Georgette Vs Polyester: What’s the Difference?

Georgette and polyester are two distinct fabric types with their own unique characteristics. Georgette fabric, known for its soft drape and delicate texture, can be made from materials like silk, polyester, or viscose.

On the other hand, polyester georgette is made entirely from synthetic fibers and offers advantages such as durability, affordability, and resistance to wrinkles.

While georgette made from natural fibers like silk or viscose boasts breathability and luxurious softness, polyester georgette provides easy care and colorfastness.

Understanding the differences between georgette and polyester helps in making informed choices regarding texture, drape, care, and other factors when selecting fabrics for various fashion applications.

Key Differences Between Georgette Vs Polyester

Georgette and polyester are two different types of fabrics, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are the key differences between georgette and polyester:

Material

• Georgette: Georgette fabric can be made from various materials, including silk, polyester, or viscose. When georgette is made from silk, it is known as pure georgette and offers a luxurious and soft feel. Viscose georgette is derived from regenerated materials like tree bark or wood pulp. Each material imparts distinct characteristics to the georgette fabric.
• Polyester: Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic material that is used to make polyester georgette. It is derived from petroleum and is completely man-made. Polyester georgette is known for its durability, affordability, and resistance to wrinkles. It is a popular choice for those seeking a more affordable option compared to natural silk georgette.

Texture

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, regardless of the material used (silk, polyester, or viscose), is known for its soft and delicate texture. Silk georgette has a luxurious and smooth feel, while viscose georgette offers a slightly textured surface. The texture of georgette adds to its overall elegance and appeal.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette, being a synthetic fabric, has a smoother texture compared to georgette made from natural fibers. It lacks the same level of softness and luxurious feel as silk georgette. The texture of polyester georgette is more uniform and consistent.

Drape

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, regardless of the material, is known for its flowing and lightweight drape. It has a natural ability to create elegant and graceful drapes, which adds to the fluidity and movement of garments made from georgette. The drape of georgette accentuates its feminine and ethereal charm.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette also possesses a flowy and lightweight drape similar to georgette made from natural fibers. The synthetic nature of polyester allows it to retain its shape and drape well, giving garments a graceful and fluid appearance. The drape of polyester georgette adds an element of sophistication to outfits.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, especially silk georgette, is more prone to wrinkles and creases. It requires careful handling and may require steaming or ironing to remove wrinkles and restore its smoothness. Viscose georgette has slightly better wrinkle resistance than silk georgette but may still require some attention to maintain a wrinkle-free look.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is known for its excellent wrinkle resistance. The synthetic fibers have a natural ability to bounce back and retain their shape, making polyester georgette a preferred choice for those seeking a low-maintenance fabric. It requires minimal ironing or steaming to remove any minor wrinkles, if at all.

Breathability

• Georgette: Georgette, especially when made from natural silk or viscose fibers, offers good breathability. It allows air to circulate through the fabric, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. Georgette made from natural fibers is ideal for warm weather or climates where breathability is important.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette, being a synthetic fabric, is less breathable compared to georgette made from natural fibers. It does not allow for as much air circulation, which can result in a less ventilated and potentially less comfortable wearing experience. Polyester georgette may be more suitable for cooler climates or occasions where breathability is not a significant concern.

Durability

• Georgette: The durability of georgette fabric varies depending on the material used. Silk georgette is generally less durable and more delicate, requiring careful handling to prevent tears or snags. Viscose georgette offers moderate durability, but it may be less resistant to wear and tear compared to polyester georgette.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is known for its high durability. Polyester fibers are strong and resistant to stretching, tearing, or fraying. This makes polyester georgette a long-lasting fabric that can withstand regular use and washing without significant damage.

Cost

• Georgette: The cost of georgette fabric can vary based on the material used. Silk georgette tends to be the most expensive due to the luxurious nature of silk. Viscose georgette is typically more affordable than silk georgette but may still have a higher price compared to polyester georgette.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is generally more affordable compared to georgette made from natural fibers like silk or viscose. Polyester is a cost-effective synthetic material, making polyester georgette a budget-friendly option for those looking for the aesthetic appeal of georgette without the higher price tag.

