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Polyester vs. Acrylic: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 17, 2024
Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for durability and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking, while acrylic is a synthetic wool-like fiber, warm and lightweight but less durable.
Polyester vs. Acrylic

Key Differences

Polyester, a petroleum-based fabric, is made from synthetic polymers, known for its strength and durability. Acrylic, also synthetic, is made from acrylonitrile, resembling wool in its texture and appearance.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Polyester fabrics are widely used for their durability, resistance to wrinkles and shrinking, making them ideal for clothing and industrial uses. Acrylic mimics wool, offering warmth in lightweight garments and is often used in sweaters, hats, and home textiles.
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Polyester is known for easy care, being machine washable and quick-drying. Acrylic, though also machine washable, requires more delicate handling to avoid pilling and losing shape.
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Polyester's production involves significant environmental concerns due to petroleum use and microfiber pollution. Acrylic also faces environmental scrutiny, particularly for its non-biodegradability and toxic substances released during production.
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Polyester is less breathable, making it less suitable for hot climates, but excellent for moisture-wicking activewear. Acrylic, while warm and wool-like, can sometimes feel less comfortable on the skin due to its synthetic nature.
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Comparison Chart

Base Material

Synthetic polymers, petroleum-based
Acrylonitrile, synthetic
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Texture

Smooth, varied depending on weave
Wool-like, soft
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Durability

High, resists wrinkles and shrinking
Lower, prone to pilling
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Environmental Impact

Significant, microfiber pollution
Non-biodegradable, toxic production substances
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Use in Clothing

Varied, from activewear to formal attire
Sweaters, hats, similar to wool items
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Polyester and Acrylic Definitions

Polyester

A resilient synthetic fabric used in various textiles.
Her dress was made of polyester, which resisted wrinkles throughout the day.
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Acrylic

A lightweight, soft material popular in crafting and textile industries.
They used colorful acrylic yarns for their knitting project.
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Polyester

A synthetic fiber resistant to shrinking and stretching.
His polyester shirt retained its shape even after multiple washes.
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Acrylic

A man-made fiber known for its warmth and hypoallergenic properties.
Acrylic blankets are great for those allergic to wool.
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Polyester

A material known for its durability and ease of care.
They preferred polyester curtains for their durability and low maintenance.
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Acrylic

A synthetic fiber with a wool-like feel, often used in knitwear.
Her acrylic sweater was cozy and perfect for chilly evenings.
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Polyester

A versatile fabric used in clothing, upholstery, and industrial applications.
The polyester upholstery on the sofa was both stylish and hard-wearing.
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Acrylic

An acrylic resin.
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Polyester

A petroleum-derived fiber used in various consumer products.
The camping gear was made of polyester due to its strength and lightweight properties.
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Acrylic

A paint containing acrylic resin.
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Polyester

Any of numerous synthetic polymers produced chiefly by reaction of dicarboxylic acids with dihydric alcohols and used primarily as light, strong, weather-resistant resins in boat hulls, textile fibers, adhesives, and molded parts.
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Acrylic

A painting done in acrylic resin.
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Polyester

A wrinkle-resistant fabric of fibers made from any of these resins.
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Acrylic

Any of numerous synthetic fibers polymerized from acrylonitrile.
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Polyester

Any polymer whose monomers are linked together by ester bonds
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Acrylic

(organic chemistry) Derived from acrylic acid or acrylonitrile.
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Polyester

A material or fabric made from polyester polymer
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Acrylic

Containing an acrylic resin.
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Polyester

Of, or consisting of polyesters
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Acrylic

(organic chemistry) An acrylic resin.
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Polyester

Any of numerous synthetic resins; they are light and strong and weather resistant
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Acrylic

(painting) A paint containing an acrylic resin.
When it comes to painting, I prefer using acrylics as my medium.
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Polyester

A complex ester used for making fibers or resins or plastics or as a plasticizer
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Acrylic

A painting executed using such a paint.
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Polyester

Any of a large class of synthetic fabrics
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Acrylic

A thick sheet of plastic.
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Acrylic

A liquid coating system based on an acrylic resin.
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Acrylic

Of or containing acryl, the hypothetical radical of which acrolein is the hydride; as, acrylic acid. The characteristic residue in an acrylic compound is the carbonyl group attached directly to an ethylenic carbon.
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Acrylic

Same as acrylic resin.
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Acrylic

Same as acrylic fiber.
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Acrylic

A paint in which the pigment is suspended in a solution of an acrylic resin, which dries to a hard film on exposure to air.
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Acrylic

A painting made using an acrylic paint.
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Acrylic

Polymerized from acrylonitrile
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Acrylic

A glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives
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Acrylic

Used especially by artists
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Acrylic

A synthetic fabric
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Acrylic

A versatile fabric used for both clothing and home furnishings.
The acrylic drapes added a touch of warmth to the room.
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Acrylic

A synthetic alternative to wool, often used in winter garments.
He bought an acrylic hat that looked just like wool but was more affordable.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is polyester made from?

Polyester is made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum.
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Can polyester fabrics be recycled?

Some polyester fabrics can be recycled, but the process varies in efficiency.
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Is acrylic environmentally friendly?

Acrylic has environmental concerns, particularly regarding its non-biodegradability and production process.
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Is acrylic warm to wear?

Yes, acrylic is warm and often used as a wool substitute.
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Is acrylic suitable for outdoor clothing?

Acrylic is suitable for outdoor wear, especially in cold weather due to its warmth.
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How is polyester in terms of breathability?

Polyester is less breathable compared to natural fibers but varies with fabric weave.
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Does polyester shrink?

Polyester is generally resistant to shrinking.
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Does acrylic cause allergies?

Acrylic is generally hypoallergenic, making it a good wool alternative for those with allergies.
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Can polyester blend with other fabrics?

Yes, polyester is often blended with cotton, rayon, and other fibers.
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How does acrylic react to heat?

Acrylic can be sensitive to heat and may melt or deform at high temperatures.
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Is polyester suitable for summer clothing?

Lighter weaves of polyester can be suitable for summer, but it's generally less breathable.
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Can acrylic be dyed easily?

Acrylic can be dyed, but the process may differ from natural fibers.
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Is recycled polyester as good as new?

Recycled polyester can have similar qualities to new, though the texture may vary slightly.
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Does polyester retain odors?

Polyester can retain odors more than natural fibers.
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How does polyester impact the environment?

Polyester production can be energy-intensive and contributes to microfiber pollution.
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Can acrylic be used for sportswear?

Acrylic is not commonly used for sportswear due to its lower breathability.
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Is acrylic resistant to moths and insects?

Yes, acrylic is generally resistant to moths and other insects.
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Does acrylic stretch over time?

Acrylic can stretch, especially when wet, and may not return to its original shape.
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Is acrylic easy to care for?

Acrylic is relatively easy to care for but requires gentle washing to avoid pilling.
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Are there eco-friendly options for polyester?

Eco-friendly options include recycled polyester.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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