Polyester – what is this material and can it be printed on?

The beginning of polyester

Two British chemists, James Tennant Dickson and John Rex Whinfield, conducted intensive research into synthetic materials in the 1930s. In 1941, they patented polyester in the form of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibers. This new material quickly gained recognition for its unique properties. After the end of World War II, polyester began to be used on a massive scale in the textile industry and became one of the most popular synthetic materials in the world.

Polyester is a synthetic polymer. Its remarkable properties make it one of the most versatile materials.

Polyester properties
Polyester clothing – what else?
What kind of print can be made on polyester clothing?
To sum up: go ahead and print on polyester!

Polyester – what is this material and can it be printed on? - 225102 — *Printing on polyester is pressed into the structure of the T-shirt and is imperceptible to the touch.*

Properties of polyester

Durability: Polyester fabrics are resistant to stretching, abrasion and weathering, making them extremely durable.
Resistance to stains and creasing: Polyester is hygroscopic, meaning that it does not absorb water or moisture, making it difficult for stains to penetrate. This makes it easy to wash, plus it doesn’t require ironing.
Low breathability: Due to its structure, polyester does not allow air to pass through, which can be both an advantage (for example, in outerwear) and a disadvantage (for everyday clothing).
Quick drying: Polyester fibers dry instantly, making them ideal for sports and outdoor clothing.
Flexibility: Polyester can be blended with other fibers, such as cotton or elastane, giving it added flexibility and comfort.
Color intensity: Polyester fabrics do not fade even through years of use.

Polyester clothing – or something else?

In our industry, we encounter garments made of polyester or containing admixtures of polyester almost every day. Polyester, thanks to its properties, is used in many types of clothing and accessories that we can mark with various techniques, but about that in a moment.

Softshell jackets – these jackets are extremely durable and practical. They have gained popularity due to their high resistance to harsh weather conditions, such as rain, wind and cold. They are also lightweight and flexible, which makes them great for outdoor activities.
Sports shirts – in fact, most sportswear is made of polyester, due to its light weight, moisture-wicking ability and quick drying, which is crucial during intense activity.
Towels – polyester towels are lightweight, quick-drying and easy to wash. They are great for traveling or at the gym, where functionality and comfort are important. You can also often see towels that are made of two layers, one is polyester and the other is cotton. The polyester one is mainly used for labeling, and a multicolored print can be applied to it using the sublimation technique.
Bags, backpacks, kidneys – polyester is a popular material in the production of accessories such as bags, backpacks and kidneys. Thanks to its resistance to abrasion and external factors, these products are durable, lightweight and practical.
Workwear – polyester is often used in workwear because of its durability, abrasion resistance and ease of cleaning. These garments are not only durable, but also comfortable to wear.
Leggings – leggings made of polyester are flexible, conform to the figure and are resistant to stretching. This makes them comfortable for both exercise and everyday use.

Polyester – what is this material and can it be printed on? - 225060 — A road worker wearing an orange polyester jacket.

What kind of printing can be done on polyester clothing?

Sublimation – is one of the most common methods of printing on polyester clothing. This process involves transferring the dye directly to the fabric under the influence of high temperature, making the print an integral part of the fabric. Sublimation can be applied to entire bales of fabric, which are then cut on the cutting room floor and transferred to the sewing room to create complete sportswear or full-print shirts. Sublimation prints are durable, breathable and resistant to washing and abrasion.
Screenprinting – screen printing can also be used on polyester, but the key here is the use of a blocker, which is a special ink or additive that prevents the dye from migrating from the fabric. Without the use of a blocker, the dye from the fabric can penetrate into the ink of the print, resulting in a change in its color and a reduction in the quality of the end result. Screen printing is great for simpler projects and larger print runs, but requires high precision.
Flex film with blocker – flex film is another method of marking polyester garments, but here again it is crucial to use a film with a blocker to avoid dye migration. Professional flex film with blocker provides a durable print with intense colors that is resistant to damage and abrasion.
DTF (Direct to Film) digital printing – this printing technique works especially well on light-colored polyester fabrics. On darker fabrics there is a risk of dye migration, so it is recommended to add an additional layer of white primer to protect the print and achieve vivid colors. DTF printing is flexible, durable and resistant to cracking, making it ideal for complex projects.

In summary: go ahead and print on polyester!

There is nothing to fear when choosing polyester shirts or other garments made from this material. Polyester is an excellent marking fabric that works well with various printing techniques. Thanks to our years of experience in the industry, you can be sure that the prints on the garments will be durable, aesthetic and resistant to use. We guarantee that nothing disturbing will happen to them – from the first wash to the long time of use.