Polyester is a synthetic fabric produced chemically and it often has a chemical smell until laundered. It doesn’t breathe like natural fabrics and it is combustible. Polyester is washable and easy to care for, and a polyester-cotton blend is less wrinkly than 100% cotton. Clothing made of a cotton-poly blend is easily laundered and usually can be worn without ironing.

A cotton/poly blend is a great choice for garment construction, being both easy to sew and easy to care for afterward. The blend keeps its crisp, like-new appearance longer than pure cotton. Man-made fabrics like polyester tend to fray. To determine how much, examine the cut edge of the fabric. If the thread ends are not clinging close to the fabric, you can figure there will be some fraying. You can hold the fabric between your thumb and forefinger and scratch the edge to see how easily the fabric frays.