Polycotton is a blend of cotton and polyester fibers that is widely used in the textiles, apparel, and fabrics industry. It is a versatile fabric that offers the best of both worlds, but it also has its disadvantages.
- Not as breathable as 100% cotton
- Polycotton is not as breathable as 100% cotton, which means it may not be ideal for really hot weather.
- It can trap heat and moisture, making it uncomfortable to wear in warm temperatures.
- If you live in a hot climate, you may want to opt for 100% cotton clothing instead of polycotton.
- Not as absorbent as 100% cotton
- Polycotton is not as absorbent as 100% cotton, which means it may not be the best fabric for towels or other items that need to absorb moisture.
- If you are looking for a fabric that is highly absorbent, you may want to consider 100% cotton or other natural fibers.
- Not as durable as synthetic fabrics
- While polycotton is more durable than 100% cotton, it is not as durable as synthetic fabrics like polyester.
- It may not hold up as well in high-wear areas like the knees or elbows of clothing.
- If you are looking for a fabric that is highly durable, you may want to consider synthetic fabrics instead of polycotton.
Disadvantages of Polycotton
While it has its advantages, such as affordability and durability, there are some notable disadvantages that you should be aware of before purchasing polycotton clothing or fabrics.
Shrinkage
Polycotton fabrics are prone to shrinking after washing and drying. To avoid shrinkage, it is recommended to wash polycotton fabrics in cold water and hang them to dry.
Less Breathable
Polycotton fabrics are not as breathable as 100% cotton fabrics. This means that they may not be the best choice for hot weather or outdoor activities where sweat and moisture need to be wicked away from the skin. Polycotton fabrics can also trap odors and stains more easily than natural cotton fabrics.
Not as Durable
Over time, polycotton fabrics may pill, fade, or develop holes more easily than natural cotton fabrics.
Less Comfortable
Polycotton fabrics may not have the same absorbency or moisture-wicking properties as natural cotton fabrics.
Static Buildup
Polycotton fabrics can be prone to static buildup, especially in dry conditions or after being washed. This can be a nuisance when wearing or handling the fabric, as it can cause clothes to cling or attract dust and debris.
In summary, while polycotton fabrics have their advantages, it’s important to be aware of their potential drawbacks before making a purchase. By understanding the limitations of polycotton, you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right fabric for your needs.
Shrinkage
However, one of the disadvantages of polycotton is shrinkage. Here are some things you need to know about shrinkage with polycotton:
- Cotton-polyester blends are known to shrink less than 100% cotton fabrics.
- The blend of 90% cotton and 10% polyester is especially prone to shrinkage, and the fabric can lose up to 3% – 6% when washed and dried.
- The amount of shrinkage depends on the quality of the fabric, the manufacturing process, and the care instructions on the label.
- To avoid shrinkage, you should always follow the care instructions on the label.
- Wash polycotton in cold or warm water.
- Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the fabric to shrink.
- Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
- Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fabric and cause it to shrink.
- Hang dry polycotton to prevent shrinkage, or tumble dry on low heat.
However, with proper care and maintenance, you can prevent shrinkage and extend the life of your polycotton garments.
Less Breathable
When it comes to breathability, polycotton falls short compared to 100% cotton. Here are a few reasons why:
- Not as breathable as cotton fibers: Polycotton is a blend of synthetic and cotton fibers, and while it does have some breathability, it falls short of 100% cotton. This means that it can feel stuffy and uncomfortable in hot weather, as it doesn’t allow air to circulate as well as cotton.
- Traps moisture: Polycotton is less absorbent than cotton, which means that it doesn’t wick moisture away from the skin as effectively. This can lead to a feeling of dampness and discomfort, especially in hot weather.
- Not ideal for athletic wear: If you’re planning on working up a sweat, polycotton may not be the best choice. Its lack of breathability and moisture-wicking properties can make it feel uncomfortable during intense physical activity.
Overall, while polycotton does have some advantages, its lack of breathability can be a significant drawback. If you’re looking for a fabric that will keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather, 100% cotton is likely a better choice.
Not as Durable
Here are some of the reasons why:
- Synthetic fibers: Polycotton is made by blending polyester and cotton fibers. While polyester is known for its strength and durability, cotton fibers are weaker and more prone to wear and tear. This means that polycotton fabrics are not as durable as pure polyester fabrics.
- Abrasion-resistant: Polycotton is not as abrasion-resistant as other fabrics, which means that it may start to pill or fray after repeated use. This can be a problem, especially for apparel manufacturing, where garments need to withstand frequent washing and wear.
- Chemicals: Polycotton fabrics are often treated with chemicals to improve their properties, such as wrinkle-resistance. However, these chemicals can weaken the fibers over time, leading to faster wear and tear.
- Burns: Polycotton fabrics are not as flame-resistant as pure cotton fabrics. This means that they may melt or burn more easily, which can be a safety hazard in certain situations.
If you’re planning on using polycotton for apparel manufacturing or other applications where durability is important, it’s worth considering other options, such as pure polyester or cotton fabrics.
Less Comfortable
Here are some reasons why:
- Not as soft: Polycotton fabrics tend to be less soft than 100% cotton fabrics. This is because polyester fibers are stiffer and less pliable than cotton fibers. As a result, polycotton fabrics can feel rough and scratchy against the skin.
- Slippery: Polycotton fabrics can be slippery, which can make them less comfortable to wear. This is especially true for clothing items like shirts and dresses, which can slide around and bunch up on the body.
- Not as breathable: Polycotton fabrics are not as breathable as 100% cotton fabrics. This means that they do not allow air to circulate as well, which can make them feel hot and stuffy. This can be especially uncomfortable in warm weather or during physical activity.
- Synthetic feel: Polycotton fabrics can have a synthetic feel to them, which can make them less comfortable to wear. This is because polyester fibers do not have the same natural feel as cotton fibers.
If you prioritize comfort in your clothing or bedding, you may want to consider sticking with pure cotton fabrics.
Static Buildup
- Synthetic fibers: Polycotton fabrics contain synthetic fibers such as polyester, which are known to generate static electricity.
- Dry air: Static buildup is more likely to occur in dry air, which is common during the winter months.
- Friction: When polycotton fabrics rub against each other or other materials, it can create static electricity.
Problems that static buildup can cause:
- Damage to electronics: Static electricity can damage electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
- Attraction of dust: Static electricity can attract dust and other particles, making polycotton fabrics more difficult to clean.
- Uncomfortable clothing: Static buildup can cause clothing to cling to the body, making it uncomfortable to wear.
Tips to minimize static buildup in polycotton fabrics:
- Use fabric softener: Fabric softener can reduce static buildup in polycotton fabrics.
- Avoid over-drying: Over-drying polycotton fabrics can increase static buildup.
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can reduce static electricity.
- Use an anti-static spray: Anti-static sprays can help to reduce static buildup in polycotton fabrics.
