Polyester and cotton are two of the most widely used fabrics today. But do you know why they are so popular?

　　Polyester is the most widely used fiber in the world today and has seen the fastest growth in demand among other fibers since 1980, accounting for approximately 73% of total fiber demand growth. It can be found in sportswear, technical textiles, belts, tarps, curtains, fabrics, upholstery, carpets, tire cords, ropes, netting, and more. A synthetic fiber made primarily from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester is used in pants, chassis layers, mid-layers, and other garments.

　　Cotton is a short fiber produced from the cotton plant. Fibers have a flat, twisted, ribbon-like appearance. Cotton plants grow best in subtropical countries with warm, humid climates, as the plant needs 6-7 months of warm weather. Cotton is the purest form of cellulose in nature, as cotton fibers typically contain about 94% cellulose. Cotton fibers are usually creamy white or yellowish in color, but can vary from almost pure white to dirty grays, greens, and dark browns. In general, naturally colored cotton that doesn't need to be dyed is highly valued because it requires little maintenance or watering after planting (no fertilizer required) and is more resistant to insects and diseases (no pesticides are required).

　　Polyester is lighter, cheaper, and more durable than cotton, and twists and bends more easily (easier to process). Additionally, polyester can be cut to any fiber length and can be made in very different finenesses. All these properties make it ideal for a variety of sports and demanding outdoor activities.