Colorfastness

• Georgette: The colorfastness of georgette fabric depends on the dyeing process and the material used. Silk georgette, when properly dyed, offers moderate to high colorfastness, with colors that retain their vibrancy over time. Viscose georgette may have varying degrees of colorfastness. It is advisable to follow specific care instructions to maintain colorfastness.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is highly colorfast. Polyester fibers readily absorb dyes, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors that resist fading even with repeated washing or exposure to sunlight. This makes polyester georgette an excellent choice for garments that require intense or long-lasting coloration.

Moisture Absorption

• Georgette: Georgette, regardless of the material, has a moderate capacity for moisture absorption. Silk georgette can absorb some moisture, which can help with comfort in humid conditions. Viscose georgette also has moisture absorption properties, although to a slightly lesser extent than silk.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette has low moisture absorption properties. Polyester fibers do not readily absorb moisture, which can make garments made from polyester georgette feel less breathable and potentially less comfortable in hot or humid conditions.

Shrinkage

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, especially silk georgette, may experience some shrinkage when washed or exposed to water. It is important to follow proper care instructions to minimize shrinkage. Viscose georgette may also have a tendency to shrink to some extent when not handled with care.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is resistant to shrinkage. Polyester fibers have a stable structure and are not prone to significant shrinking when exposed to water or heat. This makes polyester georgette a reliable choice for garments that require minimal to no shrinkage.

Care and Maintenance

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, regardless of the material used, requires delicate care and maintenance. Silk georgette should be dry cleaned or hand washed with mild detergents. Viscose georgette may have specific care instructions, such as gentle machine washing or hand washing. Both types of georgette may need to be ironed with low heat or steamed to maintain their appearance.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is relatively easy to care for. It is machine washable and can withstand regular washing without losing its shape or color. Polyester georgette is less prone to wrinkling, reducing the need for ironing or steaming. It is a low-maintenance fabric that can save time and effort in caring for garments.

Environmental Impact

• Georgette: The environmental impact of georgette fabric depends on the material used. Silk georgette, when sourced sustainably, is a natural and biodegradable fiber. Viscose georgette made from regenerated materials like tree bark or wood pulp can be more eco-friendly. However, the production process of silk and viscose may still have some environmental considerations.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette has a higher environmental impact compared to georgette made from natural fibers. Polyester is a synthetic material derived from petroleum, which requires energy-intensive processes for production. Additionally, polyester is non-biodegradable and can contribute to plastic waste accumulation.

Resistance to Stretching

• Georgette: Georgette, regardless of the material, can stretch easily. Silk georgettes and viscose georgettes have a natural elasticity that allows for comfortable movement. However, excessive stretching over time may affect the shape and drape of georgette garments.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette has a higher resistance to stretching compared to georgette made from natural fibers. Polyester fibers have excellent elasticity and retain their shape even with repeated stretching. This makes polyester georgette suitable for garments that require structure and shape retention.

Softness

• Georgette: The softness of georgette fabric depends on the material used. Silk georgette is known for its soft and luxurious feel against the skin. Viscose georgette has a slightly less soft texture but still offers comfort and a pleasant touch.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is less soft compared to georgette made from natural fibers. Polyester fibers have a smoother texture and may not provide the same level of softness or comfort as silk or viscose georgette. However, it still offers a comfortable wearing experience.

Lustre

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, especially silk georgette, has a natural luster that imparts a soft sheen to the material. The luster of georgette adds to its overall elegance and sophistication. Viscose georgette may also have a subtle sheen, although it may be slightly less pronounced compared to silk.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette has a subtle luster that adds a touch of elegance to garments. The synthetic nature of polyester allows it to maintain a consistent and subtle sheen, enhancing the overall appearance of the fabric.

Thermal Properties

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, regardless of the material, offers good thermal properties. Silk georgette is known for its natural insulating properties, providing warmth in colder climates while still allowing for breathability. Viscose georgette also offers some level of insulation, although to a lesser extent compared to silk.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette has less thermal insulation compared to georgette made from natural fibers. Polyester is a synthetic material that does not provide the same level of warmth as silk or viscose georgette. It is more suitable for moderate temperatures or layering with other garments for added warmth.

