Choosing cotton vs. polyester may seem daunting at first, especially because the two materials are quite similar at first glance. Both cotton and polyester are extremely popular and widely used around the world today in clothing, bedding, and more. However, each comes with its own unique properties, pros, and cons. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of cotton vs. polyester so that you can better understand the similarities and differences between the two fabrics.

In This Guide:

What is cotton?
What is polyester?
Cotton vs. polyester products

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What Is Cotton?

Cotton is a naturally occurring fiber that is harvested from plants. It has been around for hundreds of years, and remains as popular as ever. Cotton is the most widely used textile fiber to date, as it can be spun to create an impressive array of products
including but not limited to: clothing, bathmats, towels, and bedding. Different cotton fabrics can be made from a variety of cotton plants, allowing for the manufacturing of a range of cotton fabrics such as fleece, velvet, flannel, toweling, and chenille. Cotton fabric is most commonly used on its own when creating products, though there are many blends available. Although cotton is a sustainable and biodegradable resource, it is both the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world and is extremely water-intensive to produce.

What Is Polyester?

The same way there are different types of cotton products, so are there variations in polyester. The most commonly known blended variant is called microfiber which is mainly used for its absorbency.

Polyester: Polyester was created in the 1940s. It is a synthetic material derived from a chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water. There are three major types of polyester, the most well-known being microfiber, which has become extremely popular particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. Polyester is used in rugs, drapes, decorative pillows, and bedding, as well as a variety of additional home furnishings. Due to its chemical makeup, polyester is extremely durable. It is possible to create polyester products with superior water, wind, and environmental resistance, making them ideal for outdoor use. Though some forms of polyester are biodegradable, most are not, making it less environmentally friendly than cotton.

Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that is most commonly composed of just polyester, but can also contain various other types of polyamides such as nylon. As the name suggests, the fibers are split into extremely fine strands that are stain-resistant and able to dry quickly. Microfiber is soft, durable, and absorbent. Microfiber is frequently used for clothing, upholstery, and cleaning products.

Cotton vs. Polyester Products

Cotton & Polyester materials both have their own sets of pros and cons. Though they can both be used for many products, there are cases where one is better than the other, based on cost, wear, or feel. It's worthwhile to note that products used in wet situations are more commonly composed of microfiber rather than polyester on its own.

Bedding

The right type of bedding is important for a restful night's sleep. Both cotton and polyester have a wide range of affordable bedding options, making them both easily accessible and available.

Cotton: Cotton is the top-selling fabric for bed sheets. As a naturally occurring fiber, cotton is soft and breathable, which is ideal for those who get hot during the night. Its moisture-wicking properties are good for warmer months or hot, humid climates.

Cotton's strength is moderate to above average, though the natural fibers in cotton do become softer with age. At the same time, cotton fibers break down over time, which makes it less ideal for constant laundering.

If you have sensitive skin, you can opt for 100% cotton – manufactured without the use of pesticides, insecticides, and chemicals, it is hypoallergenic. Cotton is machine washable and releases stains once wet. High-end cotton sheets, usually Egyptian cotton, have a softer, silkier feel with its higher thread count.

Polyester: Microfiber is the form of polyester most commonly used in sheets. It is not naturally breathable, which is less than ideal for those who get hot at night. Polyester is hydrophobic, meaning it can't absorb perspiration or fluids, which can result in you feeling clammy at night.

Polyester is lightweight and feels smooth, cool, and soft to touch. There are even some high-quality options available that have the look and feel of silk. Polyester is more wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, and long-lasting than cotton. It is highly durable, easy to launder, and holds up well to repeated washing, making it great for heavy-use settings (such as hotel accommodations or larger households) as it won't rip or tear easily from daily use.

Due to the fact that polyester is less absorbent, it is more stain-resistant; however, it is susceptible to oil-based stains and may hold onto odors. Polyester is more likely to get runs and pulls and pill over time, though there are many polyester products created to combat these particular problems.

Rugs

Rugs are a great way to bring visual intrigue to your home, while making the floor softer and warmer underfoot. For more on how to choose rug fabrics, read our guide: How to Choose the Best Rug Material

Cotton: Cotton is an affordable rug material that holds onto dye easily. Though cotton rugs are easy to wash without damaging them, they are absorbent and hold onto stains, which is not ideal for locations where spills often occur. Cotton rugs look luxurious and feel soft underfoot, but they do not wear well over time. For this reason, it is better to keep cotton rugs in bedrooms and other low-traffic areas where daily wear and tear will be minimal.

Polyester: It is common to find polyester rugs that mimic the appearance and softness of natural fibers. Polyester rugs are affordable, easy to clean, and family-friendly due to their durability. They work well in more traffic-heavy areas such as hallways, lounges, and kitchens. Polyester rugs don't absorb stains or spills easily, making them ideal for spill-prone families and locations. As an added bonus, it is possible to find polyester rugs suitable for outdoor usage. Not only will you get the added aesthetic appeal of an outdoor rug, but you will also get an additional spot to relax away from dirt or grass.

Bath Mats

Bath mats serve to keep water off the floor after you step out of the bath or shower. They also help to add a soft feel to an otherwise hard and cold floor. For this reason, bath mats should be both absorbent and easy to clean.

Cotton: Cotton bath mats have a high absorption capacity and can air dry quickly, two especially important features in the bathroom. Stepping onto a cotton bath mat can help to prevent accidents due to its anti-slip surface. Cotton bath mats come in a range of thicknesses, all of which can provide a softer and warmer space to stand instead of the bare floor. For convenience and hygiene, cotton bath mats are usually machine washable. Do note that they will start to wear if they are constantly wet.

Polyester: Since the primary function of a bathmat is water absorption, microfiber is the more commonly used polyester-based material in these products. Often, when a bath mat is listed as polyester, it is in fact microfiber. Microfiber bath mats are easy to wash and dry quickly, though they offer a low absorption rate. These bath mats are highly durable, an especially desirable quality if your bathroom is a high-traffic area. Polyester bath mats are usually machine washable, though it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions first.

Towels

Whether you are drying off after a bath, a shower, or a swim, your towel should absorb the majority of water on your body while still feeling comfortable on your skin. Towels in your bathroom can also be coordinated with your bath mats for a more cohesive look.

Cotton: Cotton towels are some of the most popular choices due to their affordable price tag. Though more luxurious and costly forms of cotton towels are available (Egyptian cotton being the most common), even the most budget-friendly cotton towels are still made from good-quality cotton. Cotton towels are easy to wash, usually without any special care instructions (though it is always best to check). That being said, it is possible for cotton towels to shrink in the wash. Cotton towels provide ample plushness and softness, with the hypoallergenic benefits of pure 100% cotton. Unfortunately cotton towels can wear more quickly than polyester towels. They are also heavier when wet, usually with a longer drying time.

Polyester: Even though they are listed as polyester, most towels are made from microfiber due to its high absorbency. Microfiber towels are soft and lightweight, which is especially useful if you're carrying them to the beach or pool. Once you have used your microfiber towel, it is possible to wring it out so it's dry enough for a second use. These towels are durable and long-lasting, which is especially useful for large families who need to regularly wash their towels. Microfiber towels are quick-drying, which can prevent mildew and keep your towels looking good for a long time. Though they are soft, some of the synthetic properties in microfiber towels can trigger skin allergies in those with sensitive skin.

It doesn't always have to be a battle between cotton vs. polyester. Though both are great options individually, keep an eye out for blends that produce fabric with properties that cannot be achieved with just one or the other.