The primary distinction between rayon and polyester is that rayon tends to shrink, wrinkle, and tear similarly to natural fibers like cotton, while polyester is resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage. Rayon, considered a semi-synthetic fiber, is made from a natural raw material, while polyester is a synthetic fiber.
Key Takeaways
- Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, a natural raw material, while polyester is a synthetic fiber made from synthetic materials.
- Rayon is soft, comfortable, breathable, and moisture-absorbent, making it ideal for summer wear, while polyester is better suited for cold weather as it can keep the wearer warm.
- Rayon tends to shrink, wrinkle, and tear similarly to natural fibers like cotton, while polyester is more durable and resistant to wrinkles, tears, and shrinkage.
What is Rayon?
Rayon is the first manufactured fiber in the textile industry and is considered a semi-synthetic fiber, meaning it is neither natural nor synthetic. It is made of wood pulp, a natural raw material based on semi-cellulose, making it similar to fabrics such as cotton and linen, which are made of natural fiber. Rayon is soft, comfortable, breathable, and moisture-absorbent, making it the most absorbent of all cellulose fibers. This absorbent property makes it ideal for summer wear, and rayon fabrics also drape well. However, like other fabrics made of natural fibers, it also tends to wrinkle and tear. Various properties and characteristics of rayon depend on its processing, additives, and other factors. There are four major types of rayon fabrics: regular rayon, high wet modulus rayon, high tenacity modulus rayon, and Cuprammonium rayon. Rayon is sometimes blended with other fabrics to reduce different features such as cost, softness, luster, absorbency, etc.
What is Polyester?
Polyester is made of synthetic fiber and is a strong and durable fabric that is comparatively resistant to wrinkles. This fabric is not suited for warm weather since it has a tendency to stick to the skin once the wearer starts to perspire. However, it is suitable for cold weather since it can keep the wearer warm. Polyester fiber is also elastic, making it resistant to tear and wear. In addition, polyester fabric is not very soft nor does it drape well. However, it doesn’t need to be carefully maintained like cotton. Garments made from polyester can be washed constantly and treated with harsh detergents. They can be worn when doing recreational activities or heavy work due to their durability. When compared to fabrics made of natural fibers such as cotton and linen, polyester is very cheap. Polyester is blended with cotton to make polycotton, which has the advantages of both fibers.
What is the difference between Rayon and Polyester?
Type of Fiber:
Rayon: Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber.
Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber.
Climate:
Rayon: Rayon is worn in warm climates.
Polyester: Polyester is good for cold climates.
Shrinking, Wearing, and Tearing:
Rayon: Rayon has a tendency to shrink, wrinkle and tear just like natural fibers like cotton.
Polyester: Polyester is resistant to wrinkles, tears, and shrinkage; it is more durable than rayon.
Drape:
Rayon: Rayon drapes well.
Polyester: Polyester doesn’t drape well.
Wash:
Rayon: Rayon shrinks and stretches when washed.
Polyester: Polyester can be washed and worn.
Smoothness:
Rayon: Rayon fabric is very smooth.
Polyester: Polyester fabric is not very smooth.