Allergenic Properties

• Georgette: Silk georgette, when sourced from high-quality silk, is generally hypoallergenic. It is less likely to cause allergies or skin irritations for individuals with sensitivities. Viscose georgettes may also have fewer allergenic properties compared to polyester georgettes.
• Polyester: Polyester georgettess may cause allergies or skin irritations for individuals with sensitivities. Polyester fibers can trap moisture and may not allow for proper air circulation, potentially leading to discomfort or skin reactions for some people.

Drapery and Design

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, regardless of the material, is well-known for its drapery and ability to create elegant, flowing designs. Whether it is silk, polyester, or viscose georgette, the fabric lends itself well to creating garments with beautiful drapes and fluidity, adding a touch of grace and sophistication to designs.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette, like georgette made from natural fibers, has excellent drapery properties. Its smooth texture and lightweight nature allow it to create graceful and flowing designs. Polyester georgette is versatile and can be used for both structured and loose-fitting garments, showcasing its adaptability in various design styles.

Environmental Sustainability

• Georgette: The environmental sustainability of georgette fabric depends on the material used. Silk georgettes made from sustainably sourced silk can be more environmentally friendly due to its biodegradability and renewable nature. Viscose georgettes made from regenerated materials may also have some eco-friendly attributes. However, the overall sustainability of georgettes can vary based on production practices.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette has a higher environmental impact compared to georgette made from natural fibers. Polyester is derived from non-renewable resources and requires energy-intensive manufacturing processes. It is also non-biodegradable, contributing to plastic waste accumulation.

Availability

• Georgette: Georgette fabric, regardless of the material, is widely available in the fashion market. Silk georgette is often associated with luxury and is available in specialty stores or high-end fashion outlets. Viscose georgette and polyester georgette are more readily available in a range of retail stores, making them accessible to a broader customer base.
• Polyester: Polyester georgette is readily available in various fabric stores, fashion retailers, and online platforms. Its affordability and popularity contribute to its wide availability in the market.

Georgette Vs Polyester: Comparison Table

Criteria	Georgette	Polyester
Material	Can be silk, polyester, or viscose	100% synthetic polyester
Texture	Soft and delicate	Smooth and less luxurious
Drape	Flowy and lightweight	Flowy and lightweight
Wrinkle Resistance	Prone to wrinkles	Resistant to wrinkles
Breathability	Good breathability	Less breathable
Durability	Moderate	High
Cost	Varies depending on material	Generally more affordable
Colorfastness	Moderate to high	High
Moisture Absorption	Absorbs moisture	Does not absorb moisture
Shrinkage	May shrink in washing	Resistant to shrinkage
Care and Maintenance	Requires delicate handling	Easy to care for
Environmental Impact	Depends on material (natural fibers are more eco-friendly)	Non-biodegradable and uses chemicals in production
Resistance to Stretching	Can stretch easily	Resistant to stretching
Softness	Depends on material (silk is softest)	Less soft than natural fibers
Lustre	Natural fibers have a soft sheen	Has a subtle sheen
Thermal Properties	Insulating and breathable	Less breathable, retains heat
Allergenic Properties	Silk may be hypoallergenic	May cause allergies in some individuals
Drapery and Design	Creates elegant drapes	Holds shape well for structured designs
Environmental Sustainability	Natural fibers are more sustainable	Not environmentally friendly
Availability	Wide variety of options	Readily available

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Georgette and polyester fabrics each have their own merits and considerations. Georgette, whether made from silk, polyester, or viscose, offers a soft texture, elegant drape, and options for breathability and luxuriousness.

On the other hand, polyester georgette provides durability, affordability, and ease of care. Considerations such as environmental impact, thermal properties, allergenic properties, and availability should also be taken into account.

Ultimately, the choice between georgette and polyester depends on individual preferences, budget, desired aesthetics, and the specific requirements of the intended use.

Understanding the distinctions between these fabrics empowers individuals to make informed decisions in selecting the most suitable fabric for their needs.