Is polyester a good fabric for swim shorts?
Yes. Polyester is strong, dries quickly, holds its colour well and hardly creases, which is why it is so widely used in swimwear and sportswear.
What is 100% polyester fabric?
It is a fabric made only from polyester, a synthetic fibre, with no cotton or elastane blended in. This plain weave weighs around 120g/m², light enough for summer clothing.
What is the difference between polyester and polyamide (nylon)?
Both are strong, synthetic, quick-drying fibres. Polyamide feels slightly softer, while polyester holds colour better, copes better with the sun and is usually cheaper.
Is polyester fabric stretchy?
Not much. This fabric has no elastane, so it has very little stretch. It is best for loose-fitting garments such as swim shorts and beach shorts, not for tight-fitting swimwear.
Does polyester shrink?
Hardly at all when washed at a low temperature. We recommend washing at 30°C and avoiding the tumble dryer.
Is polyester warm or cool to wear?
At around 120g/m² it is lightweight and dries fast, so it feels cool and comfortable for summer, the beach or the pool.
Is polyester fabric waterproof?
No, it is not waterproof, but it absorbs very little water and dries much faster than cotton, which makes it ideal for swim shorts.
Is polyester fabric breathable?
It is less breathable than natural fibres such as cotton, but this lightweight weave lets air through and dries quickly, so it stays comfortable in the water and in the sun.
What can I use this fabric for?
Men's and children's swim shorts and beach shorts, beachwear and sportswear, as well as bags, backpacks, caps and hats.
How much fabric do I need for swim shorts?
The fabric is 1.50 metres wide, so around 1 metre is usually enough for a pair of adult swim shorts and about half a metre for children's shorts. Always check the quantities on your sewing pattern.
How do I wash and iron polyester fabric?
Machine wash at 30°C without bleach and leave to air dry. If you need to iron it, use a low setting, as polyester is sensitive to heat.
Can you dye polyester fabric?
Polyester does not take standard household fabric dyes well. It needs special disperse dyes applied with heat, so we recommend choosing the colour you need from our range.
What is the minimum order?
The fabric is sold by the metre, cut to order from 1 metre, so you only buy the length you need.
Is there a discount for larger quantities?
Yes. The price per metre drops automatically from 10 metres and drops again from 20 metres, ideal for dressmakers and professional orders. For orders over 50 metres you can request a quote.
Can I order a sample before buying?
Yes. Free samples are available so you can check the colour and feel of the fabric before you order.
Where can I buy polyester fabric by the metre?
At Texland, our online fabric shop: we sell polyester fabric by the metre, cut to length from 1 metre, with free samples available.
