Polyester-cotton material is a blend of both fabrics, with a ratio in the vicinity of 35 percent polyester and 65 percent cotton, although 50-50 blends are also readily available. When the two materials are blended, the wearer gets the benefits of both polyester and cotton fibers in one fabric.

Polyester is sometimes referred to as the poor man’s cotton, notes the Portland Tribune website. It isn’t as comfortable as cotton because it keeps sweat close to your body, whereas cotton soaks up and then releases moisture. Unlike cotton, polyester does not breathe and is apt to stick to skin when an individual sweats, but it is extremely tear-resistant and is more elastic than cotton. Polyester is a strong and flexible material and extends the wear of cotton. Manmade fabrics, such as polyester, don’t allow air to ventilate as well as cotton does, and this characteristic allows fungi to thrive if polyester is worn close to the body for long periods of time. An advantage of polyester is that it is not reliant on nature to grow, and it is cheaper than cotton.

The benefits of cotton are that it is breathable, which means it is a good material to wear when it’s hot. However, cotton will wear out and rip, particularly if it is 100 percent cotton. Cotton canvas won’t rip as easily, but it is heavy. Natural fibers, such as cotton, are more expensive than synthetic (polyester) materials. Cotton burns, whereas polyester melts. Cotton is hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause allergies or irritate skin. It is soft and long-lasting if cared for. It is easily blended with polyester or other synthetics and can be treated so that it is heat-resistant. Cotton is also easily dyed because of its absorbency properties. Cotton is a natural product, and therefore doesn’t contain any chemicals. Because cotton has a naturally textured surface, it is good for cleaning and can be sterilized. Cotton doesn’t irritate the skin, because it is supple; but it is not as durable as polyester, which is unyielding. Cotton canvas is far more abrasion-resistant than polyester.

When combining polyester with cotton, the result is a stronger material, which is durable and affordable. Cotton combined with polyester is less prone to pilling and static.Today’s poly-cotton blends are softer than their predecessors. This type of fabric keeps it shape and color longer, and it doesn’t shrink. Blended products are usually less expensive and last longer than cotton, according to TMS Promotional Wear and Products.