Cotton and polyester are two of the most widely used textile fabrics in the world. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, but combining them creates a fabric that is ideal for heavy-duty wear and travel.

Blends, such as 50/50s and CVCs, combine cotton’s softness with polyester’s temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties. They also shrink less, wrinkle less and are more durable than 100% cotton fabrics.

Moisture-Wicking Properties

Moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to absorb and transport sweat away from the body. This is done using a process called capillary action, which transfers moisture through narrow gaps or pores in the fabric. The water is then pushed up against the skin where it can evaporate more easily.

Cellulosic fibres like cotton and linen tend to hang onto the moisture, which can make your clothes feel wet and heavy after a while. This is why they are often blended with hygroscopic polyesters for moisture-wicking properties.

Moisture-wicking polyester doesn’t absorb as much water as cotton, but it still does a great job of moving sweat off the skin. This means that you can get rid of the sticky, sweaty feeling without having to change your shirt or pants all the time. The blend also provides superior breathability when compared to 100% cotton fabric. This is ideal for people who lead active lifestyles and need their clothes to keep up with them.

Stain-Resistant Properties

Although cotton has a reputation for being cheap and not as popular in high fashion, it still remains the most successful natural fiber. Despite this, cotton has a few flaws. For one, it’s not as breathable as polyester so it can be more uncomfortable to wear in hot weather. Another drawback is that 100% cotton can easily rip and tear so it requires care in order to last long. 

In contrast, polyester has superior stain-resistant properties. This makes it a favorite for activewear and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, it is odor-resistant and can easily repel liquids. However, it requires fossil fuels in order to be produced so it is not a sustainable choice. In addition, it tends to melt if it comes into contact with direct flames.

Easy Care Properties

Cotton’s softness and breathability make it a great candidate for blending with man-made fibers that possess high strength, abrasion resistance, and wrinkle recovery. The resulting garments retain their crease for a longer duration and are less likely to shrink when washed.

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that's generally derived from petroleum. It's one of the most popular textiles worldwide and has hundreds of consumer applications. It can be made into various fabrics like t-shirts, dresses, and skirts. Manufacturers also use it to craft various homewares like towels and sheets.

Despite its popularity, polyester has a negative impact on the environment. It takes a lot of energy to harvest, manufacture, and clean this textile. It’s also not biodegradable and can take centuries to break down in the environment. This is why environmentally-conscious consumers tend to favor cotton over polyester. However, when you blend cotton with polyester, you get the best of both worlds. Polyester is not as breathable as cotton by itself and it sticks to the skin once perspiration starts.

Durability

Polyester has a good resistance to both moisture and odors, which makes it a popular fabric for high-performance clothing like hiking gear. Its durability, however, comes with a price: it uses a lot of water and energy in its production.

Moreover, it’s not as breathable as cotton, making it less desirable for working outdoors in hot environments. However, the breathable properties of cotton are still an asset when working indoors or in cooler environments.

Polyester Cotton Fabric are usually mixed together in a fabric mix to bring out the best of both materials. This can be done either in the fiber or yarn stage, with the latter giving a superior product but at a higher cost. Some of the most common blends are polyester-viscose (most joggers and dresses), polyester-wool, and polyester-elastane.