Is Acrylic The Same As Polyester? Key Differences Explained

These two synthetic fabrics dominate clothing racks worldwide, yet most shoppers can’t tell them apart. Acrylic and polyester are not the same — they differ significantly in composition, texture, performance, and ideal uses. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right fabric for your wardrobe, home décor, or craft projects.

What Makes Acrylic and Polyester Different

Both fabrics spring from petroleum-based chemistry, but their molecular stories diverge from the start. Polyester comes from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same polymer used in water bottles. Acrylic derives from polyacrylonitrile, making it chemically closer to plastic materials like plexiglass than to polyester.

The manufacturing processes tell separate tales. Polyester fibers emerge through a process called melt spinning, where molten polymer streams through tiny holes and solidifies into thread. Acrylic undergoes either wet or dry spinning, dissolving in solvents before transforming into fibers. This fundamental difference shapes everything from texture to durability.

Chemical Composition Breakdown

Texture and Feel: The Touch Test

Run your fingers across both fabrics and the contrast becomes immediately apparent. Polyester feels smooth, slick, and slightly cool against skin — almost like touching a whisper of silk. The fibers glide past each other with minimal friction, creating that characteristic synthetic sheen.

Acrylic mimics wool’s warmth and softness, deliberately engineered to replicate natural fiber comfort. Manufacturers originally developed acrylic as a wool substitute, and the resemblance succeeds remarkably well. The fabric feels fuzzy, warm, and inviting, lacking polyester’s clinical smoothness.

This tactile difference matters enormously for garment selection. Polyester suits athletic wear and professional attire where moisture management and crisp appearance reign supreme. Acrylic excels in sweaters, blankets, and cold-weather accessories where cozy warmth takes priority.

Performance Characteristics: Where Each Fabric Shines

Moisture Management

Polyester dominates moisture-wicking performance, pulling sweat away from skin and spreading it across the fabric surface for rapid evaporation. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts favor polyester for this very reason — the fabric keeps you relatively dry during intense physical activity.

Acrylic absorbs minimal moisture, but unlike polyester, it doesn’t actively wick perspiration. The fabric retains approximately 1-2% of its weight in water, compared to polyester’s meager 0.4%. This means acrylic garments take longer to dry after washing or sweating.

Durability and Longevity

Polyester’s superior strength makes it the workhorse of synthetic fabrics. Outdoor furniture, tents, and technical gear rely on polyester’s ability to withstand sun, rain, and constant use without degrading. The fabric resists stretching, shrinking, and wrinkling with stubborn persistence.

Acrylic’s Achilles heel appears as pilling — those annoying little fabric balls that form with friction and wear. While acrylic sweaters feel luxurious when new, repeated washing and wearing creates surface pills that diminish appearance. Polyester resists this frustrating phenomenon far more effectively.

Warmth and Insulation

Picture a winter morning when frost patterns decorate windows. Which fabric keeps you warmer? Acrylic traps heat more effectively than polyester, thanks to its bulkier fiber structure and air pockets between yarns. The fabric’s wool-like properties make it the go-to choice for winter sweaters, scarves, and thermal blankets.

Polyester provides less insulation by comparison. Its smooth, compact fibers allow more air circulation, making it better suited for transitional seasons or layering pieces. Some high-tech polyester fleeces challenge this rule through specialized manufacturing that creates air-trapping textures, but standard polyester fabrics remain cooler than acrylic.

Care and Maintenance: The Practical Reality

Washing and Drying Guidelines

Polyester practically takes care of itself — toss it in the washing machine, tumble dry on low, and it emerges looking nearly identical to how it entered. The fabric resists wrinkles, shrinkage, and color fading with remarkable consistency.

Acrylic demands slightly more attention. While machine washable, it benefits from gentle cycles, cool water, and air drying to prevent stretching and pilling. High heat transforms acrylic from soft to scratchy, so skip the hot dryer unless you enjoy crunchy sweaters.

Environmental Impact: The Sustainability Question

Both fabrics carry environmental baggage as petroleum-derived synthetics. Manufacturing acrylic and polyester consumes fossil fuels and releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate concerns that demand attention.

Polyester enjoys a recycling advantage that acrylic cannot match. PET bottles transform into polyester fabric through established recycling streams, giving the material a second life. Many brands now offer clothing made from recycled polyester (rPET), reducing virgin petroleum consumption by up to 59%.

Acrylic recycling remains technically challenging and economically impractical. The chemical structure that makes acrylic soft and wool-like also makes it difficult to break down and reprocess. Most acrylic garments end their lives in landfills, where they persist for 200+ years without meaningful decomposition.

Microplastic Shedding

Both fabrics release microplastic fibers during washing, contaminating waterways and potentially entering food chains. Studies suggest synthetic garments shed 700,000+ microfibers per wash cycle, with acrylic and polyester both contributing to this pollution. Installing washing machine filters or using dedicated microfiber-catching bags helps mitigate this environmental harm.

Cost Comparison: Budget Considerations

Acrylic typically costs less than polyester in raw material form, though finished garment prices depend heavily on manufacturing complexity and brand positioning. A basic acrylic sweater might retail for $20-40, while comparable polyester pieces range from $25-60.

