Cotton vs Polyester

What’s the difference, and which keeps you cooler in the summer?

It’s a good question, as keeping yourself and your workers cool is definitely something to start thinking about now, before the heat kicks in!

Garments made with either 100% cotton or 100% polyester have very different properties. Depending on your environment and activity, one will be likely be more suitable than the other. There are pros and cons for either fabric, but the main debate is between moisture wicking and breathability:

Polyester:
✔️Moisture Wicking – meaning the fabric is non-absorbent and the fibres actively pull moisture and sweat away from your body and channel them to the outside to be evaporated. (Known as capillary action!)
✔️Leaves you dry.
✔️Strong, durable and lightweight.
✔️Doesn’t shrink or wrinkle
❌Less breathable
❌Synthetic feel
❌May irritate skin

Cotton:
✔️Breathable – means the fabric allows air to passively escape through the material, keeping your body cooler.
✔️Very lightweight.
✔️Greater comfort and hypoallergenic (produce fewer allergic reactions).
✔️Soft
✔️Breathable
❌Prone to shrinkage & wrinkles
❌Slow to dry
❌Prone to damage & stains

So does this mean that both fabrics are great to wear to keep cool in the summer?

Well yes, but for different reasons.

❌Cotton is effectively the opposite of moisture wicking. It will absorb sweat and moisture, becoming completely saturated and then taking ages to dry.

✅Wear cotton for non-physical activities, but definitely choose a moisture wicking polyester material for your workers – it will last longer as well since it is more durable!

Top Tip:

Workwear garments are most often made from a mixed fabric, called poly-cotton. This is most common a blend of 65/35, but also can be found as 50/50. These blends give a good mix between durability, affordability and feel, and offers the best of both fabrics. However, it may not be as comfortable as 100% cotton in hot weather.