What are the disadvantages of Polyester Pongee Fabric?

Jun 30, 2025

Leave a message

Peng Fei
Peng Fei
As a Sales Manager, I am responsible for developing and managing relationships with our international clients. With a deep understanding of the global textile market, I work to ensure that our products meet the diverse needs of customers in regions such as the Middle East and Africa.

Polyester pongee fabric has long been a popular choice in the textile industry due to its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance. As a supplier of this fabric, I have witnessed firsthand its widespread use in various applications, from clothing to home furnishings. However, like any material, polyester pongee fabric is not without its drawbacks. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the disadvantages of polyester pongee fabric to provide a more balanced view for potential buyers.

1. Poor Breathability

One of the most significant disadvantages of polyester pongee fabric is its poor breathability. Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based products, and it does not allow air to circulate freely through the fabric. As a result, when you wear clothing made from polyester pongee, your skin may feel hot and sweaty, especially in warm weather or during physical activity. This lack of breathability can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, and even the development of skin conditions such as acne and rashes.

In contrast, natural fibers like cotton and linen are highly breathable, allowing air to flow through the fabric and keeping your skin cool and dry. If you are looking for clothing that is comfortable to wear in hot and humid conditions, you may want to consider choosing a fabric made from natural fibers instead of polyester pongee.

2. Static Electricity

Another drawback of polyester pongee fabric is its tendency to generate static electricity. Static electricity occurs when two materials rub against each other, causing electrons to transfer from one material to the other. Polyester is a synthetic fiber that has a high electrical resistance, which means it is more likely to generate static electricity than natural fibers.

When you wear clothing made from polyester pongee, you may experience a buildup of static electricity, which can cause the fabric to cling to your body, attract dust and lint, and even give you a small shock when you touch a metal object. Static electricity can also be a problem in industrial settings, where it can cause damage to electronic equipment and create a fire hazard.

To reduce the buildup of static electricity in polyester pongee fabric, you can use a fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing and drying the fabric. You can also try wearing clothing made from natural fibers or using an anti-static spray on the fabric.

3. Environmental Impact

Polyester pongee fabric is made from petroleum-based products, which are non-renewable resources. The production of polyester requires a significant amount of energy and water, and it also generates a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, polyester is not biodegradable, which means it can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment.

When polyester pongee fabric is discarded, it often ends up in landfills, where it can contribute to environmental pollution. In addition, the microfibers released from polyester clothing during washing can end up in the ocean, where they can harm marine life.

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your clothing choices, you may want to consider choosing fabrics made from natural fibers or recycled materials. There are also many sustainable alternatives to polyester pongee fabric available on the market, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.

4. Allergic Reactions

Some people may be allergic to polyester pongee fabric. Polyester is a synthetic fiber that can cause skin irritation, itching, and rashes in some individuals. In addition, the chemicals used in the production of polyester can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions, you may want to avoid wearing clothing made from polyester pongee fabric. You can also try wearing clothing made from natural fibers or using a hypoallergenic laundry detergent when washing the fabric.

5. Limited Stretch

Polyester pongee fabric has limited stretch compared to other fabrics, such as spandex and elastane. This means that clothing made from polyester pongee may not fit as well or be as comfortable to wear as clothing made from stretchy fabrics. In addition, the lack of stretch in polyester pongee fabric can make it difficult to move freely in the clothing, especially during physical activity.

If you are looking for clothing that is comfortable to wear and allows for a full range of motion, you may want to consider choosing a fabric that has more stretch. There are many stretchy fabrics available on the market, such as Four Way Stretch Polyester Spandex Garment Fabric, which combines the durability of polyester with the stretch of spandex.

6. Pilling

Pilling is a common problem with polyester pongee fabric. Pilling occurs when the fibers in the fabric rub against each other, causing small balls of fiber to form on the surface of the fabric. Pilling can make the fabric look old and worn, and it can also reduce the durability of the fabric.

To prevent pilling in polyester pongee fabric, you can wash the fabric inside out, use a gentle cycle, and avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners. You can also try using a pill shaver or a lint roller to remove the pills from the fabric.

7. Color Fading

Polyester pongee fabric is prone to color fading, especially when exposed to sunlight or harsh chemicals. The dyes used in the production of polyester are not as fast as the dyes used in natural fibers, which means they are more likely to fade over time.

To prevent color fading in polyester pongee fabric, you can wash the fabric in cold water, avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals, and dry the fabric in the shade. You can also try using a color-safe detergent and a fabric softener that is designed to protect the color of the fabric.

Optical White Pocket Lining FabricPlain White Polyester Pocket Fabric

Conclusion

While polyester pongee fabric has many advantages, such as affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance, it also has several disadvantages, such as poor breathability, static electricity, environmental impact, allergic reactions, limited stretch, pilling, and color fading. As a supplier of polyester pongee fabric, I understand that these drawbacks may be a concern for some buyers. However, I also believe that polyester pongee fabric can still be a good choice for certain applications, such as lining, pocketing, and industrial uses.

If you are considering using polyester pongee fabric in your next project, I encourage you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully and to choose the fabric that is best suited for your needs. If you have any questions or concerns about polyester pongee fabric, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help you find the right fabric for your project.

We also offer a range of related products, such as Optical White Pocket Lining Fabric and Plain White Polyester Pocket Fabric, which may be of interest to you. If you are interested in purchasing any of our products, please contact us to start the procurement negotiation process.

References

  • "Polyester: Properties, Uses, and Environmental Impact." Textile School, 2021.
  • "The Advantages and Disadvantages of Polyester Fabric." ThoughtCo, 2021.
  • "How to Prevent Pilling in Polyester Fabric." Real Simple, 2021.
  • "How to Prevent Color Fading in Polyester Fabric." Martha Stewart, 2021.
Send Inquiry
How to solve the quality problems after sales?
Take photos of the problems and send to us.After confirm the problems, we
will make a satisfied solution for you within few days.
contact us