The price gap narrows or reverses with specialized fabrics. High-performance polyester used in athletic wear or outdoor gear commands premium prices due to advanced moisture-wicking treatments and durability features. Similarly, luxury acrylic blends that resist pilling and maintain softness cost more than budget versions.

Best Uses for Each Fabric

Choose Polyester For:

• Athletic and activewear requiring moisture management
• Professional clothing needing crisp appearance and wrinkle resistance
• Outdoor gear demanding weather resistance and durability
• Curtains and upholstery exposed to sunlight
• Items requiring frequent washing and quick drying

Choose Acrylic For:

• Winter sweaters and cardigans providing wool-like warmth
• Blankets and throws for cozy comfort
• Baby clothes offering softness without wool allergies
• Affordable alternatives to expensive wool garments
• Craft projects like knitting and crocheting

Common Blends: When Fabrics Team Up

Fashion rarely deals in absolutes. Many garments blend acrylic and polyester together, combining acrylic’s softness with polyester’s durability. These hybrid fabrics attempt to capture the best of both worlds while minimizing individual weaknesses.

Other popular combinations include:

• Acrylic-wool blends reducing cost while maintaining warmth
• Polyester-cotton blends balancing breathability with easy care
• Acrylic-nylon blends improving strength and elasticity

Allergies and Skin Sensitivity

Neither fabric causes true allergic reactions like natural fibers occasionally trigger. However, skin irritation differs between the two. Polyester’s smooth surface generally proves less irritating than acrylic’s slightly rougher texture. Some people with sensitive skin report that acrylic causes itching or discomfort, particularly in cheaper versions with coarser fibers.

The finishes and dyes applied during manufacturing often cause more problems than the base fibers themselves. Formaldehyde resins used to prevent wrinkling in polyester or sizing chemicals in acrylic can irritate skin. Washing new garments before wearing helps remove these potential irritants.

Static Electricity: The Shock Factor

Both synthetics generate static electricity enthusiastically, clinging to skin and attracting lint like magnets. Dry winter conditions amplify this annoying property, turning garments into hair-raising experiences literally.

Polyester produces slightly more static than acrylic due to its smoother surface and tighter weave. Combat static by using fabric softener, anti-static spray, or dryer sheets. Natural fiber layering also helps — wear a cotton undershirt beneath polyester or acrylic to reduce static buildup against skin.

Key Takeaways

• Acrylic and polyester are chemically distinct synthetic fabrics with different properties, despite both originating from petroleum
• Polyester excels in durability, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance, making it ideal for athletic wear and professional clothing
• Acrylic mimics wool’s warmth and softness at lower cost, perfect for sweaters and cold-weather accessories
• Polyester can be recycled more easily than acrylic, offering better environmental options through rPET products
• Choose based on intended use: polyester for performance and easy care, acrylic for warmth and comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix acrylic and polyester fabrics when washing?

Yes, you can safely wash acrylic and polyester together since both tolerate similar water temperatures and cleaning conditions. Use cool to warm water and gentle detergent. However, separate dark colors from lights to prevent color transfer, and avoid mixing delicate knits with heavier items that might cause pilling through friction.

Which fabric shrinks more: acrylic or polyester?

Polyester resists shrinking almost completely, maintaining its size through repeated washing and drying. Acrylic can shrink moderately if exposed to hot water or high dryer heat, though significantly less than natural fibers like cotton or wool. Always follow care labels and use cool water with gentle cycles to minimize any acrylic shrinkage risk.

Is acrylic warmer than polyester for winter clothing?

Yes, acrylic provides better insulation than standard polyester due to its bulkier fiber structure and wool-like properties. Acrylic traps more air between fibers, creating thermal pockets that retain body heat. However, specialized polyester fleeces and technical fabrics can match or exceed acrylic’s warmth through advanced engineering and layered construction.

Why does my acrylic sweater pill but my polyester shirt doesn’t?

Acrylic fibers have lower tensile strength and rougher surfaces than polyester, causing loose ends to tangle into pills with friction and wear. Polyester’s smooth, strong fibers resist this tangling better. Reduce acrylic pilling by turning garments inside out before washing, using gentle cycles, air drying, and removing pills promptly with a fabric shaver.

Can I iron acrylic and polyester fabrics?

Both fabrics accept low-heat ironing, but polyester tolerates higher temperatures better than acrylic. Use the lowest heat setting possible, preferably with a pressing cloth between iron and fabric. Acrylic can melt or become shiny under excessive heat, while polyester withstands slightly higher temperatures. Steam works effectively for both without direct contact risks.

Which fabric is better for people with sensitive skin?

Polyester generally causes less irritation than acrylic due to its smoother surface and tighter weave. However, individual reactions vary based on fabric quality, finishes, and personal sensitivity. Both synthetics lack breathability compared to natural fibers, potentially causing discomfort through trapped moisture. Consider cotton-blend alternatives or high-quality versions with softer finishes for sensitive skin.

Does acrylic or polyester fade faster in sunlight?

Polyester demonstrates superior UV resistance and color retention compared to acrylic, making it the preferred choice for outdoor applications and sun-exposed items. Acrylic fades moderately under prolonged sunlight, though both fabrics significantly outperform natural fibers. For curtains, outdoor furniture, or garments receiving regular sun exposure, choose polyester for lasting color vibrancy.