FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Polyester Lining
D
⚠️ Commonly associated with fast fashion. Consider higher-quality alternatives.
Lightweight, smooth polyester taffeta or charmeuse used as garment lining. Allows outerwear, suits, and jackets to slide on easily over base layers.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
48/100
DurabilityTypical55
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortWeak45
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityPoor30
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthPoor20
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingPoor25
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EaseAbove-average75
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityPoor25
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using polyester lining
1 brand has products in our catalog whose composition contains polyester lining. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing polyester lining.
Products with polyester lining
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains polyester lining. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from polyester lining. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same polyester lining feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best Uses
formal
70Standard lining for suits, blazers, and dress coats
outerwear
65Common in jackets and windbreakers for easy on/off
Pros
- ✓ Very smooth — garments slide on easily
- ✓ Lightweight and adds minimal bulk
- ✓ Inexpensive and widely available
- ✓ Resists wrinkles and retains shape
Cons
- ✗ Poor breathability — traps heat and moisture
- ✗ Not biodegradable — petroleum-based synthetic
- ✗ Can feel clammy against skin in warm conditions
- ✗ Generates static electricity
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
Gore-TexB
+28 vs Polyester Lining · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
DyneemaB
+27 vs Polyester Lining · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
HardshellB
+26 vs Polyester Lining · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Washwarm (40°C)
Cyclepermanent press
Detergentregular
BleachDo not bleach
Drytumble low
Ironlow
Dry Cleanavoid
SoftenerNo
Special Notes
• Usually cleaned as part of the garment — follow outer fabric care
Additional Care Tips
- • Follow the outer garment's care instructions — lining is secondary
- • Machine washable in cold water on gentle cycle if garment permits
- • Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry
- • Iron on low heat — polyester melts at high temperatures
- • Anti-static spray helps reduce cling in dry weather
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact