Key Difference – Polyester vs Silk
The main distinction between polyester and silk lies in their origins; polyester is an artificially manufactured fiber, while silk is obtained from silkworms. As a result, polyester is a synthetic fiber, while silk is a natural fiber.
What is Polyester?
Polyester is a synthetic fiber used to create fabrics. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain compared to natural fibers. Polyester fiber is elastic, so it does not wear and tear easily. Polyester fabrics can be washed regularly, even with harsh detergents. However, the fabric is not as soft as those made from natural fibers and does not drape well. Garments made from polyester fabric are ideal for hard physical labor or outdoor activities.
Polyester fabric is also strong, durable, and resistant to wrinkles and creases. However, it tends to stick to the skin when wet, making it unsuitable for warm weather where people perspire a lot. Polyester is more appropriate for colder weather conditions because it can retain heat and keep the wearer warm. Polyester is often blended with other materials, such as cotton or linen, to maximize the advantages of both fabrics.
What is Silk?
Silk is a natural fiber obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. These silk fibers are woven into clothes, with various types of fabrics made from silk fiber, including chiffon, crepe de chine, taffeta, charmeuse, tussah, and habutai. Silk is often used for formal clothes, dresses, shirts, ties, blouses, pajamas, dress suits, lingerie, and Eastern traditional dresses. It can also be used as bedding, upholstery, and wall hangings.
Silk is one of the strongest natural fibers used in the textile industry, but it loses some of its strength when wet. Silk fabrics may also become weak if exposed to too much sunlight. They have moderate to poor elasticity, which results in the fabric stretching even if a small force is applied. The texture of silk is soft and very smooth, but not slippery like many artificial fabrics. The shimmer of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure in the silk fiber.
What is the difference between Polyester and Silk?
Type of Fiber:
– Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber.
– Silk: Silk is a natural fiber.
Wrinkles and Creases:
– Polyester: Polyester is resistant to wrinkles and creases.
– Silk: Silk tends to get wrinkles and creases easily since it is a natural fiber.
Texture:
– Polyester: Polyester is not soft or smooth as silk.
– Silk: Silk is very smooth and soft and has a shine.
Maintenance:
– Polyester: Polyester does not need to be maintained carefully.
– Silk: Silk should be maintained carefully.
