Polyester Tracksuits: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Chase Reiner

While Polyester tracksuits are good in moisture-wicking and drying quickly, Their bad and ugly sides are that it is a flammable fabric, and they can become smelly due to their ability to hold your sweat. While some people will argue that they’re part of today’s problem with fast fashion, others believe that they should be given more credit than just as mere throwaway items.

Overview of The Good, Bad, and the Ugly of Polyester Tracksuits

Aspect	The Good	The Bad	The Ugly
Durability	Polyester tracksuits are extremely durable and can endure daily use and heavy athletic activities.	The durability leads to a longer life but can also make the suit feel stiffer and less comfortable over time.	Due to the enduring nature of polyester, they are not biodegradable, posing an environmental issue.
Maintenance	Easy to clean and resistant to shrinking and wrinkling. Due to their synthetic nature, they dry quickly after washing.	Can attract static electricity, cause sweating and does not breathe as well as natural fibers.	Overuse and over-washing can cause pilling, and polyester does not take well to heat, which can result in damage.
Appearance	Polyester tracksuits often retain color well, stay bright for a long time, and do not fade easily.	Prone to intense shine or sheen, which might not be appealing for every occasion or everyone’s taste.	Heavy uses and inappropriate washing can cause yellowing of the bright colors.
Cost-effectiveness	Generally more affordable as polyester is a common material. Improved technologies have made it possible to produce high-quality polyester tracksuits at a lower price.	While affordable, they may lack the prestige or appeal of tracksuits made from premium natural materials like cotton or wool.	The cost saving could potentially compromise the labor conditions in sweatshop-like factories where these cheap tracksuits are produced.
Comfort	Lightweight and perfect for active movements due to their flexible nature.	May not be as breathable as organic materials like cotton, leading to discomfort during heavy exercise or in hot weather.	The lack of breathability can cause body odor issues if worn for extended periods.

What is a Polyester Tracksuit?

A polyester tracksuit is a form of clothing that originated in the 1970s. Initially, it was a type of men’s leisure suit. Today, it is worn by both men and women for comfort or as an athletic suit. They are most often seen at sporting events with athletes such as runners who need to change into a dry outfit in between races quickly.

The polyester tracksuit has been popularized by various celebrities wearing them on TV shows such as “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

Some people wear them to work out because they tend to be more comfortable than regular workout gear, but they might not be as durable.

Choosing Quality Polyester Tracksuits

When considering quality, it is essential to consider what you’ll be using your tracksuit for. For general purposes, a more expensive polyester tracksuit will provide a better look and feel than a cheaper one.

If you want something to match your high-end outfits, go for designer brands like Fendi or Gucci.

But if you want attire to wear while on vacation that can keep up with running around and playing in the sand or water, it’s unnecessary to spend too much.

The Good About Polyester Tracksuits

Polyester tracksuits are not short of some good aspects. Besides the debate that surrounds them, here are some qualities that make them good:

Polyester Tracksuits Are Easy to Maintain

People who buy polyester tracksuits are doing so for a variety of reasons. Some people want something easy to maintain. Polyester is resistant to wrinkles and stains, making it easier to wear a suit day in and day out without worrying about ruining it.

Regarding maintenance, stains can be removed using standard household cleaning products but do note that polyesters do not react well to bleach, so use caution when trying to remove stubborn stains.

It also requires little maintenance; all you need to do is machine wash it with cold water on a gentle cycle. Also, polyesters are usually cheaper than other fabrics (think $10 for a tracksuit versus $30), so they’re an affordable option for those looking to save money on their clothing purchase.

Polyester Track Suits Easily Wick Moisture Away

Tracksuits are a fun way to refresh your wardrobe with a casual outfit that looks good for work or the weekend. But which type of tracksuit should you buy? Polyester is a popular fabric for activewear because it is lightweight and wicks moisture away from your skin. It is also durable and has excellent color retention.

You don’t have to worry about skin chaffing when wearing a polyester tracksuit. On the other hand, if you like loose-fitting clothes and care more about comfort than appearance, a polyester suit might be the right choice.

Quick-Drying

The one positive attribute of polyesters is that they are quick-drying. There is no waiting too long for them to air dry. You can wash them as soon as you wear them, and they will dry in a few hours.

Wrinkle-Resistant

Polyester is a popular choice for clothes because of its wrinkle-resistant properties. It is less likely to shrink than cotton fabrics, making it perfect for people who like to wash their clothes in cold water.

Polyesters also don’t need ironing as frequently as other fabrics due to their synthetic nature. This makes the fabric ideal for busy individuals who want to save time on their laundry routine.

Inexpensive

Tracksuits are inexpensive. They can be bought for as little as $30. Affordable clothing is often worth it because you don’t have to spend much money on it to get what you need. This is the best choice if you do not care about high-quality clothes.

Lightweight and Flexible

Tracksuits are a clothing staple for many runners. They provide warmth in cold weather and make it easy to slip on before heading out the door. But in recent years, there has been an increased focus on people’s concern about whether polyester-based fabrics are good or bad for our health.

Despite recent concerns over these synthetic materials, they have significant benefits that justify their continued use in some instances.

First, polyesters are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for athletics where mobility is critical (e.g., running). In contrast, cotton-based fabrics can be heavy when wet or soaked with sweat which may inhibit performance.

The Bad About Polyester Tracksuits

Despite the many good attributes of polyester tracksuits, they have a bad side too. Here are the bad aspects of polyester tracksuits:

Polyesters Are Highly Flammable

Polyesters are easily flammable. They have a low ignition point, which means they can catch fire or burn quicker than other fabrics. This is why polyesters should not be worn near open flames or anything that could cause a spark, like candles, cigarettes, lighters, etc.

Suppose you spill something on your polyester garment. In that case, it will likely catch fire quickly because of its ability to absorb liquid quickly and its inability to be extinguished with water alone.

They Are Environmental Unfriendly

The first thing to consider is how the tracksuit has been produced. Polyester is an artificial fabric made from plastic that breaks it down into essential components to be reformed into fibers. These fibers are then spun together with other synthetic or natural fibers to create yarns and fabrics.

This process produces a lot of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. Once you’ve found out how your polyester tracksuit was made, here are some other ways it could harm the environment: releasing toxic fumes like hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide; trapping small particles in the air; and promoting ultraviolet light from artificial sources like mercury vapor lamps that damage living tissue.

The Ugly Aspect of Polyester Tracksuits

So, you have explored the good and bad of polyester tracksuits. It’s time you found out about the uglier face of the item so that you can make an informed choice:

Polyester Tracksuits Easily Becomes Smelly

The ugly thing about polyesters is that they tend to become smelly. Because it’s synthetic, it retains odors easily, which means it will start smelling if you don’t wash it often enough or with a strong enough detergent.

Conclusion on Whether Polyester Tracksuits Are Good

We’re guilty of picking up too many things when it’s time to stock up on basics. But before you go ahead and buy that discount tracksuit off the clearance rack, here’s what you need to know about polyester tracksuit fabric.

Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from plastic resin. Although it was once considered a more expensive material than cotton or wool, manufacturers have found ways to produce it for less money.

Polyesters are usually cheaper than other fabrics because they don’t require as much raw material or labor to produce them in large quantities. Also, polyesters can be laundered repeatedly without losing their shape or getting any holes in them – an impressive quality for a fabric!

Reference 1: https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/how-to-find-the-best-workout-clothes/

Reference 2: https://midwestworld.com/what-fabric-is-best-for-sportswear/