Why Do Athletes Wear Polyester?

February 10, 2022

Before Polyester, cotton was the king of sportswear, worn by the likes of Andre Agasi, Tiger woods, and Chris Evert, just to name a few.  However, since the turn of the century, cotton has been replaced by the synthetic fibers of polyester. But why?

Well, in simple terms, as the world changes and advances, so do our technologies. And in the world of sport, it’s not just the equipment–the bats, helmets and balls–that has advanced sport, but also the material worn by the modern day athletes, young and old. 

Polyester, known for its lightweight feel and durability, has quickly become a fabric of today’s sports industry, and for many reasons. Perhaps, most importantly, polyester’s lightweight feel comes from its moisture wicking materials, which moves moisture away from the skin by pulling sweat to the top layer of the fabric and then out into the environment. Unlike cotton, which holds sweat and water due to its denser materials. This both traps heat and obstructs airflow to better cool one’s body. 

Another reason for polyester’s popularity is its durability. Sports can be as demanding on the body as they can the clothes worn by the athletes. Polyester, a manufactured synthetic fiber, is fashioned so that it doesn't scratch or tear easily, and always return to shape by way of its elasticity. Holding up strong in all sports, all weather, all the time.  

To see our extensive collection of polyester sportswear, view the catalog online at the Team Uniform Store Florida or give us a call at 305.621.2424.