At Sky Swallow, as a high-end tactical outdoor clothing manufacturer, we prioritize material selection that ensures our products are durable, functional, and suitable for rugged environments. A common question we encounter is about the difference between polyester fiber and terylene, two materials that play a key role in outdoor and tactical clothing. Let’s break down the details and help you understand how these fibers impact your garments.
What is Polyester Fiber?
Polyester fiber is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based raw materials. Due to advancements in manufacturing technology, polyester fibers have evolved significantly, and modern versions like microfiber offer a silky texture while retaining the durability that polyester is known for. Polyester fibers are produced by polymerizing dihydric alcohol and aromatic dicarboxylic acids, forming long-chain polymers that create strong, durable fabrics.
Polyester has been widely used in the textile industry, particularly in countries like China, which is a global leader in synthetic fiber production. For companies like Sky Swallow, the challenge lies in innovating and enhancing these fibers to meet the specific demands of the outdoor apparel market. Advanced versions of polyester can be engineered to have moisture-wicking properties, UV protection, and quick-drying capabilities, all of which are essential for tactical clothing.
Polyester fiber is primarily used in clothing, home décor, and industrial applications. It can be spun into short fibers for blending with natural materials or turned into filaments that create elastic yarns. Beyond clothing, polyester is found in products such as tire cords, industrial ropes, conveyor belts, and even medical supplies like artificial blood vessels.
What is Terylene?
Terylene, a key variety of synthetic fiber, is the Chinese trade name for polyester. It is created by the esterification of terephthalic acid (PTA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol (EG), forming polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET polymer is then spun and treated to produce the fiber known as terylene. This fiber is strong, durable, and has many applications in clothing and industrial fabrics.
Terylene is also known by other names in different countries. In the U.S., it is called Dacron, and in Hong Kong, it gained popularity as "Di Cool Leung," a term that translates to “definitely cool” in Cantonese—a reflection of its cooling properties and comfort.
One of the key advantages of terylene is its versatility in creating flame-resistant fabrics. This is crucial for tactical clothing, as flame resistance can be a life-saving feature in high-risk environments. Terylene is also used in interior décor, transportation upholstery, and protective gear such as fire-resistant suits, thanks to its permanent flame-retardant properties.
Sky Swallow utilizes this material for tactical clothing designs where flame resistance is vital, such as military, firefighting, and rescue operations.
The Difference Between Polyester Fiber and Terylene
Many people believe polyester fiber and terylene are two different materials, but they are essentially the same thing. Polyester is the international term, while terylene is the specific trade name used in China.
The chemical composition of terylene is based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polymer with repeating units of [-OC-Ph-COOCH2CH2O-]. This molecule has a rigid structure due to the presence of aromatic rings (benzene) and ester bonds, contributing to its strength and durability. While terylene is hydrophobic (repelling water), it can be treated to enhance its moisture-wicking abilities, making it suitable for outdoor activities where sweat management is essential.
At Sky Swallow, we frequently work with both terylene and polyester in their various forms to create clothing that can withstand extreme conditions while offering the wearer comfort. Whether it’s a tactical vest that requires water resistance, a jacket that needs breathability, or pants that offer flexibility, understanding the nuances of polyester fiber and terylene allows us to tailor our products to meet specific customer needs.
Enhancing Tactical Clothing with Polyester and Terylene
Polyester and terylene both offer significant advantages in the outdoor clothing industry. Here’s how we, at Sky Swallow, utilize these fibers to enhance our tactical clothing:
Durability
Polyester and terylene are both known for their long-lasting wear and tear resistance, ideal for tactical clothing that must endure harsh environments.
Moisture Management
Through advanced treatments, polyester fibers can be made to wick away moisture, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable, even during intense physical activities.
Fire Resistance
Terylene can be engineered to provide flame-retardant properties, a critical feature in clothing for military, fire services, and other high-risk professions.
Lightweight and Flexible
Polyester-based fabrics are lightweight and offer a degree of flexibility, which is essential for outdoor and tactical clothing that requires ease of movement.
Cost-Effective
Compared to natural fibers like cotton, polyester offers a lower-cost solution without compromising on performance, making it a practical choice for bulk production of tactical clothing.
Conclusion
For a company like Sky Swallow, which prides itself on manufacturing high-end tactical outdoor clothing, understanding the materials we use is crucial. Polyester fiber and terylene, while chemically identical, offer a range of possibilities for creating gear that is tough, functional, and tailored to the demanding needs of our clients.
By leveraging the strengths of these materials, we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in tactical clothing, offering our clients garments that deliver on both performance and style.