be washed in cold water or hung to dry.
3) Avoid Over-Drying the Fabric
If you plan on using a clothes dryer, remember not to dry your polyester clothing for too long. The heat from the dryer can shrink your garments and make them look wrinkly. Instead, take them out of the dryer when they are still slightly damp, and then hang them up to air-dry.
4) Avoid Overheating Your Iron
Ironing polyester should be done using an iron set at low or medium temperature settings. Whatever you do, never use the highest setting on your iron as this could damage it and cause it to shrink in places.
You should also make sure that all wrinkles have been removed before turning off the iron so that they don’t reappear after cooling down.
What To Look For When Buying Polyester
When buying polyester clothing, it’s important to make sure that they are made of high-quality material. This will ensure that your garments retain their shape, even after washing and drying.
It’s also a good idea to check the care label before buying – this way you’ll know what to expect in terms of washing and drying requirements.
Final Thoughts
Polyester is a great option for staying warm and comfortable, without having to worry about the fabric shrinking when exposed to heat.
It’s also wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for so you don’t have too much hassle when getting ready each morning.
To ensure that your garments retain their shape and size while avoiding any permanent damage caused by excessive heat, always follow the instructions on the care label before washing or ironing them, and avoid setting your iron at high temperatures when pressing them.
Knowing how heat affects polyester fabrics can help keep your fabrics looking great for longer.
