Polycotton is likely one of the most widely used materials for apparel production and other purposes. The exact year and the inventor are unknown. The textile industry contributed to the development of polycotton in the early 1950s. Since then, the production of polycotton has increased, and it has become one of the most widely used fabrics for apparel today.
When Was Polycotton Invented?
Polycotton (also referred to as poly cotton or poly-cotton) represents a blend of polyester and cotton fibers.
The polyester fabric was invented in 1941, as is well known. Terylene, the first commercial polyester fabric, was created in 1941 by a group of British scientists.
Cotton was the most popular fiber of the 20th century due to the economics of production, distribution, and manufacture, as well as the structural and physical qualities of cotton. It first appeared on Western markets as pricey fabric, but by the end of the 19th century, it had become a more common and less expensive. It is the most important non-food crop in the world and has been utilized for a very long period. The oldest fragments of cotton fabric discovered in Mexico date back to 5000 B.C.
Blending fabrics is an old practice. There is no definite date for the invention of polycotton, as the method of blending fibers is not as innovative as the actual invention of new fiber. Garment manufacturers adopted invented synthetic fibers quickly, and used blends of different fibers for optimal properties.
In the 1970s, the term “polycotton” was employed. However, polyester cotton blends came into their own in the 1950s as textile factories began using more of these fabrics instead of 100% cotton. Polyester was regarded as giving one a “cheap” appearance and had a number of undesirable characteristics, so polyester made clothing was not particularly fashionable. This resulted in the creation and expansion of polycotton as a means of attaining a better level of quality.
In the 1980s, when the practice of blending various fibers became prevalent, polycotton’s popularity began to increase considerably. Since the time of polyester invention, polyester, and polycotton also evolved, with improvements in appearance and performance.
Polycotton is a very versatile fabric that can be used for different purposes, clothing, upholstery, rugs, curtains, bed linen, and home décor in general. Polycotton fabric can be woven or knitted. It is becoming increasingly popular in the clothing sector.
Polycotton Expansion
Polycotton is gaining popularity in the fashion and textile industries, although it may not be the ideal option for warm weather or sensitive skin.
Polycotton is made by blending polyester and cotton fibers to create a single yarn.
Like with any other textile blend, the qualities of polycotton depend on the precise ratio of cotton to polyester, as well as the fabric’s construction, fiber and yarn quality, and applied finishes.
Polycotton can be, and it is being used for every piece of clothing: shirts, skirts, socks (although some elastic fibers like spandex are also added in the blend), underwear, jackets, gym clothes, or sportswear in general.
The following are the primary reasons for the prevalence of polycotton in the fashion industry:
- Price. Even though cotton and polyester have low base prices, it is important in the textile industry to make sure the product is of a certain quality. Blends are the most affordable way to get some quality. So, achieving a balance of economy and good physical properties is easier, since manufacturers can combine cheaper fibers with different properties to get better results. Therefore, the polycotton blend is usually more affordable than cotton or polyester.
- Textile demand. Global demand for textiles is steadily increasing due to the growth of the global population and the fast fashion phenomenon. Polycotton properties offer relatively acceptable quality and a good appearance for a small price. Demand for cotton is outpacing available supply, and this is why polycotton blends are also more convenient for manufacturers than 100% cotton. So finding 100% cotton clothes or socks, for example, is more challenging since it is more and more common to find at least some amount of polyester or other man-made fibers in most clothing items.
- Availability. Polyester and cotton are the two most produced fibers globally.
Polycotton for Clothing: General Properties
Here are some general, positive sides that make polycotton a popular choice:
- It does not shrink like cotton.
- Wrinkle-resistant.
- More durable than 100% cotton.
- Dries faster than 100% cotton.
- Colors do not fade as 100% cotton.
- It is easier to clean stains.
- Unlike 100% cotton, polycotton does not absorb much moisture. Polycotton, on the other hand, is not normally water-repellent, or waterproof. It is possible to achieve this by using specific finishes or products.
- Polycotton is typically inexpensive (except in designer apparel), so it is not regarded as an expensive fabric.
The negative sides of polycotton:
- Just like pure polyester can irritate the skin, so too can polycotton, especially at higher polyester percentages.
- Polyester, like other synthetic fibers, can make you feel hot because it doesn’t allow air to circulate easily, keeping your body heat confined. Therefore, the polycotton blend is typically less breathable than the 100% cotton alternative.
- Cotton-polyester blends are considered to be relatively easily flammable.
- Like polyester, polycotton sheds microplastics.
- More odors can be retained in polycotton than in 100% cotton.
When it comes to polycotton blend stretchability, fibers of polyester or cotton are not considered to be stretchy (like Spandex for example). However, polycotton can be made to be scratchy. This depends on the exact fabric construction, and not on fabric composition. Knitted fabrics in general stretch more than woven ones.
Which is Better for Clothing: Cotton or Polycotton?
Polycotton (except in the case of specially designed sportswear) is not the first fabric of choice for summer, since it can feel hotter than 100% cotton or other natural fabrics like linen, which are more suited for warm weather. If you have sensitive skin, you should also stay away from underwear and other close-fitting clothes made from polycotton.
Polycotton can be made with better breathability, by changing the weave and the cross-section of the fiber, or other techniques, but you will not know how some fabric feels until you try it. Sportswear is a safer option since the well-known brands pay particular attention to material behavior during exercise, and polycotton does dry faster which is a desirable trait in sports.
Polycotton can be a good option for cooler weather, for example for jackets and sweaters. Again, the exact warmness of these items depends on factors like fabric construction, and the blend ratio. Jackets made from polycotton, without proper padding are more suitable for spring or autumn.
Therefore this is all relative, it depends on a lot of factors, including your needs, the type of clothes, the fabric construction, fiber or yarn quality and exact composition. It cannot be just said that polycotton is good or bad in general, or that certain percentages of cotton and polyester in the blend are good.
For example, if you do not have sensitive skin, you can have a polycotton summer dress with a higher polyester content for a special occasion because you will be wearing it at night or for a limited amount of time. Polycotton dress color will not fade as 100% cotton, and it might have a slight shine compared to 100% cotton, which is a good option for special occasions. On the other hand, you might avoid polycotton casual dress for summer, when you want to feel completely comfortable.
When it comes to cooler weather, polycotton is an okay option for example for sweaters, especially if you wear a 100% cotton or another natural material undershirt.
Conclusion
In the 1950s textile factories began using polycotton fabrics instead of 100% cotton. Polycotton is now one of the most widely used materials for clothing and other applications. As with any other fabric, it is not appropriate for every piece of clothing. However, it is now widely used for almost all purposes. It is popular among manufacturers due to lower production costs, increased demand for textiles, and the availability of polyester and cotton fibers.