Polyester Fabric

About

Shop polyester fabric by the yard, including satins, chiffons, crepes, knits, and more, from an importer in NYC’s Garment District. Zelouf Fabrics is a third-generation fabric wholesaler and go-to source for fashion designers, dressmakers, event planners, and home sewers worldwide. What Is Polyester Fabric? Material Properties and Fiber Composition Polyester fabric is a synthetic textile made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer derived from petroleum and produced through a melt-spinning process that draws continuous filament yarns or cut staple fibers. Those filaments are then woven or knitted into the finished cloth, which is why the same base fiber can produce constructions as different as a crisp organza and a fluid charmeuse satin. As a synthetic fiber, polyester accounts for more than half of global fiber production, and its dominance comes down to a specific set of physical properties. The fiber has high tensile strength relative to its weight, resists wrinkling without chemical treatment, and is inherently hydrophobic, meaning it does not absorb moisture but can be engineered with moisture-wicking finishes for activewear applications. Colorfastness is a consistent advantage: polyester accepts disperse dyes under heat and pressure, and the color bonds at a molecular level rather than sitting on the surface, which translates to wash-after-wash stability. UV resistance is similarly strong compared to natural fibers, making polyester a practical choice for event draping, costume work, and garments that see repeated light exposure. The fiber is also thermoplastic, meaning heat can permanently set pleats, creases, and embossed textures, a property exploited in pleated chiffons, heat-set velvets, and structured taffetas. Microfiber polyester, where filaments are drawn to less than one denier in diameter, produces an exceptionally soft hand that rivals natural fibers at a fraction of the cost. Recycled polyester (rPET), made from post-consu